Stay On Top of Local (And National) News Coverage With DIRECTV’s New Streaming Packages
Still want to watch the leading news networks even if you've cut the cable cord? Here's how DIRECTV can get you all the coverage you need
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April 30, 2025
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Did you know that you don’t actually need cable to watch your favorite “cable” news live? You heard us right — there are more ways than ever to get the comprehensive news coverage you seek on the daily with DIRECTV.
If you’ve cut the cord on traditional cable, figuring out how to watch everything from the nightly local coverage that pops on after prime time TV blocks, to top-rated national news channels can be tricky. To watch America’s most popular news channels without a cable subscription, your best bet is to opt for a live TV service that includes a wide breadth of content in its lineup.
DIRECTV is one of the easiest ways to still get access to 24/7 coverage of the country’s most watched “Big Three” news networks (Fox News Channel, MSNBC, and CNN), along with local affiliate networks like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC. If you’ve ditched the satellite dish, luckily for you DIRECTV has recently streamlined their offerings, giving you two other ways to get your news fix: by streaming through DIRECTV’s appwith your favorite device or with a DIRECTV Gemini device that connects through your internet to your TV.
Here’s how you can stay well-informed and tune in to coverage of breaking stories and other major events all over the nation with DIRECTV.
How to Stream National News on DIRECTV
If there’s anyone who offers a comprehensive mix of national, international, financial and weather news networks that you can watch anytime, anywhere1, it’s DIRECTV. Even with the increase in smaller news channels, there are three major news networks, typically referred to as the “Big Three” — Fox News Channel, MSNBC, and CNN — that you can watch through DIRECTV (If you’re looking for even more news coverage, every one of DIRECTV’s channel lineups also include C-Span, C-Span2, NewsNation, TheGrio, and TIME).
You can sign up on the app, where you can start streaming with no hardware or contract and watch the news nearly anywhere2. There’s no long-term commitment required, so you can stream DIRECTV on any device with no annual contract.
Want the ultimate TV experience? You can stream the news on DIRECTV with the Gemini device. Gemini’s voice remote lets you quickly find your shows and entertainment – just ask Google. Whether watching broadcasted news channels like CNN (or applications like Netflix or Max), with this device, your favorites can easily be located through the power of your voice, and you can find and access them from a single homepage.3
How to Stream Local News on DIRECTV
One thing many live TV streaming platforms don’t offer, however, is local news. With DIRECTV, though, you can access more of the coverage relating to your specific area, including all of your local news stations like ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC (this still depends on what affiliate stations are offered in your area). Bottom line — you deserve top-notch local and national news coverage, and DIRECTV has got you covered4.
What DIRECTV Packages Offer News Networks?
No matter where you get your news from, there are plenty of packages you can take advantage of to get the channels you want, without having to sign on for any more than you need. DIRECTV is also now offering standalone streaming content offerings, or Genre Packs, for subscribers to choose from. You can just sign up for any solo Genre Pack, mix and match the genres you like, or even add on Mini Packs.
One of the new Genre Packs is MyNews (U.S. and global news), which offers a bundle of NBC, Fox, Newsmax, CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC. And with unlimited Cloud DVR storage5 included with DIRECTV, you can record all your favorite news programs and segments whenever you want.
If you’re looking for a more comprehensive package, here’s how you can get the best in entertainment and news, plus On Demand movies and shows (which DIRECTV calls their Signature Packages).
ENTERTAINMENT
The ENTERTAINMENT package is DIRECTV’s most affordable plan that still gives you the “Big Three” news networks in Fox News Channel, MSNBC, and CNN. You’ll also be able to watch local new channels where available and get unlimited cloud DVR recording. This package costs $84.99/mo. for 24 months plus taxes and fees.
($94.99/mo. w/optional $10/mo. Gemini lease fee) Cancel anytime.
CHOICE
CHOICE is DIRECTV’s most popular package, and it includes ENTERTAINMENT channels plus specialty news channels like VICE, Cheddar News, The Weather Channel, and CNBC World. You can get the CHOICE package for $89.99/mo for 24 months + taxes and fees.
($117.98/mo. w/ req’d Regional Sports Fee of up to $17.99/mo. & optional $10/mo. Gemini lease fee) Cancel anytime.
ULTIMATE
The ULTIMATE package includes everything in CHOICE, plus sports, movie channels, and more international news channels like BBC News and more. ULTIMATE is available for $119.99/mo. for the first 24 months + taxes and fees.
($147.98/mo. w/ req’d Regional Sports Fee of up to $17.99/mo. & optional $10/mo. Gemini lease fee) Cancel anytime.
PREMIER
The PREMIER package includes what’s offered in ULTIMATE, plus premium networks like Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, and Cinemax. It’s available for $164.99/mo. for 24 months, plus taxes and fees.
($192.98/mo. w/ req’d Regional Sports Fee of up to $17.99/mo. & optional $10/mo. Gemini lease fee)
New approved residential customers only. Service renews monthly unless you cancel. Cancel anytime. Add’l fees may apply to non-qualified customers. Device subject to Equipment Lease agmt. Add’l fee(s) may apply if equip. not returned. Credit card req’d. Restr’s apply.
- Available only in the U.S. (excl. Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I.). Limited to up to 3 concurrent streams. ↩︎
- Available only in the U.S. (excl. Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I.). Limited to up to 3 concurrent streams. ↩︎
- Req’s internet-connected Gemini device and additional paid subscriptions for 3rd party apps. ↩︎
- Some local channels not available in select markets. ↩︎
- Data connection required. Recordings expire after 9 months. Restr’s apply. ↩︎
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