Spectrum News+ Launches as FAST Channel on Xumo Play

STAMFORD, Conn. – Spectrum News today announced the launch of Spectrum News+ on Xumo Play, the free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service. Previously available only to Spectrum customers, the national news network harnesses the strength of Spectrum News’ more than 30 award-winning local news networks and features a unique mix of objective localized reporting, national headlines, and weather forecasts. 

“This marks a significant milestone in Spectrum News’ mission to bring its trusted news and information to a broader audience, expanding access to quality, unbiased reporting,” said Alison Hellman, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Spectrum News.  “Our Spectrum News reporters embedded throughout the communities we serve and in our nation’s capital deliver extensive coverage of the major issues and local stories that really matter to our viewers. And in any national election year, we have the unique ability to make the national conversation locally relevant.” 

The expansion to Xumo Play offers non-Spectrum customers the opportunity to engage with Spectrum News’ local and national content. From essential news and captivating stories to comprehensive weather reporting, viewers now have more ways to stay informed. This announcement follows the successful rollout of Spectrum’s Xumo Stream Box in the fall of 2023, which also features the Spectrum News App, further broadening access to Spectrum News’ trusted coverage. 

“The launch of Spectrum News+ on Xumo Play gives our viewers another great option for staying informed on the latest events and happenings, especially during a critical election year,” said Stefan Van Engen, Vice President, Programming and Partnerships, Xumo. “News is one of the most-viewed genres on Xumo Play, and the addition of Spectrum News+ further enriches our lineup and demonstrates our commitment to delivering quality programming for viewers.” 

Spectrum News+ joins hundreds of other ad-supported linear channels available on Xumo Play. Xumo Play anchors the free content offering on Xumo devices and is available on all other major streaming platforms including Amazon, Android, Apple, Roku, Samsung, Sony, and more.

Spectrum News+ initially launched in 2023 and, along with all local Spectrum News networks, is available to Spectrum customers via the Spectrum News App on mobile, Xumo Stream Box, and Roku and Apple TV streaming devices. 

Spectrum News has consistently outperformed the major cable and broadcast news networks among Spectrum customers, averaging 1.8 million daily viewing households in 2024 across its linear and digital platforms spanning California, Florida, Hawaii, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas and Wisconsin.*

*Spectrum set-top box data is sourced from all markets where Spectrum News has distribution and is based on a minimum threshold of five consecutive minutes of viewing on one station to count as a viewing HH. 

About Spectrum Networks

Spectrum Networks is a series of 24/7 news and sports networks owned and operated by Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR), a leading broadband connectivity company and cable operator serving more than 32 million customers in 41 states. Spectrum Networks carry distinct, comprehensive, and exclusive local programming on over 30 networks across Charter’s footprint. More information on Spectrum Networks is available at spectrumlocalnews.com.

Media Contact

Claudia Claussen

Claudia.Claussen@charter.com