BBC News does not offer a free 24/7 live stream that other websites can show, so this page is a guide to the official ways to watch the BBC News channel live. Which option works for you depends on where you are, and LiveNewsWorld does not host or re-broadcast any BBC stream.
How to watch BBC News live (official options)
In the UK: BBC iPlayer
The BBC News channel streams live on BBC iPlayer. You need to be in the UK to watch BBC TV channels on iPlayer, and you need a TV Licence to watch or record live TV on any channel or to use iPlayer.
Watch BBC News live on BBC iPlayer (UK, official)
In the US: the BBC app and BBC.com
In the United States, the BBC’s own subscription on BBC.com and the BBC app includes the 24/7 BBC News channel livestream. The BBC lists the price as $8.99 a month or $49.99 for the first year. In Canada, the BBC’s subscription does not include the BBC News channel.
Anywhere: BBC World Service radio
BBC World Service radio streams live free on BBC Sounds and BBC.com, including for US users who do not subscribe. It is audio rather than TV, but it carries round-the-clock world news from the BBC.
Listen to BBC World Service live (official)
On TV providers and YouTube
Outside the UK, the BBC News channel is also carried by many pay-TV and hotel TV providers; check your provider’s channel list. The official BBC News YouTube channel posts clips and reports, but it does not run a 24/7 live stream of the channel.
All options above are official BBC sources. Each opens on a BBC website in a new tab. LiveNewsWorld does not host or embed BBC video.
BBC News channel quick facts
| Channel | BBC News |
|---|---|
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Broadcaster | British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) |
| Format | 24-hour news, serving UK and international audiences |
| UK live stream | BBC iPlayer (UK only, TV Licence required) |
| Official site | bbc.com/news |
| Facts checked | October 2026 |
About BBC News
The BBC News channel launched in November 1997 as BBC News 24 and has been one of the UK’s main sources of rolling news ever since. In 2023 the BBC merged its UK news channel with its international channel, BBC World News, so a single BBC News channel now serves viewers in the UK and around the world, with some programmes shown only in one region.
The channel carries breaking news, live coverage of Parliament, elections and major events, business and sport updates, and interviews. Its programmes include the main BBC bulletins and international shows presented from London, Washington and Singapore.
Because the BBC is funded in the UK by the licence fee, its live TV streams are tied to that system at home and to commercial deals abroad. That is why there is no free worldwide live video stream, and why unofficial restreams on third-party sites are not legitimate.
Tips for following BBC News live
If you travel outside the UK, iPlayer live TV will not work, even with a TV Licence. Use BBC World Service radio, the BBC app where the channel is included, or a local TV provider.
For quick updates without a subscription, the live pages on bbc.com/news and the BBC News YouTube channel carry text updates and short video clips during big stories.
Be wary of websites that claim to show a free BBC News live stream. They are not official and may stop working or carry unsafe ads.
BBC News live FAQs
Can I watch BBC News live for free?
In the UK, iPlayer is free to use with a TV Licence. Elsewhere, free official live video is not generally available, but BBC World Service radio streams free.
Is there a 24/7 BBC News live stream on YouTube?
No. The official BBC News YouTube channel publishes clips and reports but does not stream the channel around the clock.
Can I watch iPlayer outside the UK?
No. BBC TV channels on iPlayer are only available in the UK.
Does LiveNewsWorld show a BBC News stream?
No. This page links only to official BBC options. LiveNewsWorld does not host or embed any BBC stream.
