Does Now TV Have News Channels?
Hey guys, let's dive into a question many of you have been asking: can you actually get news channels on Now TV? It's a pretty common query, especially if you're looking to stay informed without signing up for a full-blown traditional TV package. Now TV, as you know, is all about flexibility and a no-contract approach, which makes it super appealing. But when it comes to news, what's the deal? Do they offer the major players like Sky News, BBC News, CNN, or others that keep us in the loop with current events?
Well, the short answer is yes, you can definitely get news channels on Now TV, but it's not as straightforward as just having them all available in one giant bundle. Now TV operates on a 'pass' system. Think of these passes like temporary subscriptions that give you access to specific types of content for a set period, usually a month. So, to get your news fix, you'll typically need to subscribe to the relevant pass that includes the news channels you're interested in. This means you might need to be a bit strategic about which pass you choose depending on your preferred news sources. It's all about picking the right package to match your viewing habits and staying informed without breaking the bank. We'll break down exactly which passes offer news content and what you can expect, so stick around!
Understanding Now TV Passes for News
So, you're wondering how you actually access news channels on Now TV, right? It all boils down to their Entertainment Pass and, sometimes, specific Sports Passes. The Entertainment Pass is your golden ticket for a wide range of general entertainment, including, importantly, live news channels. This pass usually includes channels like Sky News and sometimes others depending on the current offerings and your region. It's designed to give you a broad selection of popular TV channels, and news is often a key component of that. Think of it as your all-rounder pass for a lot of what's on TV, minus the sports and movies, which have their own dedicated passes. This means if you're after general news updates, the Entertainment Pass is often your go-to option. It’s a pretty sweet deal because you get a lot of bang for your buck, not just for news but for a whole host of other shows and channels you might enjoy.
Now, let's talk about the Sports Pass. While primarily focused on, well, sports, these passes can sometimes include supplementary news channels, particularly those related to sports news. For instance, if you're a big fan of football or Formula 1, you might find that a Sky Sports channel included in a sports pass also carries associated sports news programming. However, if your main goal is general news like politics, world events, or business, relying solely on a Sports Pass won't cut it. You'll need that Entertainment Pass. It's crucial to check the exact channel list for each pass on the Now TV website because these things can change. They sometimes have different tiers of Sports Passes too, so make sure you're looking at the one that covers the channels you want. Remember, Now TV is all about customization, so you can mix and match passes to get exactly what you need. So, while the Entertainment Pass is the primary route for news, keep an eye on sports packages if your news interest leans towards the athletic side of life. This flexibility is what makes Now TV a popular choice for many, allowing you to tailor your subscription to your specific interests and budget.
Which Specific News Channels Can You Watch?
Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: which specific news channels can you actually tune into on Now TV? This is where things get a bit more concrete. The absolute king of news on Now TV, especially if you're in the UK, is Sky News. This is typically included as standard with the Entertainment Pass. So, if staying up-to-date with UK and international news delivered by Sky News is your priority, then the Entertainment Pass is your ticket. It's a 24/7 news channel offering breaking news, in-depth analysis, and interviews, covering a vast range of topics from politics and business to current affairs and weather. Having Sky News available live through Now TV is a major plus for many subscribers who value immediate access to news updates without needing a satellite dish or a lengthy cable contract. It's reliable, comprehensive, and readily accessible through the Now TV platform, making it a core part of the news offering.
Beyond Sky News, the availability of other major international news channels can be a bit more variable. While Now TV is primarily a UK-focused service, sometimes you might find other channels pop up within the Entertainment Pass, depending on regional rights and package updates. However, it's not guaranteed that you'll get channels like CNN, BBC News (which is often available via a separate BBC iPlayer app, not directly through Now TV passes), or other global news networks as part of the standard passes. For instance, BBC News is generally a free-to-air channel in the UK accessible via Freeview or BBC iPlayer, and it's not typically bundled into Now TV passes. CNN International is more of a premium offering and might appear in specific higher-tier bundles or through different streaming services altogether. Therefore, if your news diet consists of a variety of global sources, you might find yourself needing to supplement your Now TV Entertainment Pass with other streaming apps or services to get the full spectrum. Always double-check the official Now TV website for the most current list of channels included in the Entertainment Pass in your region, as these offerings can evolve over time. The key takeaway here is that Sky News is your most consistent and widely available news channel on Now TV, and for others, it's a case of checking the specifics of the pass you're considering.
