Ditch the Cable, Not the News: Your Guide to San Diego's Finest News Without the Bill Shock
Let's face it, forking over a small fortune for cable just to catch the nightly news about that missing cat stuck in a palm tree (again) feels a bit...well...dumb. Fear not, fellow San Diegans! There's a whole world of news out there waiting to be streamed, downloaded, and devoured without that dreaded cable bill.
How Can I Watch Local San Diego News Without Cable |
Snip the Cord, Not the Quality: Free and Fantastic Local News Options
San Diego may be known for its beaches and sunshine, but it's also bursting with fantastic local news options you can access with nothing more than a decent internet connection and a device with a screen (your toaster probably doesn't count...yet). Here's the lowdown:
Get Your Antenna Up: Remember those spiky things on top of houses? Believe it or not, they're not giant lightning rods for bored clouds. These bad boys, called antennas, can pull in free local channels, including the bigwigs like KFMB (CBS 8), KUSI (The CW San Diego), and XETV (FOX 6). All you need is a decent antenna (indoor or outdoor, depending on your location) and a TV with an antenna hookup. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.
App-tastic News: Most local San Diego stations have their own fantastic apps, putting the news right at your fingertips. Download the apps for stations like NBC 7 San Diego, CBS 8, and FOX 5 San Diego for live streams, breaking news alerts, and even weather updates to keep you prepped for those surprise sprinkles (it happens!).
Streaming Services with a Local Flair: Some streaming services, like Locast and SanDiegoBTV, offer a smorgasbord of local channels, including the San Diego staples. These services often come with a free trial, so you can test them out before committing. Be aware, some free trials might require your credit card information, so set a reminder to cancel before you get charged if you decide it's not for you.
But Wait, There's More!
On top of these awesome options, many news websites and social media pages offer live streams and clips of their broadcasts. You can even follow local journalists on Twitter for their take on the latest happenings.
Pro Tip: Bookmark your favorite station's website or follow them on social media for a one-stop shop for all things San Diego news.
QuickTip: Return to sections that felt unclear.
Frequently Asked Questions (Because We Know You Have Them)
How to Put Up an Antenna?
Fear not, antenna installation isn't rocket science. A quick YouTube search for "indoor antenna installation" or "outdoor antenna installation" will show you the ropes (pun intended).
How do I Know What Channels My Antenna Can Get?
QuickTip: Read in order — context builds meaning.
Websites like
How Much Does Locast Cost?
Locast offers a free tier with limited channels, but their premium options come with a monthly fee. Check out their website for details.
Tip: A slow, careful read can save re-reading later.
How Can I Watch Older News Broadcasts?
Some stations offer archived newscasts on their websites or apps. You can also try searching YouTube for specific events or news stories.
How Do I Know What's Happening Right Now?
Tip: Let the key ideas stand out.
Many local news apps and websites have breaking news alerts. You can also follow local journalists and news outlets on social media for up-to-the-minute updates.
So there you have it! Ditch the cable, embrace the free (or almost-free) world of local San Diego news, and stay informed without breaking the bank. Now you can finally catch up on the latest palm tree feline drama without the guilt (or the bill).