CBS News and Stations has launched a free, live, 24/7 streaming news service providing breaking news and original reporting [1].
The move expands the reach of traditional broadcast journalism into the digital space, allowing the network to compete for viewers who prefer on-demand and continuous streaming over scheduled television programming.
Available globally to anyone with an internet connection, the service delivers a mix of top stories and storytelling [1, 2]. The platform is designed to provide continuous, accessible news coverage to a worldwide audience [1]. By removing paywalls and subscription requirements, the network aims to increase the accessibility of its reporting [1, 2].
While the service focuses on global delivery, the internal organization of the network continues to evolve. A union representing the CBS News 24/7 operation consists of 60 members [3]. These employees recently reached a tentative contract deal with a duration of three years [3].
The streaming service is accessible via the internet and mobile platforms [2]. It serves as a digital hub for the network's reporting, integrating live feeds with original content to maintain a constant presence in the news cycle [1, 3].
“CBS News and Stations has launched a free, live, 24/7 streaming news service”
The transition toward a 24/7 free streaming model reflects a broader industry shift where legacy media companies must decouple their content from linear television schedules to survive. By offering a free global product, CBS is prioritizing audience scale and digital footprint over immediate subscription revenue, while simultaneously managing the labor costs associated with the specialized staff required to maintain a round-the-clock digital operation.
