Zeam offers over 300 free local TV channels across the United States. The service covers 80% of U.S. markets through partnerships with major broadcasting groups including Gray Television, CBS, Hearst, and Tegna. Channels vary by location and include local news, weather, sports, and national FAST content.
What is Zeam
Zeam is a free streaming service that launched in February 2024 during Super Bowl LVIII. The platform replaced VUit, an earlier local streaming service from the same parent company Syncbak.
The service operates on an ad-supported model. You watch free content, and Zeam generates revenue through commercials shown during programming.
Zeam focuses on local broadcast content. You won’t find national primetime shows like NCIS or network sitcoms. Instead, the platform delivers local news broadcasts, weather updates, community events, and regional sports coverage.
Key Features
100% Free Access – No subscription fees, no credit card required, no hidden charges.
Location-Based Content – Channels automatically adjust based on your geographic location to show relevant local stations.
Live and On-Demand – Watch live broadcasts as they air or catch up with on-demand content from local affiliates.
Multi-Platform Availability – Stream on smart TVs, phones, tablets, streaming devices, or directly through a web browser.
Ad-Supported Model – Commercial breaks fund the free service, similar to traditional broadcast TV.
How Zeam Works
Zeam aggregates live streams from local TV stations across the country. The platform partners directly with broadcasting groups who provide their station feeds.
When you open Zeam, the app detects your location. It then displays channels available in your designated market area (DMA). A DMA is a geographic region where local stations broadcast. Nielsen defines 210 DMAs across the United States.
Your channel lineup depends entirely on which broadcasting partners serve your market. Someone in Atlanta sees different channels than someone in Seattle.
The technology behind Zeam comes from Syncbak, a company that has powered streaming for nearly 900 U.S. TV stations since 2009. Syncbak handles the streaming backbone for CBS-owned stations and provides live local feeds to platforms like Paramount+, Hulu, and FuboTV.
Complete Zeam Channel List
Below is the comprehensive list of channels available on Zeam as of February 2025. Remember that not all channels appear in every market.
CBS News Channels
- CBS News 24/7
- CBS News Baltimore
- CBS News Bay Area
- CBS News Boston
- CBS News Chicago
- CBS News Colorado
- CBS News Detroit
- CBS News Los Angeles
- CBS News Miami
- CBS News Minnesota
- CBS News New York
- CBS News Philadelphia
- CBS News Pittsburgh
- CBS News Sacramento
- CBS News Texas
Local News Stations (By Call Sign)
- KAAL ABC 6 News
- KAIM TV
- KAIT
- KAIT 24/7 Weather Channel
- KAIT K8 News
- KALB TV 5 24/7 Weather Channel
- KAUZ News Channel
- KAVU-TV
- KAYU FOX 28
- KBJR Northern News
- KBTX News 3
- KCBD 11
- KCJO
- KCRG 9.2 Live Events
- KCRG TV 9 First Alert Plus
- KCRG TV 9 News
- KCTV 5 First Warm Weather
- KCTV 5 News
- KESE Telemundo
- KESQ
- KEVN TV
- KEYC News
- KEYT ABC
- KFBB FOX
- KFDA News Channel
- KFDA SRT Backup
- KFFX / KCYU
- KFJX TV
- KFPB ABC
- KFVS Heartland News
- KFYR News
- KGMB Watch HNN Live
- KGNS TV
- KGWN Wyoming News
- KHQ
- KHQ SWK
- KIEM TV
- KIFI Local News 8
