There is no one answer. FOX’s main broadcast channel changes city to city because it comes from your local TV station, not a national satellite feed. But FOX News, FS1, and FS2 stay the same everywhere. Here is everything sorted out in one place.
Most people just need a fast answer. Here are the questions that come up most — answered without the detour.
1 What channel is FOX on DirecTV in the biggest U.S. cities? New York: Ch. 5 · Los Angeles: Ch. 11 · Chicago: Ch. 32 · Houston: Ch. 26 · Phoenix: Ch. 10 · Philadelphia: Ch. 29 · Dallas: Ch. 4 · San Francisco: Ch. 2 · Miami: Ch. 7 · Denver: Ch. 31 ▼
2 What channel is FOX News on DirecTV? Channel 360 — everywhere in the country, no exceptions. FOX News is a national cable channel, not a local station, so it has one fixed number on DirecTV regardless of your ZIP code. ▼
3 What channel is FS1 (FOX Sports 1) on DirecTV? Channel 219 — nationwide. FS1 is a national sports cable network, so it has the same fixed number on DirecTV everywhere. FS2 is on channel 618. Fox Business is on channel 359. ▼
4 Why does the local FOX channel number change from city to city? Because FOX does not own the station in your market — a local media company does. FOX licenses its name and network programming to hundreds of independent affiliate stations, each of which has its own broadcast channel number assigned before cable ever existed. ▼
5 Is local FOX included in every DirecTV plan, or do I need a specific package? Local FOX is included in every DirecTV package — Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate, and Premier — at no extra charge, where available in your market. You do not need to upgrade to get it. ▼
6 FOX disappeared from my DirecTV guide — what happened? Almost certainly a carriage dispute. DirecTV and the local station’s owner failed to agree on renewal fees. As of mid-2026, a dispute with E.W. Scripps pulled FOX affiliates from DirecTV in dozens of markets. Check directv.com/lostchannels for updates and potential bill credits. ▼
7 Can I watch FOX on DirecTV on my phone or tablet? Yes — through the DirecTV app. Download it on iOS or Android, sign in with your DirecTV account, and you can watch live FOX (local and national) wherever you are, as long as you have an internet connection and are within the U.S. ▼
Understanding this once saves a lot of confusion — not just with FOX but with every local broadcast network on any TV provider.
The FOX you watch for NFL games, primetime shows, and local news is not a single national broadcast. Fox Corporation owns and operates 18 of its own stations, but they only reach a fraction of the country. To cover the rest of the U.S., Fox licenses its brand and programming to over 240 independently owned local television stations — called affiliates — that agree to air Fox’s network schedule while also producing their own local news and content. Each of those affiliate stations holds a broadcast license from the FCC with its own assigned frequency and channel number. DirecTV carries those stations using the same numbers they broadcast on over the air. That is why the channel number for “FOX” differs in every market.
FOX News (channel 360), FS1 (channel 219), FS2 (channel 618), and Fox Business (channel 359) are national cable channels — Fox Corporation owns and operates them directly. They are distributed to every DirecTV subscriber in the country under one fixed channel number. The local FOX broadcast station is a completely different entity — owned by a separate media company, licensed separately, and assigned its own channel number by the FCC before DirecTV ever existed. These two types of FOX content feel like the same thing because they share the FOX name, but they come from entirely different sources with entirely different contracts.
Even though the exact number varies, local FOX always appears in the same general zone of DirecTV’s guide: the low numbers, typically between channels 2 and 69, right alongside your local ABC, CBS, NBC, and PBS stations. You will not find your local FOX buried in the 200s or 300s — those are where national cable channels live. Most California markets sit between channels 2 and 13. Texas markets for FOX typically land between 4 and 29. Florida markets usually run between 7 and 35. If you scroll through channels 2 through 69 in your DirecTV guide, you will find it.
The table below covers the most-searched U.S. markets. If your city is not listed, use the guide method described in the next section — it takes under 60 seconds and works for any address.
