CBS News 24/7 is a free, anchored streaming news service providing live breaking news and original reporting [1, 2].
This expansion reflects a broader shift in the media landscape as traditional broadcasters move toward digital-first distribution to reach audiences outside of linear television. By removing paywalls, the network aims to increase its digital footprint and ensure its reporting is accessible to any viewer with an internet connection [1, 2].
Led by Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss, the service was rebranded as "CBS News 24/7" on March 8, 2023 [2]. The platform integrates content from CBS News and its various local stations, delivering a mix of national storytelling and immediate breaking updates [1, 2].
"We’re bullish on re-imagining the network’s streaming service, CBS News 24/7, to bring our anchors and reporters directly into viewers’ homes," Weiss said [1].
Viewers can access the stream through the CBS News website, the official mobile app, and YouTube [1, 3]. The service is provided free of charge to all internet users [1]. This accessibility is a core component of the network's current distribution strategy [1, 2].
"CBS News 24/7 is the premier anchored streaming news service, offering live breaking news and original reporting around the clock," a CBS News spokesperson said [2].
The network's approach emphasizes high-quality journalism without the barrier of a subscription fee. A CBS News senior producer said, "Our goal is to make high-quality journalism freely available to anyone with an internet connection" [1].
“"Our goal is to make high-quality journalism freely available to anyone with an internet connection."”
The transition to a free, 24/7 streaming model signals a strategic pivot toward FAST (Free Ad-supported Streaming TV) channels. By leveraging YouTube and proprietary apps, CBS News is competing for the attention of cord-cutters and younger demographics who prefer on-demand and live digital streams over traditional cable news cycles.