How to Subscribe to Get News Channels
So, you've decided you want that news fix on Now TV, and you're ready to subscribe. Awesome! It's a pretty straightforward process, guys. First things first, you'll need to head over to the Now TV website or use their dedicated app. If you don't already have a Now TV account, you'll need to sign up for one. It's a quick and easy process that just requires some basic details like your email address and creating a password. Once you're logged in, navigate to the 'Passes' section. This is where all the magic happens. You'll see a breakdown of the different passes available: Entertainment, Sky Sports, Cinema, etc. As we've discussed, for most news channels like Sky News, you'll be looking at the Entertainment Pass. Click on the Entertainment Pass, and you'll see the details, including the channels included and the monthly price. You'll likely have options for monthly or sometimes even a discounted annual subscription, although monthly is the most common for Now TV's flexible model.
When you've selected the Entertainment Pass, you'll proceed to the checkout process. Here, you'll need to enter your payment details. Now TV accepts various payment methods, typically credit or debit cards, and sometimes PayPal. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete your purchase. Once your payment is confirmed, your Entertainment Pass will be activated, usually instantly. This means you can start streaming the included channels, including Sky News, right away on your Now TV device (like a Smart Stick, Roku, or gaming console) or through the Now TV app on your phone, tablet, or smart TV. If you're just trying it out, Now TV often offers free trials for new customers or on specific passes, so keep an eye out for those! This is a fantastic way to test the waters and see if the Entertainment Pass, and the news channels it provides, meets your needs before committing financially. Always remember to check the terms and conditions of any trial to understand when you'll be billed if you don't cancel. Subscribing is designed to be user-friendly, putting you in control of your entertainment and news consumption with minimal fuss. Just remember to check the specific channel lineup for the Entertainment Pass in your region, as there can be slight variations. It's all about getting you the content you want, when you want it, without any long-term commitments!
Can You Get News Without a Pass?
This is a really common question, and it's totally valid to ask if you can get any news action on Now TV without shelling out for a pass. So, let's break it down, guys. The short answer is limited, but technically yes, in very specific circumstances. Now TV's model is built around these passes; they are the primary gateway to live TV channels, including news. Without a pass, your access to live channels is essentially non-existent. You won't be able to just pick up your Now TV device and start watching Sky News or any other news channel on demand. That's not how the service is structured. The whole point of Now TV is to offer flexible access to premium content, and that premium content is gated behind these passes.
However, there are a couple of nuances to consider. Firstly, catch-up TV and on-demand content. While you can't watch live news without a pass, you might be able to access some news-related documentaries or specific programmes that have been added to the on-demand library through your Entertainment Pass (if you have one, or if it's part of a bundle you acquired). But this isn't live news, it's pre-selected content. Secondly, and this is a bit of a workaround, other free streaming services or apps. Now TV devices, like the Now TV Smart Stick or Roku devices, are essentially mini-computers that can run various apps. If you have other apps installed on your Now TV device that do offer free news content – for example, dedicated apps for free-to-air broadcasters in your region (like BBC iPlayer in the UK, which offers BBC News) or other free news streaming services – then you could potentially access news that way. However, this isn't news on Now TV itself; it's news accessed via the device that also happens to run Now TV. So, to be crystal clear, if you're looking to watch live news channels directly through the Now TV platform and its core offering, you will need an appropriate pass, typically the Entertainment Pass. Anything else is either on-demand content linked to a pass or content from entirely separate apps that are capable of running on the same hardware. It’s all about understanding the distinction between the Now TV service and the hardware it runs on. So, while you can't get live news on Now TV without a pass, you might be able to get news on the device that runs Now TV through other means. Pretty neat, huh?