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| City | State | FOX Ch. # | Local Station |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | NY | 5 | WNYW |
| Los Angeles | CA | 11 | KTTV |
| Chicago | IL | 32 | WFLD |
| Houston | TX | 26 | KRIV |
| Phoenix | AZ | 10 | KSAZ |
| Philadelphia | PA | 29 | WTXF |
| San Antonio | TX | 29 | KABB |
| San Diego | CA | 69 | KSWB |
| Dallas / Ft. Worth | TX | 4 | KDFW |
| San Francisco | CA | 2 | KTVU |
| Seattle / Tacoma | WA | 13 | KCPQ |
| Miami | FL | 7 | WSVN |
| Atlanta | GA | 5 | WAGA |
| Denver | CO | 31 | KDVR |
| Minneapolis | MN | 9 or 29 | KMSP / WFTC |
| Detroit | MI | 2 | WJBK |
| Orlando | FL | 35 | WOFL |
| Tampa / St. Pete | FL | 13 | WTVT |
| Washington D.C. | DC | 5 | WTTG |
| Las Vegas | NV | 5 | KVVU |
| Portland | OR | 12 | KPTV |
| Charlotte | NC | 46 | WCCB |
| St. Louis | MO | 2 | KTVI |
| Sacramento | CA | 40 | KTXL |
| Pittsburgh | PA | 53 | WPGH |
| Austin | TX | 7 | KTBC |
| Kansas City | MO | 4 | WDAF |
| Nashville | TN | 17 | WZTV |
| Cleveland | OH | 8 | WJW |
| Indianapolis | IN | 59 | WXIN |
| Louisville | KY | 41 or 59 | WMYO / WDRB |
| Boston | MA | 25 | WFXT |
| Memphis | TN | 13 | WHBQ |
| New Orleans | LA | 8 | WVUE |
| Honolulu | HI | 2 | KHON |
Channel numbers reflect the local affiliate’s DirecTV assignment, which matches the station’s over-the-air broadcast number. Availability is subject to current carriage agreements — check directv.com/lostchannels if a channel is missing from your guide.
These national FOX channels have the same number on DirecTV everywhere in the country. No city lookup required.
The national 24-hour cable news network. Channel 360 is the same on DirecTV from Maine to Hawaii — no variation, no exceptions. FOX News is a completely separate channel from the local FOX broadcast station in your area. Local FOX shows NFL games, primetime dramas, and local news. FOX News shows political commentary, breaking news coverage, and talk programs around the clock. Included in DirecTV’s Entertainment package and all higher tiers. Also available through the DirecTV app on any device.
FS1 is Fox Corporation’s flagship national sports cable channel, at DirecTV channel 219 everywhere in the U.S. The programming lineup covers college football, UFC fight cards, NASCAR Cup Series races, international soccer, and MLB regular season games. During major blackouts of local FOX affiliates — like the 2026 Scripps dispute — FS1 remains fully live on DirecTV because it is owned by Fox Corporation directly, not by the local station owners involved in the dispute. If your local FOX is dark but you need to catch a sports event that was scheduled there, check FS1 at 219 first.
FS2 handles overflow sports events and secondary games when FS1 is occupied. Channel 618, same nationwide. It carries additional college football games, international soccer, motorsports, and backup coverage during crowded sports weekends. FS2 is included in DirecTV’s Choice package and above — it is not part of the base Entertainment plan. If you primarily want FS2 for a specific sport, check your plan tier before expecting to find it.
Fox Corporation’s national business and financial news channel. Channel 359 on DirecTV, coast to coast. Covers stock markets, economic news, business interviews, and financial analysis throughout the trading day, with opinion programming in the evenings. Included in all DirecTV plans from Entertainment and above. Separate from both FOX News and the local FOX broadcast station.
Fox Deportes delivers Spanish-language sports coverage at DirecTV channel 465 nationwide. Soccer is the primary offering — Liga MX, international friendlies, and Copa coverage — alongside select boxing and other sports content. Available in DirecTV’s Choice package and above, and also part of the MiEspañol Spanish-language add-on package. A separate channel from FS1 and the local FOX affiliate entirely.
