Very Local: News & Originals
Overview
Very Local: News & Originals represents Hearst Television’s primary software initiative to transition regional broadcast news delivery into the free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) and over-the-top (OTT) digital ecosystem. Built specifically to service cord-cutting audiences across 26 major metropolitan television markets where Hearst operates affiliate stations, the application acts as a direct streaming bridge for local news, live emergency updates, regional weather forecasting, consumer investigations, and localized original lifestyle programming. The platform operates across major broadcast markets including WCVB in Boston, KCRA in Sacramento, WTAE in Pittsburgh, WBAL in Baltimore, KOAT in Albuquerque, and KCCI in Des Moines, delivering primary-source journalism directly to mobile screens, smart televisions, and media streaming devices.
The application uses geographic IP evaluation alongside device location permissions to route users directly to their nearest market broadcast stream. The core functionality combines 24/7 live linear streams with an extensive on-demand clip repository, interactive radar overlays, and automated playlist queues. Beyond traditional morning and evening newscasts, Hearst uses the platform to host proprietary digital series focusing on regional culinary culture, local travel, true-crime stories, and community history. This strategy allows Hearst to monetize long-tail video assets while providing a continuous background media stream for regional viewers.
In a market dominated by third-party news aggregators, Very Local relies on its ownership of regional station newsrooms to ensure primary-source reporting during breaking emergencies. Unlike syndication platforms that compile short clips into algorithmic streams, Very Local provides unencrypted, direct broadcast streams from local journalists. However, this zero-friction distribution model presents operational challenges regarding monetization. Because the app operates without subscription paywalls or cable operator authentication, revenue generation relies on programmatic dynamic ad insertion (DAI). When programmatic ad inventories fail to fill smoothly, high commercial refresh rates can trigger repetitive ad loops. In severe cases, these ad blocks can interrupt the media player thread, causing the application to crash back to the home screen during continuous viewing.
Pros & Cons
Provides live 24/7 access to local station news streams and regional weather forecasts.
Covers 26 major U.S. metropolitan markets with market-specific reporting.
Requires no monthly subscription fees, paywalls, or television provider log-ins.
Features exclusive original series exploring regional history, travel, and culinary arts.
Includes automated continuous video playback for hands-free news consumption.
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High frequency of dynamic ad insertion leads to repetitive commercial breaks.
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Software bugs during ad transitions can cause the player to crash to the main menu.
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Broadcast coverage is restricted strictly to cities with active Hearst-owned affiliate stations.
Download
Get it on Google Play 
Get it on App Store FAQs
Is a cable subscription required to stream content on Very Local?
No, Very Local operates as a completely free streaming service that does not require television provider authentication or subscription fees.
Which geographic markets are supported by the application?
The service covers 26 Hearst broadcast regions, including markets such as Boston (WCVB), Sacramento (KCRA), Pittsburgh (WTAE), Orlando (WESH), and Baltimore (WBAL).
Does the app offer live broadcasting or strictly on-demand clips?
The application provides both continuous live news broadcasts in supported cities and an on-demand catalog of news segments and lifestyle series.
Why does Very Local request device location permission?
Location data is used to match your device with the nearest Hearst news market, ensuring you receive relevant local news, live alerts, and weather forecasts.
Is Very Local compatible with smart televisions and streaming sticks?
Yes, in addition to Android mobile devices, the app is available on smart TV platforms including Android TV, connected media players, and desktop environments.
Hot Reviews
Summarized from Google Play reviews and community discussions.
Users report that commercial interruptions occur too frequently, forcing viewers to watch repeating advertisement loops that disrupt the viewing experience.
A recurring bug causes the live video stream to freeze or crash back to the application home screen when switching into automated ad blocks.
Beyond daily news, the platform features well-produced regional travel and food series that highlight local businesses and culture.
The application provides direct access to local news and severe weather coverage without requiring a digital antenna, keeping cord-cutters closely tied to regional reporting.