- KION News 46
- KJCT News 8
- KKCO 11 News
- KKTV 11 News
- KLAB News Channel 5
- KLAX
- KLTV East Texas News
- KMIZ
- KMOT TV
- KMOV First Alert 4
- KMOW First Alert 4 Weather
- KMSG My 53
- KMUV 23 Telemundo
- KMVT 11 News
- KNOE 8 News
- KNOP News 2
- KNXT My 53
- KOB 4
- KOKI FOX23 News
- KOLD 13 News
- KOLN 10/11
- KOLN 10/11 24/7 Weather
- KOLO 8 News
- KOSA CBS 7 News
- KOTA Territory News
- KPLC 7 News
- KPTV FOX 12
- KPVI Channel 6
- KRDO
- KRDO 13.3 Plus
- KSFY Dakota News
- KSLA News 12
- KSNB Local4 News
- KSNB Local4 Weather Live
- KSPR
- KSTP 5 Eyewitness News
- KSWO 7 News
- KTBS News
- KTBS Weather
- KTIV First Alert 24/7 Weather
- KTIV News 4
- KTLE
- KTMF ABC News
- KTRE East Texas 9 News
- KTSF
- KTTC New 10
- KTUU Alaska’s News Service
- KTVF Newscenter
- KTVK Arizona’s Family
- KTVIA ABC 7
- KVIQ
- KVLV Valley News Live
- KVVY FOX 5
- KWCH Eyewitness 12
- KWQC 24/7 First Alert 6 Weather
- KWQC News 6
- KWTX News 10
- KXII News 12
- KXLT FOX 47
- KXLY TV
- KY3 News
- KYMA 11
- KYMA 13
- KYMF FOX News
- KYOY News
- WABG
- WABI TV5 News
- WAFB 9 News
- WAFB 9 News And Weather
- WAFF 48 Forecast Channel
- WAFF 48 News
- WAGM NewsSource 8
- WAGT News 26
- WAKA Action 8
- WALA FOX 10 News
- WALA FOX 10 News and Weather
- WALB News
- WANF Atlanta News
- WANF Special Breaking News
- WAVE 24/7 Weather
- WAVE 3 News
- WBAY Action 2 News
- WBBJ
- WBKO News
- WBKS 11
- WBMM OW
- WBNG
- WBRC FOX 6 Weather
- WBRC FOX 8 News
- WBRZ
- WBRZ Storm Station
- WBTV First Alert 24/7 Weather
- WBTV News 3
- WBUP
- WCAV
- WCAX Channel 3
- WCBI TV
- WCCB Charlotte
- WCCB Charlotte Weather
- WCJB TV 20 News
- WCJB TV20 Weather
- WCSC Live 5 News
- WCTV Eyewitness News
- WDAM 7 News
- WDBJ 7 News
- WDBU 7 24/7 Weather
- WDEF
- WDFX FOX 34
- WDIO News
- WDTV 5 News
- WEAU 18 News
- WECT First Alert 24/7 Weather
- WECT News
- WEEK-NBC
- WENY News
- WFLX FOX29
- WFMU
- WFMZ
- WFMZ Edicion en Espanol
- WFSB
- WFXB
- WGEM News
- WGGB Western Mass News
- WHDH 7 News
- WHEC News10 NBC
- WHNS
- WHQB FOX 13 Memphis
- WHSV News
- WICU Erie News
- WICU First Warning Weather
- WICZ
- WIFR
- WILX News 10
- WINK Doppler 3X
- WINK TV
- WIS News 10
- WISC TV
- WITN News
- WJHG 24/7 Local Weather
- WJHG News Channel
- WK18 Telemundo
- WKBT TV
- WKYT
- WKYT on the CW
- WLBT 3 News
- WLOX News
- WLUC TV 6 News
- WMBF News
- WMC Action News
- WMGT
- WMTV 15 News
- WNBD
- WNDU 16 News Live
- WNEM TV 5 News
- WNKY CBS
- WNKY NBC
- WNYT News Channel 13
- WOIO 19 News
- WOLO ABC Columbia 25
- WOVA
- WOWT 24/7 Weather
- WOWT 6 News
- WPLG 10
- WPTA 21 ALive
- WRAL
- WRCB
- WRDW 12 24/7 Weather
- WRDW News 12
- WRE 14 News
- WSAW NewsChannel 7
- WSAZ 3 24/7 Weather
- WSAZ NewsChannel
- WSEE Erie News Now Plus
- WSFA 12 News
- WSMV 4 News
- WSVN
- WTAP 24/7 Weather
- WTAP News
- WTNZ FOX 43
- WTOC News
- WTOL 24/7 Weather
- WTOL News 11
- WTVG 13 ABC Action News
- WTVM NewsLeader 9
- WTVQ
- WTVY News 4
- WVIR News 29
- WVLT News
- WVUE FOX 8
- WVVA
- WWAY
- WWBT 12 News
- WWNY
- WWSB ABC 7 News
- WWTV 9 and 10 News Plus
- WWYB 9 and 10 News
- WXIX 24/7 Weather
- WXIX FOX 19 Now
- WXVT
- WXXV News 25
- WYMT Mountain News
- WYMT Mountain Weather
- WZMQ
National FAST Channels
- Al Jazeera Arabic
- Al Jazeera English
- Always Funny en Español
- Always Funny English
- American Otaku
- Beaufort TV
- Big Apple Live
- Big Apple Preview
- Dorothea Dix Park