If your city is not in the table above, or you want to confirm the exact number for your specific address, these three methods work instantly.
- 1 Use the Guide button on your DirecTV remote Press the Guide button on your remote control. Then press the Yellow button to open the channel filter menu. Select “Local Channels” from the filter list. Scroll down — FOX will appear there with its exact channel number for your home address. This is the most reliable method because it shows what is actually available at your location right now, including any current blackout situations.
- 2 Search “FOX” in the DirecTV on-screen search Press the Search or Magnifying Glass button on your remote and type FOX. Your local FOX affiliate will appear in the results alongside FS1, FOX News, and other FOX-branded channels. The local affiliate’s name (like WFLD or KSAZ) appears next to it, and the channel number is shown. This also works in the DirecTV app on your phone or tablet.
- 3 Enter your ZIP code at directv.com Go to directv.com on any browser, navigate to the channel lineup or local channel lookup section, and enter your ZIP code. DirecTV’s website will show you the exact local channels available at your address, including the FOX affiliate’s channel number. This is also how you confirm whether your local FOX is currently affected by any carriage dispute before you subscribe.
Every DirecTV plan includes local FOX and the main national FOX channels. The differences between plans come down to sports depth, movie channels, and premium networks — not FOX access.
DirecTV’s entry-level plan. Includes your local FOX broadcast affiliate, FOX News (ch. 360), FS1 (ch. 219), and Fox Business (ch. 359). Does not include FS2 or Fox Deportes. No regional sports networks (RSNs). This is the right tier if you mainly want local FOX for primetime shows, NFL games on broadcast, and local news — plus FOX News for cable news coverage. 90+ total channels.
Adds regional sports networks (RSNs) to the Entertainment lineup, plus FS2 (ch. 618), Fox Deportes (ch. 465), and additional cable channels. If you follow a local pro sports team — MLB, NBA, NHL, or MLS — whose games air on a regional sports network, Choice is the minimum plan you need. All FOX channels from Entertainment are included, plus the expanded sports coverage.
Adds CBS Sports Network, NHL Network, TUDN, and an expanded movie and entertainment lineup on top of everything in Choice. All FOX channels remain included. Best for households that want broader international sports coverage (soccer, hockey) alongside the standard FOX sports lineup.
DirecTV’s all-inclusive tier. Every channel from lower plans, plus Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, Cinemax, and the full premium suite bundled in. All FOX channels included. ESPN Unlimited access is also part of the Premier package. Built for households where multiple people want access to everything — sports, entertainment, and premium cable — under one bill.
A missing local FOX channel almost always means a carriage dispute. This is not a technical glitch and restarting your receiver will not fix it. Here is what actually helps.
DirecTV does not own your local FOX affiliate — it pays a separate company to include it in the lineup. When DirecTV’s contract with that company expires without a new deal, the station goes dark on DirecTV until both sides reach an agreement. In May and June 2026, E.W. Scripps pulled 54 of its stations — including FOX affiliates — from DirecTV across 36 markets. This affected cities including Cleveland, Denver, Detroit, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Nashville, and Phoenix. Past disputes have also involved Nexstar and other major broadcast groups. These blackouts can last days, weeks, or longer depending on how negotiations go.
Before looking for workarounds, check FS1 at channel 219. FS1 is owned directly by Fox Corporation — not by the local affiliate owners involved in carriage disputes. So even when your local FOX affiliate is blacked out, FS1 stays live on DirecTV. During the 2026 World Cup blackout caused by the Scripps dispute, FS1 carried many of the same matches that local FOX affiliates aired — sometimes simultaneously, sometimes on a delay. If you are trying to catch a specific sporting event and your local FOX is dark, channel 219 is always the first place to check.
Your local FOX affiliate broadcasts over the air for free — no cable, no satellite, no subscription. An HD indoor antenna plugged into your TV’s antenna port pulls in that signal directly, completely independent of DirecTV. Antennas cost $20 to $50 at most electronics stores or online, and once you connect one, you get your local FOX channel live regardless of any DirecTV dispute. This is the most immediate fix for missing local channels during any blackout, and it works permanently as a backup even after DirecTV and the station resolve their disagreement.
