CBS online news service gets off the ground

CBS began streaming a free, live, online news channel on Thursday.

The new CBSN streaming network “offers live, anchored coverage from the reporters you trust — anywhere, anytime,” CBS claimed. 

{mosads}Viewers can tune in via their computers, smartphones or tablets, as well as through connected devices such as Apple TV and Roku.

White House press secretary Josh Earnest was among the first guests on the network, which explores political issues as well as entertainment news and other events.

He was quick to note the opportunities of the new medium on Thursday, after an anchor quoted Sen. Joe Manchin’s (D-W.Va.) characterization of Tuesday’s election results as a “real ass-whooping.”

“I guess you can say that on the Internet, maybe not on cable,” Earnest said.

More and more companies have begun to explore ways of offering online-only video channels that go above and beyond the offerings of Netflix and Hulu. In addition to CBSN, CBS has announced plans for a new online streaming service that people can subscribe to and watch live broadcast TV as well as the network’s catalogue of old shows. 

In response to the trend, the Federal Communications Commission has circulated a proposal to extend some of its existing cable rules to services operating over the Internet. The rules would give those online companies the same opportunity to buy rights to TV shows as cable services such as Comcast and Time Warner Cable.