Introduction: Staying Connected to India from the USA
Living in the USA doesn’t mean you have to miss out on what’s happening in India. Whether you’re an Indian expatriate, a global citizen with ties to India, or someone simply interested in the world’s largest democracy, keeping up with Indian news can help you stay connected to the country’s dynamic political, cultural, and social landscape.
Thanks to technological advancements, it’s easier than ever to access Indian news channels right from your living room. If you’re wondering how to watch Indian news channels in the USA, we’ve got you covered! Here’s a comprehensive guide to watching live news broadcasts, keeping up with current affairs, and staying engaged with India’s news scene from abroad.
Popular Indian News Channels You Can Watch in the USA
Before diving into how you can watch Indian news channels, let’s look at some of the most prominent news networks you might want to follow:
NDTV (New Delhi Television)
One of the leading news channels in India, NDTV is known for its balanced reporting, detailed news coverage, and in-depth analysis of both national and international events. It’s available through several streaming platforms and satellite TV services in the USA.
Times Now
Times Now is a popular 24-hour English-language news channel, known for its bold and investigative journalism. It covers a wide range of topics, including politics, business, sports, and entertainment. The channel has a strong following, especially among those who want fast, on-the-ground reports from India.
Republic TV
Launched by Indian journalist Arnab Goswami, https://ndtopnews.com/ has quickly gained popularity for its aggressive news reporting and debates on political issues. It is one of the most-watched Hindi and English news channels in India, and you can easily catch it live in the USA through various online platforms.
CNN-News18
CNN-News18 is another prominent news channel that offers 24-hour news coverage in English. It is affiliated with CNN, offering a mix of Indian and international news, along with business, technology, and entertainment segments.
Ways to Watch Indian News Channels in the USA
Now that you know the top news channels, let’s talk about the different ways you can tune into Indian news from the USA.
Streaming Services and Apps
Streaming apps and services make it easy to access Indian news channels on-demand or live, without needing traditional cable subscriptions.
Hotstar (Disney+ Hotstar)
One of the most popular platforms for watching Indian content abroad is Hotstar (now part of Disney+ Hotstar). Hotstar offers live streaming of many Indian news channels, along with sports, TV shows, and movies. To access live news, you’ll need a paid subscription, but it offers a wide range of content from India.
JioTV
For those who are particularly fond of Indian television content, JioTV is a popular streaming app that lets you watch live TV from India, including news channels. However, this service is generally available only for Jio users in India. To access JioTV from the USA, you may need to use a VPN (which we’ll cover shortly).
YouTube Channels
Many Indian news channels, such as NDTV, Republic TV, and Times Now, live stream their broadcasts on YouTube. This is one of the easiest and most free ways to stay updated with the latest headlines. Just head to their official channels on YouTube and you can watch live broadcasts or catch up on recent shows and interviews.
Satellite TV and Cable Providers
If you’re a fan of traditional TV, several satellite and cable providers in the USA offer Indian news channels as part of their packages. These services typically provide high-definition broadcasts of the channels, just as you would get in India.
Dish Network
Dish Network offers a variety of South Asian packages that include popular Indian news channels such as NDTV, Republic TV, and Times Now. The network has affordable packages that let you choose specific content related to your interests.
DirecTV
DirecTV also provides South Asian content, including Indian news networks. While some channels may be limited to specific packages, DirecTV remains a solid option for those who prefer cable.
Sling TV
Sling TV is an internet-based TV service that includes South Asian packages with live Indian news channels. It’s a great option for cord-cutters who still want access to live broadcasts. It’s available in the USA and offers flexible pricing plans.
VPN Services: Accessing Indian TV Content Abroad
If some of the streaming services or apps are geo-restricted in your region, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help you access Indian content from anywhere in the world. A VPN allows you to connect to a server in India, making it appear as though you’re accessing the internet from within the country.
By using a reliable VPN service, you can unblock streaming apps like JioTV or access Indian TV websites that might not be available in the USA.
Free vs. Paid Options for Watching Indian News in the USA
When it comes to watching Indian news channels, you have both free and paid options available. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
Free Streaming Options
- YouTube Channels: As mentioned earlier, YouTube is one of the easiest platforms for watching Indian news for free. Many news networks upload live streams and updates regularly, making it a great free option.
- News Websites: Some Indian news channels like NDTV or Republic TV provide live updates and video content on their official websites for free. You can catch major breaking news events without paying a dime.
Paid Subscription Models
- Hotstar (Disney+ Hotstar): A paid subscription provides access to exclusive content, including live news broadcasts. It’s a good option if you’re looking for comprehensive Indian news and entertainment.
- Cable TV Packages: Dish Network, DirecTV, and Sling TV require paid subscriptions for access to Indian news channels. These plans typically include other entertainment channels as well.
How to Stay Updated on Indian News Channels from the USA
Even if you can’t always catch live news broadcasts, there are plenty of ways to stay updated on Indian current events.
Setting Notifications for News Alerts
Most news apps and websites let you set up notifications for breaking news. If you’re following channels like NDTV, Republic TV, or Times Now, you can get real-time alerts straight to your phone or desktop.
Using Social Media for Instant Updates
Social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram are fantastic ways to get instant updates. News channels, journalists, and political leaders often share breaking news updates through their official social media profiles, providing you with the latest stories as they unfold.
Conclusion: Keeping Connected with Indian News
Staying updated on Indian news from the USA is easier than ever, thanks to a wide array of streaming services, cable providers, and apps. Whether you prefer watching live TV or catching up on social media, you have a variety of options to ensure you never miss a headline. By utilizing platforms like Hotstar, YouTube, or traditional satellite services, you can stay connected with India’s ever-evolving news cycle and continue to follow the stories that matter most to you.