Want to watch CBS News live without cable? Paramount+ makes it possible - no antenna, no satellite dish, no monthly bill for a full cable package. Just a subscription, an internet connection, and you’re watching real-time news, breaking updates, and live coverage from one of America’s biggest news networks - right on your phone, tablet, or TV.
What’s Included in Paramount+ Live News
Paramount+ doesn’t just offer shows like Star Trek or Yellowstone. Its Live TV plan includes more than 15 live channels, and the biggest name among them is CBS News. You get 24/7 access to CBS News, which broadcasts live from New York, with reporters on the ground during major events - elections, natural disasters, international conflicts, and even breaking local stories.
Alongside CBS News, you also get access to other live channels like CBS Sports, MTV, Comedy Central, and E! - but if you care about staying informed, CBS News is the standout. Unlike news apps that push alerts or YouTube livestreams that cut out during commercial breaks, CBS News on Paramount+ delivers uninterrupted coverage with anchors, field reports, and live interviews - just like watching on your TV at home.
The feed updates constantly. If a plane crashes in Chicago, you’ll see it within minutes. If Congress passes a major bill, you’ll hear the reaction live. There’s no delay. No buffering. No waiting for a summary article. It’s real-time journalism, delivered straight to your screen.
How to Access CBS News on Paramount+
Getting started is simple. First, make sure you’re on the right plan. Paramount+ has two main tiers:
- Paramount+ with Ads - $5.99/month. Includes on-demand shows and some live channels, but not all.
- Paramount+ with Showtime (Premium) - $11.99/month. Includes everything, including all live channels like CBS News, CBS Sports, and local CBS stations in your area.
You need the Premium plan to get live CBS News. The basic plan gives you access to on-demand news clips and replays, but not the live feed. If you want to watch the anchor desk at 7 a.m. or catch the 11 p.m. broadcast as it happens, you need the Showtime upgrade.
Once you’re subscribed:
- Open the Paramount+ app on your smart TV, Roku, Fire Stick, iPhone, Android, or web browser.
- Go to the Live TV section - it’s usually pinned to the home screen.
- Find CBS News in the list of channels. It’s marked with the CBS logo and labeled "Live".
- Tap to start streaming. No extra setup. No login beyond your Paramount+ account.
You can also use voice commands on smart TVs: say "Open CBS News on Paramount+" on Alexa or Google Assistant, and it’ll launch right away.
How It Compares to Other News Streaming Services
There are a lot of ways to get live news now. Here’s how Paramount+ stacks up:
| Service | CBS News Access | Price (Monthly) | Other News Channels | On-Demand News |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paramount+ with Showtime | Yes - 24/7 live feed | $11.99 | CBS Sports, local CBS stations | Yes - clips, replays, documentaries |
| YouTube TV | Yes - through local CBS affiliate | $75.99 | ABC News, NBC News, Fox News | Yes - limited |
| Hulu + Live TV | No - only on-demand CBS News clips | $76.99 | ABC, NBC, CNN, Fox News | Yes - full library |
| FuboTV | Yes - through local CBS station | $79.99 | CNN, Fox News, MSNBC | Yes - basic |
| Newsmax TV App | No - only Newsmax | $5.99 | Newsmax only | Yes - curated clips |
Paramount+ is the only major service that gives you CBS News - and a full library of entertainment - for under $12. YouTube TV and Hulu cost six times as much just to get live news. And even then, they don’t include the same level of on-demand news content as Paramount+.
If you’re already paying for Netflix or Disney+, adding Paramount+ with Showtime costs less than your coffee budget. And you get something you can’t get anywhere else: the full CBS News experience, plus Shōgun, The Good Fight, and Yellowstone - all in one app.
What You Can’t Get With Paramount+ Live News
It’s not perfect. Paramount+ doesn’t carry every news channel. You won’t find Fox News, MSNBC, or CNN here. If you’re someone who needs to track partisan coverage across all major networks, you’ll need another service.
Also, the local CBS affiliate feed (like WCBS in New York or KCBS in Los Angeles) is only available in select markets. If you live in a smaller city, you might get the national CBS News feed instead of your local 6 p.m. broadcast. That’s not a flaw - it’s how the system works. The national feed is designed to cover stories that matter nationwide, while local stations handle weather, traffic, and community events.
And yes, there are ads. Even the Premium plan has commercial breaks during live news - usually every 8-10 minutes. But they’re shorter than broadcast TV, and you can’t skip them. That’s the trade-off for keeping the price low.
Real Use Cases: Who Benefits Most?
Who actually uses this? Here are three common scenarios:
- Remote workers - Start your day with the morning briefing while making coffee. No need to turn on the TV. Just play CBS News on your monitor while you check emails.
- Parents - Keep the news on in the background while kids play. It’s a calm, reliable source of information - not a sensationalized algorithm-driven feed.
- Travelers - Flying to the U.S.? You can still watch CBS News live from Ireland, Australia, or Canada. Paramount+ works globally with a stable connection.
One user in Dublin told me: "I used to get up at 5 a.m. to watch the news on my laptop before work. Now I just open Paramount+ on my tablet. It’s like having a friend in New York who tells me what’s really happening - without the noise."
Is It Worth It?
If you care about reliable, fact-based news and don’t want to pay $75 a month for cable alternatives, Paramount+ with Showtime is the smartest choice. It’s not just a streaming service - it’s a news lifeline.
You get:
- 24/7 live CBS News - no delays, no gaps
- Access to local CBS stations in over 90% of U.S. markets
- On-demand news documentaries and special reports
- One app for news, sports, and entertainment
- Price that’s less than half of other live TV services
And if you’re already paying for Paramount+ for shows? Upgrading to Showtime adds live news for just $6 more a month. That’s less than a movie ticket.
There’s no other service that gives you this combination: trusted journalism, live coverage, and top-tier entertainment - all in one place, at a price that makes sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch CBS News live on Paramount+ without a subscription?
No. The live CBS News stream is only available to Paramount+ subscribers with the Premium plan (Paramount+ with Showtime). Free trials are available, but once they end, you need to pay to keep watching live.
Is CBS News on Paramount+ the same as the TV broadcast?
Yes, it’s the exact same feed. The anchor desk, reporters, graphics, and even the commercial breaks are identical to what airs on your local CBS station. The only difference is you’re watching it on your device instead of your TV.
Can I record CBS News on Paramount+?
Yes, if you’re on the Premium plan, you can record live TV using the cloud DVR feature. You get 50 hours of storage, and recordings stay for 90 days. Just tap the record button while watching CBS News, and it’ll save to your library.
Does Paramount+ work outside the U.S.?
Yes. Paramount+ is available in over 100 countries, including Ireland. The live CBS News feed is accessible globally, though some on-demand content may be restricted based on licensing.
What if I only want news - do I need the whole Paramount+ package?
Right now, yes. Paramount+ doesn’t sell a standalone news plan. But if you’re only interested in news, the Premium plan still gives you the best value. You get CBS News plus dozens of other shows, sports, and specials - all for less than you’d pay for a single news channel on cable.