- ET Exhale TV
- First Alert 24/7 News
- Food Curated
- Fuel TV
- Fun Roads TV
- Inside Edition
- Investigate TV+
- JTV
- Lake Michigan, Manitique
- Zeam Channel Local News Live
- Locked On: College Sports
- Locked On: NBA
- Locked On: NFL
- Locked On: Sports Atlanta
- Locked On: Sports Los Angeles
- Locked On: Sports Today
- NY Local Ithaca
- NYC Street Cam
- NYC Street Cam 2
- OCTV One Caribbean Network
- OCTV One Caribbean Weather
- Pinehurst-TV
- Police in Pursuit
- PowerNation
- Pranks and Fails
- Quili TV
- SINO TV Los Angeles
- SINO TV New York
- SINO TV San Francisco
- Sky Link TV
- Sky Vision Beaches
- Sky Vision Live
- SKYV Sky Vision Canada
- SKYV Sky Vision Cities
- SKYV Sky Vision Live
- SKYV Sky Vision Michigan
- SKYV Sky Vision Pennsylvania
- TBe Martin Yan Channel
- TCN+
- Telemundo Laredo
- The Asian Cinema Channel
- The Henry Ford Channel
- Tradition: An Easton and Phillipsburg Story
- UTAH TV
Zeam Original Channels
- Zeam 360 Replay
- Zeam 360 Route 66
- Zeam at the West End
- Zeam NYC Studio
- Zeam Studios and Podcasts
- Zeam360
NewsON Stations (Added August 2025)
Following Zeam’s acquisition of NewsON in August 2025, additional stations from Cox Media Group, E.W. Scripps, and Hearst Television joined the platform. These stations integrate into your local channel lineup based on your market.
NewsON brought coverage to all 210 U.S. designated market areas, expanding Zeam from 80% national coverage to complete nationwide availability.

How Many Channels Does Zeam Offer
Zeam offers approximately 300 station partnerships as of February 2026. This number reflects individual TV stations, not unique channel brands.
The actual number you see varies by location. Urban markets like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago typically show 15-25 local channels. Smaller markets might display 5-10 channels.
Following the NewsON acquisition in August 2025, Zeam now reaches every measured U.S. market. The combined platform includes:
- 300+ original Zeam station partners
- 285+ NewsON station feeds
- Complete coverage of all 210 Nielsen DMAs
Some stations appear in the master channel list but only activate during special events. Zeam360 channels, for example, broadcast live coverage of local festivals, high school sports championships, and community celebrations on a temporary basis.
Zeam Broadcasting Partners & Coverage
Zeam partners with over 30 major broadcasting groups to deliver local content across the United States.
Major Broadcasting Partners
Gray Television – The largest Zeam partner and primary investor. Gray owns and operates TV stations in 113 markets covering approximately 36% of U.S. television households.
CBS Television Stations – Provides CBS News branded channels and local CBS affiliate streams in major markets.
Hearst Television – Operates stations in 33 markets after joining through the NewsON acquisition in August 2025.
Tegna – Contributes stations in 51 markets plus specialized FAST channels including Locked On Sports and True Crime Network.
Hubbard Broadcasting – Provides local coverage from Minnesota, New Mexico, and upstate New York markets.
News Press & Gazette – Regional broadcaster contributing Midwest market coverage.
Morgan Murphy Media – Wisconsin-based group providing local affiliate feeds.
Sinclair Broadcast Group – Stations from Sinclair joined via the NewsON acquisition.
