It may seem that around-the-clock live news channels are becoming less relevant in this era of video on demand, with Dish Network going so far as to drop CNN from its lineup. But CBS News has just launched CBSN, which claims to be "the first digital streaming news network to offer live, anchored news coverage 24/7 through Internet-connected devices", including Roku.
CBSN is available from within Roku's CBS News channel. When you launch the channel, the CBSN live stream will play immediately, but you can use your remote's back arrow for video on demand (VOD) access. The live stream plays 24/7, but at launch the broadcast is truly live for 15 hours every weekday. Outside of those hours, the live stream is actually a replay of past broadcasts.
The live, anchored coverage is available from 9:00 AM to midnight ET every weekday, with a 60-minute format that is updated throughout the day. CBSN also carries simulcasts of CBS News special reports for breaking news and includes content from other CBS sources that include CBS News, CBS affiliate stations, CNET, CBSSports.com, Entertainment Tonight and more.
Hit that back arrow and you'll find a VOD library that includes the last several stories aired on CBSN, along with a listing of the next three stories coming up. In addition to the CBSN category, you'll still find the original video categories, including the latest segments from other CBS News shows, clips from a half-dozen popular shows like 60 Minutes, CBS This Morning, and CBS Evening News, and clips from specific topics that include politics, U.S. News, World News, Entertainment, Health, and Sci Tech.
As for CBSN's claim to be "the first streaming news network to offer live, anchored news coverage 24/7 through Internet-connected devices," that may be technically correct since CBSN is considering itself to be a "digital streaming news network." However, you'll also find 24/7 live streaming news on Roku's Sky News channel. Huff Post Live and WSJ Live also offer live streaming news through their Roku channels, although their live broadcasts are on much more limited schedule.
Regardless of the specifics of the "1st" claim, it is a significant milestone for a major news network like CBS to launch a 24/7 news channel for Internet-connected devices. Maybe it's not live 24/7 coverage that's becoming irrelevant - it could be delivery limited to devices anchored to cable or satellite dishes that is becoming irrelevant.
For more information, read the full press release from CBS at www.cbscorporation.com/news-article.php?id=1106
