CBS News and CBS News & Stations have launched a free anchored streaming news service providing breaking news, live events, and original reporting [1, 2].

This expansion allows the network to compete in the growing digital-first news market by offering a continuous stream of information to a global audience. By integrating local station reporting with national coverage, the service aims to bridge the gap between regional updates and worldwide events.

The service is available worldwide to anyone with internet access [1, 2]. Viewers can access the stream through the CBS News mobile app or via Xbox One [1, 2]. This multi-platform approach ensures that the network can reach users across various hardware ecosystems, from smartphones to gaming consoles.

According to the network, the service operates continuously, 24 hours a day, seven days a week [1]. This constant availability is designed to make the platform a primary destination for real-time updates as stories break across different time zones.

The content strategy focuses on a mix of anchored news and storytelling from both CBS News and its network of local stations [1, 2]. By leveraging these local resources, the service provides a broader perspective on national stories through the lens of community-level reporting [1].

This digital shift reflects a broader trend in the media industry toward free, ad-supported streaming models. By removing paywalls for its 24/7 news cycle, CBS News is positioning itself to capture a wider demographic of viewers who prefer on-demand and live-streaming formats over traditional linear television [1, 2].

“The service operates continuously, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”

The launch of a 24/7 free streaming service signals a strategic pivot toward digital accessibility to combat declining traditional cable viewership. By integrating local station assets into a global stream, CBS News is attempting to create a comprehensive news ecosystem that maintains regional relevance while scaling its national brand for a worldwide audience.