Cox Media Group – Added through NewsON in August 2025.
E.W. Scripps – Another NewsON addition bringing stations from multiple markets.
Coverage Statistics
80% of U.S. Markets – Zeam’s original partnerships before NewsON covered 80% of designated market areas.
100% National Coverage – After acquiring NewsON, Zeam now reaches all 210 Nielsen-measured markets.
300+ Stations – Individual TV station partnerships provide the local content foundation.
30+ Broadcasting Groups – Major and regional broadcasters contribute station feeds.
5 Billion+ Ad Impressions – Zeam’s ad technology has served over 5 billion impressions for broadcast partners.
The Technology Partner
Syncbak, founded in 2009, serves as the technology backbone for Zeam. The company powers:
- All CBS-owned station live streams
- CBS affiliate streams on Paramount+
- Live local feeds for NFL broadcasts
- Streaming distribution to Amazon, Apple TV, Roku, Hulu, and FuboTV
- Nearly 900 U.S. TV station streaming operations
Supported Devices & Platforms
Zeam works on multiple device categories. You can stream from nearly any internet-connected screen.
Smart TV Platforms
Amazon Fire TV – Download the Zeam app from the Amazon Appstore. Compatible with Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Cube, and Fire TV Edition televisions. If you want to explore more free content, check out the complete Amazon Fire Stick free channels list.
Roku TV – Available on all Roku devices including Roku Express, Roku Streaming Stick, Roku Ultra, and Roku-branded smart TVs. Browse the full Roku channels list for additional streaming options.
Apple TV – Download from the tvOS App Store. Works on Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD models.
LG Smart TV – Pre-installed or downloadable on LG TVs running webOS. Learn more about LG TV channels and built-in streaming options.
Samsung Smart TV – Zeam is working on Samsung Tizen integration but full availability varies by model year. Samsung users can also access Samsung TV Plus channels for additional free content.
Mobile Devices
iOS – Download Zeam from the Apple App Store. Requires iOS 14.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone and iPad.
Android – Available on Google Play Store. Requires Android 7.0 or later. Works on phones and tablets.
Web Browser
Visit zeam.com on any desktop or laptop computer. The web player works on:
- Chrome
- Safari
- Firefox
- Edge
- Opera
No app download required for browser streaming.
Connection Requirements
Internet Speed – Minimum 5 Mbps download speed recommended for smooth streaming. 10 Mbps or higher for HD quality.
Wi-Fi or Cellular – Mobile devices can stream over Wi-Fi or cellular data. Be aware of mobile data usage limits.
How to Access Zeam Channels
Getting started with Zeam takes less than two minutes. The service requires no registration for basic viewing.
Installation Steps
Smart TV or Streaming Device:
- Open your device’s app store (Amazon Appstore, Roku Channel Store, Apple App Store)
- Search for “Zeam”
- Select the Zeam app with the blue logo
- Click Install or Download
- Wait for installation to complete
- Open the app
For Fire TV users, you might also want to learn how to get local channels on Amazon Fire Stick through other methods.
Mobile Phone or Tablet:
- Open Apple App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android)
- Search for “Zeam”
- Tap Install
- Open the app after installation
Web Browser:
- Navigate to zeam.com
- Start streaming immediately
Setting Up Location Access
Zeam needs your location to show the correct local channels.
On First Launch:
The app will request location permission. Select “Allow” or “Allow While Using App” to see channels in your market.
If Channels Don’t Appear:
Check your device location settings:
- iOS: Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > Zeam > While Using App
- Android: Settings > Apps > Zeam > Permissions > Location > Allow
- Web Browser: Click the location icon in your browser address bar and select Allow
Manually Enter Location:
If automatic detection fails, visit zeam.com and enter your ZIP code at the bottom of the page. The site will display channels available in that market.
Creating an Account (Optional)
You can watch Zeam without an account. However, creating one adds useful features:
- Save favorite channels for quick access
- Resume watching on-demand content where you left off
- Sync preferences across devices
To create an account, click the profile icon in the app and select Sign Up. Provide an email address and create a password.
Channel Availability by Location
Your Zeam channel lineup depends entirely on geographic location. This section explains why.
