CBS News 24/7 is a free, anchored streaming news service providing live breaking news and original reporting to global audiences [1].
The service expands the reach of CBS News by removing payment barriers, allowing viewers to access continuous coverage through various digital interfaces. This shift reflects a broader industry trend toward free, ad-supported streaming content to compete with social media news consumption.
Users can access the stream via the CBS News website and the CBS News mobile app [2]. The service is also available on Xbox One and other streaming platforms [2]. By integrating programs from CBS News and its local stations, the network provides a centralized hub for both national and regional reporting [1].
Beyond its consumer-facing output, the service has navigated internal labor developments. A union representing 60 members reached a tentative contract deal spanning three years [3]. This agreement follows a period of labor tension regarding the evolution of digital newsrooms.
Earlier negotiations, which began in 2024, focused heavily on the implementation of artificial intelligence and the establishment of layoff protections [4]. These discussions highlight the tension between the adoption of new technology and the security of the journalists producing the content.
CBS News 24/7 continues to operate as a primary digital extension of the network's broadcast legacy. The service aims to deliver continuous coverage to a worldwide audience through its anchored format [1].
“CBS News 24/7 is a free, anchored streaming news service”
The transition to a 24/7 free streaming model allows CBS to capture a younger, digitally native demographic while diversifying its distribution beyond traditional cable and broadcast. The inclusion of AI protections in union contracts suggests that the network is attempting to balance automation with journalistic integrity to maintain staff stability during a volatile period for media employment.