Go to FOX.com on any browser or the FOX app on your phone or tablet. Sign in using your DirecTV credentials. In many markets, this gives you access to live streaming of your local FOX affiliate directly — bypassing the DirecTV guide entirely. This works because FOX’s streaming rights are often separately licensed from the affiliate’s carriage agreement with DirecTV. Not every market supports live streaming through FOX.com, but it is worth trying before exploring other options.
During extended blackouts, DirecTV sometimes offers bill credits to subscribers who are missing channels they are paying for. Go to directv.com/lostchannels to check whether your local FOX affiliate is listed in a current dispute, and to see what DirecTV is offering affected customers. You can also call DirecTV customer service and ask specifically about a credit for the affected channels. The credit is not guaranteed, but DirecTV has offered them during major, high-profile disputes — particularly when the blackout affects a major sports event.
If the blackout is going on long enough to matter, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and FuboTV all carry local FOX affiliates and offer free trials. YouTube TV’s trial is currently 5 to 21 days depending on the promotion — enough to cover most dispute windows. Sign up with a new Google account to start a trial, watch FOX through the alternative service, and cancel before the trial ends if DirecTV and the station resolve their dispute in the meantime. This is a legitimate, widely used workaround that costs nothing when used within the trial window.
The Entertainment plan is enough for most regular-season NFL games. Local FOX broadcast — where NFC games and many nationally broadcast games air — is included in all DirecTV plans. What is not in the Entertainment plan: NFL Network (channel 212) and regional sports networks. For out-of-market games, NFL Sunday Ticket left DirecTV in 2023 and is now exclusive to YouTube TV. If you only need Sunday afternoon local market games and prime-time FOX games, the Entertainment plan covers that. If you need NFL Network for Thursday Night Football and league programming, you need Choice or above.
Channel 360, and any DirecTV plan works. FOX News is included starting with the entry-level Entertainment plan. If FOX News is the primary reason you are considering DirecTV, you do not need to pay for a higher tier — the Entertainment plan gives you FOX News, FS1, local FOX, and the rest of the standard cable lineup at the lowest price point DirecTV offers.
FOX and FS1 together carry the FIFA World Cup. Local FOX (your low-numbered affiliate) carries some matches; FS1 at channel 219 carries others. During the 2026 World Cup, a carriage dispute between DirecTV and Scripps blacked out local FOX affiliates in several markets during the tournament — check directv.com/lostchannels to see if your market is affected before the next major match. If it is, FS1 at channel 219 carries a significant share of the coverage independently and remains fully live on DirecTV during any local affiliate blackout.
Your local FOX affiliate is the channel you want — the one in the low numbers listed in the city table above. Primetime FOX programming (dramas, reality shows, sports) airs on the local broadcast affiliate, not on FOX News or FS1. Any DirecTV plan includes it. If you miss an episode, check the DirecTV app — your DVR may have it recorded if you set it up, or it may be available on demand through the DirecTV menu.
Before signing up, go to directv.com and enter your ZIP code to confirm that your specific local FOX affiliate is available at your address. DirecTV covers local channels in the vast majority of U.S. markets, but coverage gaps exist in some rural and smaller markets. Also check directv.com/lostchannels to see if your local FOX is currently in any dispute. If there is an active blackout in your area, you can still sign up knowing that the dispute will likely resolve — but it is useful information to have before committing. DirecTV offers a 5-day free trial for new streaming subscribers, which is enough time to confirm local channel availability at your address before being charged.
This guide is for informational purposes only. DirecTV channel numbers, plan availability, and pricing are subject to change. Local channel availability depends on carriage agreements and your service address — verify at directv.com before subscribing. Channel numbers listed reflect verified data and may not reflect real-time changes due to ongoing or new carriage disputes. FOX News, FS1, FS2, Fox Business Network, Fox Deportes, and local FOX affiliates are separate entities with separate ownership and channel assignments. This page has no affiliation with DirecTV, Fox Corporation, or any subsidiary named herein.