CBS News 24/7 is a free, continuously streaming news channel that delivers live breaking news and top stories to a global audience.
This service expands the reach of traditional broadcast journalism by removing paywalls and subscription barriers. By leveraging digital platforms, the network ensures that critical information remains accessible to viewers regardless of their location or financial status.
The service is available through the internet, the CBS News app, and on Xbox One, among other digital platforms [2, 3]. Its primary objective is to provide viewers worldwide with round-the-clock news coverage and original reporting [1, 2].
While the service focuses on content delivery, the workforce behind the stream has faced internal challenges. A union representing the CBS News 24/7 staff consists of 60 members [4]. These employees have entered a third round of contract negotiations [5].
The streaming model allows for a more fluid delivery of news than traditional scheduled programming. This allows the network to pivot quickly during breaking events, a necessity in the modern digital news cycle.
Because the service is free, it competes directly with both traditional cable news and emerging independent digital outlets. The integration into gaming consoles like Xbox One suggests a strategy to capture younger demographics who may not own traditional televisions.
“CBS News 24/7 is a free, continuously streaming news channel”
The shift toward free, 24-hour streaming models reflects a broader industry transition where legacy media outlets must compete with social media for real-time attention. The ongoing labor negotiations for the 60-member staff highlight the tension between the high demand for constant digital output and the sustainability of the workforce supporting it.