Now TV vs. Other Streaming Services for News
When we're talking about keeping up with the news, guys, it's always good to see how different services stack up. Now TV is a solid option, especially if you're already in the Sky ecosystem or appreciate its no-contract flexibility. Its main strength for news lies in the Sky News channel, which is readily available through the Entertainment Pass. This makes it a convenient choice for those who primarily rely on Sky News for their daily updates. The simplicity of the pass system also means you can subscribe for just a month if you only need news access temporarily, which is a huge plus for budget-conscious viewers. You pay for what you need, when you need it, and can cancel anytime without penalty. This flexibility is a major differentiator compared to traditional cable or satellite packages that often lock you into long-term contracts with channels you don't even watch.
However, let's be real, if your news consumption is diverse and you need access to a wider array of international broadcasters like CNN, BBC World News, Al Jazeera, or Fox News, Now TV might feel a bit limited. For that kind of comprehensive global news coverage, you might need to look at other streaming services or even combine Now TV with other options. For example, services like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV (in the US) offer a much broader selection of live news channels as part of their standard packages, often including a mix of national and international networks. These services usually come with a higher monthly price tag, but they provide a more complete news experience for those who want it all. Sling TV also offers various news channel add-ons and packages that can be more customizable than Now TV's single Entertainment Pass for news. In the UK, while Now TV offers Sky News, you might find BBC News directly via the BBC iPlayer app (which is free but requires a TV license) or potentially through other, more niche streaming options if they become available. So, the 'best' service really depends on your specific needs. If Sky News is your priority and you love the flexibility, Now TV is a winner. If you need a broader spectrum of global news channels, you might need to explore other avenues or consider subscribing to multiple services. It's all about weighing the cost, the content, and the convenience to find what works for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch BBC News on Now TV?
This is a question we get a lot, and the straightforward answer is generally no, not directly through a Now TV pass. BBC News is a public service broadcaster in the UK, and its live channel is typically accessed for free via Freeview or through the BBC iPlayer app. While Now TV devices can often run the BBC iPlayer app, allowing you to watch BBC News that way, the channel itself is not usually included as part of any Now TV Entertainment or other passes. So, if BBC News is a must-have for your news diet, you'll need to use the BBC iPlayer app separately or have access through other means like Freeview. It's important to distinguish between content available on Now TV passes and content available through apps that can run on a Now TV device.
Does the Entertainment Pass include CNN?
Typically, no, the Now TV Entertainment Pass does not include CNN. CNN International is a premium international news channel, and its inclusion can vary greatly depending on the region and specific Now TV package offerings. While the Entertainment Pass is great for general entertainment and usually includes Sky News, it rarely extends to channels like CNN as part of its standard offering. If CNN is a critical news source for you, you would likely need to look for alternative streaming services that specifically include it in their packages, as it's not a standard feature of the Now TV Entertainment Pass. Always check the official channel list on the Now TV website for the most up-to-date information for your location, as these lineups can change.
Is Sky News available on Now TV?
Yes, absolutely! Sky News is the primary news channel readily available on Now TV. It's a cornerstone of the Now TV Entertainment Pass. So, if you subscribe to the Entertainment Pass, you can watch Sky News live, 24/7, as part of your subscription. This is one of the main reasons many people opt for the Entertainment Pass if they want consistent access to live news coverage from a major UK broadcaster. It's straightforward: get the Entertainment Pass, get Sky News. It's as simple as that, and it provides excellent coverage for breaking news and current affairs in the UK and internationally.
Can I get international news channels on Now TV?
While Sky News offers strong international coverage, getting a wide array of dedicated international news channels like CNN, BBC World News, or Al Jazeera directly through Now TV passes is generally not possible. The Now TV Entertainment Pass is primarily focused on UK-centric content and popular entertainment channels. International news often falls into a more premium category. You might occasionally find specific international news programs or documentaries available on demand, but live, dedicated international news channels are rare inclusions. For comprehensive access to multiple global news networks, you would typically need to subscribe to other streaming services or packages that specialize in international broadcasting. Now TV is fantastic for flexibility and its core offerings, but a broad international news channel lineup isn't its strongest suit. Always check the specific channel list for the Entertainment Pass in your region, but don't count on a wide variety of dedicated international news channels being included.
