Local Now adds 111 Gray Media FAST channels

Local Now is adding 111 Gray Media local FAST channels to its free-streaming platform starting today, expanding its local news footprint across the U.S. The move pushes Local Now closer to 600 local news channels nationwide and strengthens its position in ad-supported streaming.

Why it matters: - Local Now says the Gray Media partnership expands its reach in local news, weather and sports for viewers who want market-specific coverage for free. - The addition gives Local Now a bigger competitive edge in FAST, where local programming is a key differentiator. - The move broadens access across the company’s app ecosystem on connected TV, mobile and web.

What happened: - Local Now announced it is adding 111 Gray Media local television FAST channels to its free-streaming platform. - The rollout starts today. - The new channels are being added across Local Now’s app ecosystem. - Byron Allen, founder, chairman and CEO of Local Now, said the partnership helps viewers stay connected to real-time news, weather and sports.

The details: - Local Now says the expansion brings its footprint to nearly 600 local news FAST channels nationwide. - The platform says that includes 370 standalone local news channels and 223 Local Now channels. - Local Now says it has a presence in all 210 U.S. markets. - The company says its network of 28 traditional broadcast television groups supports deep local coverage. - Local Now says its proprietary channels update 24/7 to deliver customized, real-time local coverage in every U.S. media market. - Local Now provides localized news, weather, sports, traffic and entertainment tailored to a user’s device geolocation. - The app is available for free on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Google TV, Xfinity, Vizio, Samsung TV Plus, Android and iOS. - The full list of stations and markets is available here. - Local Now says it delivers localized content to more than 220 U.S. markets and offers movies and TV shows from major Hollywood studios.

Between the lines: - The deal shows how FAST platforms are leaning harder into local programming to attract audiences beyond national entertainment channels. - Local Now is framing its model as a mix of broadcast partnerships and proprietary, hyper-local technology. - The company is positioning free local journalism as the core of its value proposition rather than a side feature.

What's next: - Local Now says it will keep expanding its channel footprint. - Viewers should see the Gray Media stations appear inside the Local Now apps as the rollout continues. - The company is signaling that additional market-by-market coverage remains part of its growth strategy.

The bottom line: - Local Now is using Gray Media to deepen its local-news reach and reinforce its claim as the largest free-streaming source of local coverage in the U.S.