✦ Edited and fact-checked by our Contributing Writer Ian McLaren, who hosts the daily “Locked On Bruins” podcast and has years of experience covering sports, television, and streaming.
BBC News takes a global view of breaking stories, with correspondents and presenters reporting across time zones. Previously known as BBC World News, the international channel adopted its current name when the BBC combined its U.K. and international news channels in 2023. Its continuous coverage is useful when you want international context beyond a U.S.-focused newscast.
U.S. viewers can access the channel through participating TV providers, a paid BBC.com or BBC app subscription, and free ad-supported streaming services. Those options come with different costs and features, even when they offer similar live news coverage.
We’ll help you find BBC News channel numbers and compare viewing options so you can pick the simplest way to follow the coverage. Keep reading to get your lineup sorted and bring the world’s biggest headlines straight to your screen.
What channel is BBC News on near me?
BBC News channel numbers vary by TV provider and location. Some provider listings may still use the channel’s former name, BBC World News, but both names refer to the BBC’s international news network.
Use the table below to find BBC News channel numbers by city and provider. If your area or provider isn’t listed, enter your zip code below to find local TV providers and compare their lineups.
BBC News channel numbers in major U.S. cities
BBC News Channel Guide
| City | DIRECTV | DISH | Spectrum | Xfinity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
346 | 281 | – | 175 | |
346 | 281 | – | – | |
346 | 281 | 134 / 795 | 100 | |
346 | 281 | 209 | – | |
346 | 281 | 98 / 1098 | – | |
346 | 281 | – | 171 | |
346 | 281 | – | 189 | |
346 | 281 | – | – | |
346 | 281 | – | – | |
346 | 281 | 23 / 209 | – | |
346 | 281 | 209 | – | |
346 | 281 | – | 154 | |
346 | 281 | 362 | – | |
346 | 281 | 98 / 362 / 1362 | – | |
346 | 281 | – | 121 | |
346 | 281 | 362 / 1362 | – | |
346 | 281 | 226 / 722 | – | |
346 | 281 | – | 173 | |
346 | 281 | – | 387 | |
346 | 281 | 209 | – | |
346 | 281 | – | 171 | |
346 | 281 | 226 / 722 | – | |
346 | 281 | – | 167 | |
346 | 281 | 122 | – | |
346 | 281 | – | 233 | |
346 | 281 | 320 / 1320 | 176 | |
346 | 281 | – | 171 | |
346 | 281 | 209 | – | |
346 | 281 | – | – | |
346 | 281 | 209 | – | |
346 | 281 | 416 | – | |
346 | 281 | – | 95 | |
346 | 281 | – | 171 | |
346 | 281 | 362 | – | |
346 | 281 | – | 187 | |
346 | 281 | – | 95 | |
346 | 281 | – | – | |
346 | 281 | 209 | – | |
346 | 281 | – | – | |
346 | 281 | 153 / 1222 | 171 | |
346 | 281 | – | 171 | |
346 | 281 | – | – | |
346 | 281 | – | 108 | |
346 | 281 | – | 131 | |
346 | 281 | – | 167 | |
346 | 281 | – | 21000 (HD) | |
346 | 281 | 209 | – | |
346 | 281 | 209 | – | |
346 | 281 | – | 167 | |
346 | 281 | – | 167 | |
346 | 281 | – | 131 | |
346 | 281 | 135 / 793 | – | |
346 | 281 | – | 187 | |
346 | 281 | 74 | 171 | |
346 | 281 | – | 21000 (HD) | |
346 | 281 | – | 171 |
Data effective as of post date. Channel numbers and availability may vary by location and package.
How to get BBC News
BBC News is available through participating cable and satellite providers, including DIRECTV, DISH, and Spectrum. Some live TV streaming services also offer the channel, although availability depends on the plan. Keep in mind that certain providers may still list it as BBC World News.
If you’d rather stream without a full TV package, BBC News is available for free with ads on Pluto TV, Philo Free Channels, and Sling Freestream. A separate BBC.com or BBC app subscription costs $8.99 per month and includes the 24/7 live channel alongside additional news articles, videos, and documentaries.
Live TV packages with local networks, news, entertainment, and premium add-ons.
- Satellite and streaming TV options
- National and regional sports channels
- Unlimited cloud DVR on streaming plans
Satellite TV packages with popular entertainment, sports, and family channels.
- Hopper DVR and voice remote
- DISH Anywhere streaming app
- Two-year price guarantee on eligible plans
Cable TV with local channels, on-demand shows, and flexible package options.
- No annual contracts
- Stream with the Spectrum TV App
- Select plans include popular streaming apps
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
What’s on BBC News?
BBC News runs rolling international coverage, with reports from its worldwide network and live updates as stories develop. The channel’s coverage connects regions, with reporting from London, Washington, D.C., Singapore, and beyond.
Its programming includes interviews, analysis, and longer reports alongside headlines. Shows like “BBC World News America” and “Newsday” offer a mix of U.S. and international perspectives, while breaking stories can interrupt the regular schedule.
BBC News channel FAQ
What's the cheapest way to get BBC News?
You can watch BBC News for free through ad-supported streaming platforms like Pluto TV and Philo Free Channels. If you want direct access through the BBC's website and app, its U.S. subscription costs $8.99 per month.
How can I watch BBC News for free?
BBC News streams free with ads on Pluto TV, Philo Free Channels, and Sling Freestream. These options don't require a paid TV subscription, and unlike a free trial, access isn't limited to a few days.
Can I get BBC News as a standalone subscription?
Yes. U.S. viewers can subscribe directly through BBC.com or the BBC app for $8.99 per month. The subscription includes the 24/7 BBC News livestream, along with full news articles, videos, and additional BBC content.
Does BBC America's TV subscription unlock BBC News?
Not necessarily. BBC America and BBC News are separate TV networks, so having BBC America in your channel lineup doesn't guarantee access to BBC News. It also doesn't unlock the BBC's separate website and app subscription.
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CableTV.com editors created this article using original analysis and proprietary inputs, with AI tools assisting in drafting. The final content was reviewed and edited for accuracy and quality.
