Step-by-Step Guide to Accessing Local News on Paramount Plus

By Jessica WrightLast Updated June 27, 2025

Introduction: Why Local News Matters on Paramount Plus

Staying informed about local events, weather, politics, and emergencies is crucial for today’s viewers. With the expansion of streaming services, many people wonder how to access local news on platforms like Paramount Plus. Paramount Plus offers a range of news options, but there are important steps, requirements, and limitations you should understand before trying to watch your local CBS station.

Understanding Local News Availability on Paramount Plus

Paramount Plus primarily delivers local news through its partnership with CBS. This means you can watch your local CBS news broadcast directly on the platform-but only under certain conditions. Not all users have access to live local channels, and the availability of these features depends on your subscription plan and geographic location. As of 2024, only Premium plan subscribers can access live local CBS stations, including news broadcasts. The Essential plan does not include live local channels, though it does provide access to national news programming and on-demand content [1] .

Step-by-Step Instructions to Watch Local News on Paramount Plus

To help you access your local news, follow these detailed steps:

Choose the Right Subscription Plan
Make sure you are subscribed to the Premium plan. If you are not, you can upgrade your plan through your account settings on the Paramount Plus website or app. The Premium plan provides access to live TV, including your local CBS station. Pricing and availability may vary; for the most current details, visit the official Paramount Plus website and check the plan comparison page [5] .
Install and Open Paramount Plus on Your Device
Paramount Plus is accessible on a range of devices, including smart TVs, streaming boxes, gaming consoles, tablets, and smartphones. Download the official Paramount Plus app from your device’s app store, or access the service by visiting the Paramount Plus website in your browser [5] .
Navigate to the News Section
Once logged in, locate the main menu and click on the News tab. This section aggregates all available news content, including live and on-demand broadcasts [1] .

Source: ethnicexport.com
Find CBS Live Local News
Scroll down to the CBS Live Local News section. Here, Paramount Plus will automatically display the local CBS news broadcast based on your current geographic location. Simply click on the relevant station to start watching. The system determines your local station by tracking your IP address or device location [1] .
Troubleshoot Common Issues
If you do not see your local news or receive an error, check that your subscription is active and at the Premium tier. Ensure your device’s location services are enabled, as Paramount Plus uses these details to assign your local station. For further troubleshooting, contact Paramount Plus support through their official help pages [4] .

Limitations and Workarounds: What You Need to Know

It’s important to understand that Paramount Plus does not allow you to manually select a different local news region . The platform will only show you the CBS station for the area where your device is located. If you’re traveling or wish to watch local news from another city, Paramount Plus currently does not offer a built-in option to change your location [1] .

However, some users utilize VPN (Virtual Private Network) services to change their device’s apparent location. By connecting to a server in another city, you may be able to view that region’s CBS local news. Note that using VPNs could violate Paramount Plus terms of service, and results may vary. Always review the latest user policies on the official Paramount Plus website before attempting this workaround.

Alternative Ways to Access Local News

If Paramount Plus does not meet your local news needs, there are several alternatives and backup methods to consider:

Antenna TV: Many areas still broadcast local CBS affiliates over-the-air. A simple digital antenna can receive these channels for free, often with HD quality. This is a reliable way to get local news without a subscription.
Direct CBS Apps and Websites: The official CBS News app and website offer live streams of national and some regional news segments. While not as comprehensive as the full local news broadcast, these platforms may cover major local events.
Other Streaming Services: Competing platforms like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and fuboTV offer live local channels in many regions. These services may provide broader local news coverage, but often at a higher price point. Always review their official websites before subscribing.
Local News Websites: Most local CBS stations maintain their own news websites with live streams, video clips, and up-to-date articles. Search for your city’s CBS affiliate and visit their official site for additional coverage.

Understanding Your Subscription: Premium vs. Essential

Here’s a closer look at the difference between Paramount Plus plans:

Premium Plan: Includes live TV from your local CBS station, sports, national news, and ad-free on-demand viewing. Required for accessing live local news [1] .
Essential Plan: Does
not
offer live local channels, but includes national news and on-demand CBS content. This plan is more affordable, but does not cover live, region-specific news broadcasts [1] .

For up-to-date pricing and a full feature comparison, consult the Paramount Plus plans page directly [5] .

Practical Tips for Getting the Most Out of Paramount Plus Local News

If you’re committed to using Paramount Plus for local news, here are some practical steps to ensure a smooth experience:

Enable Location Services: Make sure your device has geolocation enabled, as this is how Paramount Plus determines your local CBS affiliate.
Keep Your App Updated: Regularly update the Paramount Plus app to avoid technical glitches and gain access to the latest features.
Check Channel Availability: In some rural or remote areas, live local CBS feeds may not be available due to licensing restrictions. If you experience this, consider using an antenna or checking your CBS affiliate’s website for streaming options.
Review Privacy and Terms: Be aware that streaming local news may require sharing your location data with Paramount Plus. For more details, review the privacy policy on the official website.

Summary and Key Takeaways

Accessing local news on Paramount Plus is possible, but requires attention to your subscription level and device setup. Only Premium plan members can stream live CBS local news broadcasts, and the platform automatically assigns your region based on device location. If you need to watch news from another area, consider alternative methods such as VPNs, digital antennas, or local affiliate websites. Always verify your plan details and consult the official Paramount Plus website for the most current information.