Understanding Designated Market Areas (DMAs)
Nielsen divides the United States into 210 designated market areas. Each DMA represents a region where local TV stations broadcast.
For example, DMA #1 is New York, covering the five boroughs plus parts of New Jersey and Connecticut. DMA #2 is Los Angeles, spanning Los Angeles County and surrounding areas.
TV stations hold licenses to broadcast within specific DMAs. A Kansas City station cannot legally stream to a Dallas viewer, even though both use digital delivery.
Zeam respects these geographic broadcasting rights. When you open the app, it detects which DMA you’re in and displays only stations licensed to serve that market.
Why Channel Counts Vary
Major Markets Get More Channels – Cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Philadelphia have partnerships with multiple local stations. These markets might show 20-30 channels.
Smaller Markets Show Fewer Channels – Rural areas or smaller cities might only have 3-5 local affiliates participating in Zeam partnerships.
Broadcasting Group Coverage – If Gray Television owns several stations in your DMA, you’ll see more channels than in a market where Zeam has fewer partnerships.
NewsON Integration – Markets that gained coverage through the NewsON acquisition in August 2025 now have access where none existed before.
Checking Your Local Channels
The only reliable way to see your exact channel lineup is to check within the app:
- Download Zeam on any supported device
- Enable location permissions
- Browse the Live TV section
- The displayed channels are available in your market
Alternatively, visit zeam.com and allow location access or enter your ZIP code.
Zeam vs Other Free Streaming Services
Understanding how Zeam compares to similar platforms helps set proper expectations.
Zeam vs Pluto TV
Content Focus – Zeam delivers local news and community content. Pluto TV offers 250+ national entertainment channels with movies, TV shows, and lifestyle programming.
Channel Types – Zeam shows local broadcast affiliates. Pluto TV features branded FAST channels like MTV Pluto TV, CNN Pluto TV, and movie genre channels.
Geographic Variation – Zeam changes channels based on location. Pluto TV shows the same channel lineup nationwide.
Use Case – Choose Zeam for local news, weather, and regional sports. Pick Pluto TV for on-demand entertainment and national cable channels.
Zeam vs Tubi
Business Model – Both are ad-supported and free. Zeam focuses on live local channels. Tubi specializes in on-demand movies and TV series.
Content Library – Zeam has limited on-demand content, mostly local shows. Tubi hosts over 40,000 movies and series episodes.
Live TV – Zeam is primarily live streaming. Tubi recently added live news channels but remains mostly on-demand.
Best For – Zeam wins for local news coverage. Tubi dominates for binge-watching movies and shows.
Zeam vs Local Now
Similar Mission – Both target local content delivery. Local Now also provides weather and news.
Station Partnerships – Zeam has more broadcasting group partnerships (30+ groups, 300+ stations). Local Now has fewer affiliate relationships.
Market Coverage – Zeam covers all 210 DMAs after NewsON acquisition. Local Now has smaller geographic reach.
Additional Features – Local Now includes weather radar and traffic maps. Zeam focuses purely on video streaming.
Better Choice – Zeam offers more comprehensive local station coverage.
If you’re exploring the best streaming services for local channels, Zeam should be at the top of your list for free options.
Zeam vs NewsON
As of August 2025, NewsON operates as “NewsON. Powered by Zeam” after Zeam acquired the platform.
Current Status – NewsON continues as a standalone app but uses Zeam’s streaming technology and ad platform.
Channel Integration – All NewsON stations now also appear in the main Zeam app for users in those markets.
Why Two Apps – Some users prefer NewsON’s interface or have established habits. Zeam maintains both options.
For viewers interested in premium options, you can compare Zeam with paid services like YouTube TV channels, Hulu TV channels, or FuboTV channels. Fire TV users may also want to explore the top IPTV apps for Firestick for additional viewing options.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Most Zeam problems have simple solutions. Here are fixes for frequent issues.
No Channels Available
Problem: You open Zeam and see “No channels available in your area.”
Solutions:
Check location permissions. Go to device settings and confirm Zeam has access to your location.
Try entering your ZIP code manually on zeam.com to verify coverage in your area.
