Observed Signal · Jun 15, 2026 · Product Launch · Source: Cord Cutters News · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Positive
Local Now Adds Two Free Live Channels
Local Now, the free ad-supported streaming service, has added two new 24/7 live channels: the Bob Ross Channel (art instruction and calming painting tutorials) and The Historian Channel (documentaries and educational series covering world history). Both channels are available at no cost across Local Now’s platform on connected TVs, mobile devices and web browsers, with basic access requiring no login. The additions expand Local Now’s FAST-style lineup of free programming and increase ad-supported inventory for advertisers. The Bob Ross Channel loops classic wet-on-wet landscape tutorials, while The Historian Channel offers archival footage, expert analysis and multi-episode historical series. Local Now says the move aims to broaden appeal to learners, families and hobbyists and to promote longer viewing sessions on its platform.
Adds ad-supported, 24/7 FAST inventory to Local Now’s platform — modestly increases AVOD/CTV ad inventory and audience niches but is not an industry-shifting development.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Local Now added two new live channels: the Bob Ross Channel and The Historian Channel.
- Both channels operate 24/7 and are available free to viewers across Local Now’s service.
- Local Now is a free ad-supported streaming television service (FAST-style) available on connected TVs, mobile devices and web browsers.
- The Bob Ross Channel airs back-to-back classic painting tutorials; The Historian Channel airs documentaries and educational historical series.
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Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Local Now Adds Four Free Live Channels
Local Now expanded its free, ad-supported streaming lineup by adding four new live channels: FilmRise World’s Evil Killers, FilmRise Highway to Heaven, Elevation Church Network, and Scripps Sports Network. The additions broaden Local Now’s catalog beyond localized news and weather into true crime, classic drama, faith-based programming, and live sports. Local Now—originally part of The Weather Channel app and later acquired by Entertainment Studios in 2018 (now under Allen Media Group)—operates as a free AVOD/FAST service across major devices and more than 225 U.S. markets, offering hundreds of linear streams and thousands of on-demand titles. The move increases genre diversity and free ad-supported inventory for viewers and advertisers on CTV/streaming platforms.
Roku Adds 7 Free Live Channels to The Roku Channel
Roku expanded The Roku Channel’s free, ad-supported offering by adding seven new live channels to Roku TVs and Roku players. The additions — spanning sports (World Surf League), history (History Untold), drama (Third Watch), talk (Nosey Daytime Talk), Alaska-focused outdoors (All Out Alaska), extreme-lifestyle programming (Extreme Living) and basketball entertainment (Jesser) — aim to broaden content variety, boost engagement and strengthen Roku’s AVOD inventory amid industry growth in free streaming alternatives. The update is available directly on Roku devices and reinforces The Roku Channel’s role as a FAST/AVOD destination.
Roku Adds Seven Free Live Channels to Roku Devices
Roku announced on 2026-06-30 that it added seven new live channels to Roku TVs and Roku players, expanding The Roku Channel’s free, ad-supported lineup. The additions include QVC 365, Local Now Las Vegas, Dateline Español, Telemundo Las Vegas, Joy Sauce Network, Popcorn Center, and Rugby Pass TV. The new channels cover shopping, local news, Spanish-language programming, positive entertainment, movies and sports, and are available without subscription fees via the Roku Channel Store or the device live TV guide. Roku positions the expansion as a way to broaden viewer choice, reach niche audiences, and keep engagement on its platform.
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