Free Speech TV remains America’s only independent, viewer-supported progressive news network, broadcasting commercial-free since 1995. In an era when six corporations control 90% of American media, FSTV stands as essential counterprogramming for viewers who want news coverage free from corporate advertising influence and Wall Street pressure.
This guide covers every way to watch Free Speech TV live in 2026, from completely free streaming options to satellite and cable providers that carry the channel.
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📺 Quick Facts
Founded: 1995 (30+ years)
DISH Network: Channel 9415
DirecTV: Channel 348
Reach: 40+ million homes
Format: Commercial-free, 24/7
Structure: 501(c)(3) nonprofit
💻 Free Streaming
FreeSpeech.org: Direct free stream
Live News Chat: Free with chat
Roku: Free FSTV channel
Amazon Alexa: Voice-activated
Sling TV: Blue package ($45.99/mo)
What Is Free Speech TV?
Free Speech TV is a nonprofit, viewer-supported television network that provides 24/7 progressive news and public affairs programming without commercial advertising. Unlike every other news network in America, FSTV doesn’t answer to corporate advertisers or media conglomerates. The network’s funding comes directly from viewer donations and progressive foundations, creating genuine editorial independence.
In January 2000, as the result of an FCC-mandated public interest channel set-aside, Free Speech TV became a national full-time channel on the Dish Network satellite system. The network secured a national channel on DirecTV in 2010, expanding its reach to over 40 million television homes across the United States.
FSTV’s programming includes flagship shows like Democracy Now! with Amy Goodman and Juan González, The Thom Hartmann Program, and The Stephanie Miller Show. The network covers stories and perspectives that corporate-sponsored programming cannot address, from labor organizing and environmental justice to corporate accountability and grassroots political movements.
FSTV 2026 Programming Schedule
Free Speech TV updated its programming schedule in April 2025, adding Al Jazeera English news and new shows while maintaining its core lineup of progressive political programming.
Flagship FSTV Programs
🎙️ Democracy Now!
Award-winning daily news program hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan González. The show launched as a television program on FSTV during the 2000 Republican and Democratic conventions and has become the network’s most popular show, covering stories overlooked by mainstream media with in-depth investigative journalism.
📻 The Thom Hartmann Program
Daily progressive political talk show with author and host Thom Hartmann, based in Portland, Oregon. The program focuses on political news and commentary from a leftist perspective, featuring expert guests and caller interaction. Now available in evening replays at 9 PM ET by popular demand.
😂 The Stephanie Miller Show
Talk radio and satire blend for an entertaining broadcast covering current events, pop culture, and politics. Miller moved to FSTV from the defunct Current TV in 2014 after a successful crowdfunding campaign to build a new radio/TV studio.
🔧 The Rick Smith Show
Working-class truth every weekday at 3 PM ET. Rick Smith took over the afternoon slot in April 2025 after Randi Rhodes retired, continuing FSTV’s tradition of pro-labor, working-class focused political coverage.
📰 The David Pakman Show
Nationally syndicated talk radio and television program discussing politics, science, business, and entertainment from a progressive perspective. Known for its analytical approach to current events and political commentary.
🌍 Al Jazeera English News
International news coverage added to FSTV’s lineup in April 2025. Catch world news perspectives rarely seen on American networks at 5:30 PM and 7 PM ET daily.
How To Watch Free Speech TV
FSTV provides multiple free and paid options for accessing its progressive programming.
Free Streaming Options
FreeSpeech.org
Free 24/7 live stream directly from FSTV. No login required. Also offers video-on-demand access to recent programs.
Live News Chat
Free stream with interactive chat community where progressive activists discuss social justice, environmental policy, and political movements in real-time.
Roku Channel
Free FSTV channel available through Roku devices. FSTV piloted its first Roku channel in 2011 and continues offering free streaming.
Amazon Alexa
Voice-activated access through Amazon Alexa devices. Say “Alexa, play Free Speech TV” to start the live stream.
Satellite and Cable Providers
DISH Network
Channel: 9415
FSTV became a full-time channel on DISH in January 2000 as part of an FCC-mandated public interest set-aside. Available in America’s Top 120 and higher packages.
DirecTV
Channel: 348
FSTV secured national DirecTV carriage in 2010. Available in Select, Entertainment, Choice, and higher packages.
Burlington Telecom
Channel: 122
Full-time cable channel in Burlington, Vermont since 2012.
Ashland Home Net
Channel: 96
Full-time cable channel in Ashland, Oregon since 2012.
Paid Streaming Services
Sling TV Blue
Price: $45.99/month
Sling TV includes FSTV in its basic Blue package. The most affordable streaming option for accessing Free Speech TV alongside other news channels.
DirecTV Stream
Price: $84.99/month
Includes FSTV in Entertainment tier and above. Offers unlimited cloud DVR and broad device compatibility.
Streaming Service Comparison
Why Free Speech TV Matters
FSTV operates as a nonprofit, viewer-supported network without corporate advertising, enabling comprehensive coverage of stories and perspectives that corporate-sponsored programming cannot address. While mainstream networks must consider advertiser interests and corporate ownership, FSTV can provide uncompromising coverage of corporate accountability, systemic change advocacy, and grassroots organizing strategies that challenge power structures.
The network’s editorial independence stems from its funding model. FSTV is supported primarily through philanthropic contributions from thousands of viewers and from foundations dedicated to independent media and social, economic, and environmental justice. This means no pharmaceutical company can pull ads over drug pricing coverage, no defense contractor can influence war reporting, and no tech giant can shape coverage of antitrust issues.
FSTV History
Free Speech TV was established in 1995 as an innovative approach to curating and distributing independent media through a network of community access cable stations. The network’s fortunes changed dramatically when the Clinton administration in 1998 began pressuring satellite direct-broadcast TV providers to set aside at least 4% of available channels for commercial-free public access.
Program highlights from FSTV’s formative years included live field reporting of the anti-globalization movement at the 1999 WTO protests in Seattle, coverage of the 2000 presidential elections including Democracy Now!’s premiere as a television program, and extensive coverage of the September 11 attacks and subsequent anti-war mobilization.
In 2007, FSTV moved from Boulder to Denver, covering events inside and outside the 2008 Democratic National Convention. The network provided critical coverage of the Occupy Wall Street movement in 2011 and Wisconsin workers’ rights protests. FSTV and General Manager Jon Stout received the 2010 National Professional Freedom and Responsibility Award from the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Free Speech TV free to watch?
Yes. FSTV streams free 24/7 at FreeSpeech.org, through the Roku channel, and here at Live News Chat. No subscription required.
What channel is Free Speech TV on DISH?
FSTV is on DISH Network channel 9415.
What channel is FSTV on DirecTV?
Free Speech TV is on DirecTV channel 348.
Does Sling TV have Free Speech TV?
Yes, Sling TV Blue ($45.99/month) includes FSTV in its channel lineup.
Who owns Free Speech TV?
FSTV is owned and operated by Public Communicators, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The network is viewer-supported with no corporate ownership.
What happened to Randi Rhodes on FSTV?
Randi Rhodes retired in April 2025. Her 3 PM ET time slot was taken over by Rick Smith, a longtime FSTV favorite.
Does FSTV have commercials?
No. Free Speech TV has been commercial-free since 1995, funded entirely by viewer donations and foundation support.
Related Live Streams
Looking for more news coverage? Check out these related live streams:
- MSNBC Live Stream – Progressive cable news coverage
- Al Jazeera English Live Stream – International news perspectives
- PBS Live Stream – Public broadcasting news
- C-SPAN Live Stream – Unfiltered government coverage
- CNN Live Stream – 24/7 cable news