Your market might not have Zeam partnerships yet. Check the official website for market coverage updates.
Restart the app completely. Close it from your device’s app manager and reopen.
Buffering or Lagging
Problem: Video constantly pauses to buffer or plays in low quality.
Solutions:
Test your internet speed at fast.com. Zeam needs minimum 5 Mbps for standard quality, 10+ Mbps for HD.
Disconnect other devices using your network. Streaming on multiple devices simultaneously causes buffering.
Move closer to your Wi-Fi router if using wireless connection.
Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.
Close other apps running in the background.
Try lowering video quality in Zeam settings if available.
Can’t Favorite Channels
Problem: The favorite or bookmark option doesn’t work.
Solutions:
Update Zeam to the latest version. Open your device app store and check for updates.
Create a Zeam account. Some features require signing in.
Clear app cache. On Android: Settings > Apps > Zeam > Storage > Clear Cache. On iOS: Delete and reinstall the app.
App Crashes or Won’t Open
Problem: Zeam closes unexpectedly or fails to launch.
Solutions:
Update the app to the newest version available.
Restart your device completely.
Uninstall and reinstall the Zeam app.
Check for device software updates. Outdated operating systems cause app crashes.
Free up storage space. Low device storage affects app performance.
Video Won’t Play
Problem: Channel loads but video screen stays black or shows an error.
Solutions:
Check if the station is currently broadcasting. Some local channels have limited hours.
Try a different channel to see if the problem is widespread or specific to one station.
Refresh the app by closing and reopening it.
Clear browser cache if using the web player.
Disable VPN or proxy services. Zeam blocks connections from VPNs to enforce geographic licensing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zeam completely free?
Yes. Zeam charges no subscription fees, requires no credit card, and has no hidden costs. The service operates on an ad-supported model, similar to traditional broadcast TV.
Do I need to create an account?
No. You can start watching immediately without registration. Creating an account adds features like favorites and watch history but remains optional.
Why don’t I see ABC, NBC, CBS, or FOX shows?
Zeam streams local station broadcasts, not network programming. You’ll see local news from ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX affiliates, but not national primetime shows like Grey’s Anatomy or NFL games. Network programming rights remain restricted.
Can I watch Zeam outside the United States?
No. Zeam only operates in the United States due to broadcasting rights restrictions. Users outside the U.S. cannot access the service.
Does Zeam work with a VPN?
Zeam blocks VPN connections to enforce geographic licensing requirements. You must connect from your actual location to see appropriate channels.
How many commercials will I see?
Commercial frequency matches traditional broadcast TV. Expect ads during natural program breaks. The exact amount varies by content and time of day.
Can I download videos to watch offline?
No. Zeam does not support offline downloads. Content requires an active internet connection.
Who owns Zeam?
Zeam is owned by Syncbak, a streaming technology company founded in 2009. Major investors include Gray Television, the National Association of Broadcasters, and several other broadcasting groups.
What happened to VUit?
VUit was the predecessor to Zeam. Syncbak shut down VUit in early 2024 after launching Zeam as a more comprehensive replacement with expanded partnerships and features.
Does Zeam show sports?
Yes, but with limitations. You’ll find local high school sports, regional college games, and community sporting events. National professional sports like NFL and NBA remain unavailable due to exclusive broadcast rights.
Conclusion
Zeam delivers free access to local TV content across all U.S. markets. The 300+ station partnerships provide news, weather, sports, and community programming without subscription fees.
The service works best for viewers who want local information. You won’t find national network shows or cable entertainment, but you get comprehensive coverage of what’s happening in your community.
Following the NewsON acquisition in August 2025, Zeam now reaches every designated market area in the United States. Whether you live in a major city or rural town, local content is available.
Download Zeam on your preferred device and enable location services to see your local channel lineup. The platform costs nothing, requires no commitment, and provides immediate access to local broadcast content.
For cord-cutters building a complete free streaming setup, combine Zeam with other no-cost services like Sling Freestream, Airy TV, Amazon Freevee, and MyFree DirecTV. Together, these platforms offer hundreds of channels covering local news, entertainment, movies, and sports.