In the ever-evolving world of journalism, few names hold the weight and credibility of Reuters. Established in the mid-19th century, Reuters News has grown from a telegraph-based news service to a modern multimedia powerhouse. Today, its video services reach broadcasters, digital platforms, and end-users across the globe via satellite and online platforms.
This in-depth article explores the origins of the Reuters News Channel, its current satellite footprint, online and OTT streaming options, and how it has transformed to meet the needs of the digital age.
Table of Contents
📚 A Storied Legacy: The Origins of Reuters
Reuters News traces its roots to 1851, when Paul Julius Reuter founded the organization in London. Initially, it transmitted financial data using telegraph cables and even carrier pigeons. The goal was simple yet revolutionary for its time: deliver reliable, real-time information across regions and nations.
Over the decades, Reuters expanded its services from text to audio and eventually to video. In 1957, the Visnews company was formed — a major supplier of video content to global broadcasters. This organization laid the foundation for Reuters’ future in video journalism.
In 1992, Reuters took full control of Visnews and rebranded it as Reuters Television in 1993. From there, the modern video news network we know today began to take shape, delivering impartial and timely content to TV stations worldwide.
🛰️ World News Express – Satellite Distribution at Scale
One of the most important innovations from Reuters is the World News Express platform. Launched as a satellite delivery system for global broadcasters, it serves as a powerful method to transmit high-quality, ready-to-air news footage in real-time.
Key Features of World News Express:
- HD & 4K live feeds from major global events.
- Ability to deliver up to six concurrent video feeds.
- Seamless integration with major newsroom systems for editing and broadcast.
- Access to metadata, scripts, and shot logs for editorial use.
Reuters’ satellite service covers major continents and regions, enabling broadcasters in Europe, the Americas, Asia, and the Middle East to instantly access raw and produced video segments.
Broadcasters such as BBC, CNN, Al Jazeera, and France 24 routinely rely on Reuters News satellite feeds for breaking news, live coverage, and in-depth reports.
📱 From Satellite to Streaming: The Rise and Fall of Reuters TV
In 2015, Reuters took a bold step into the world of mobile-first news with the launch of Reuters TV. The app, available on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, and Fire TV, provided customizable news video clips, branded “Reuters Now.”
Key Features of Reuters TV (2015–2020):
- Personalized video news (5 to 30 minutes based on user preference).
- Offline download and viewing.
- Live streaming of global press conferences and special events.
- Sleek interface tailored to mobile users.
The idea was to create a “Netflix for news”—on-demand, on-the-go content for modern audiences. The initiative received praise for its objectivity, clean presentation, and innovative format.
However, by January 2020, Reuters discontinued the standalone TV app. Instead, they chose to integrate its video features into the main Reuters News App and website, consolidating their digital footprint.
📺 Reuters on OTT Platforms: Where You Can Watch Now
Even though the standalone Reuters TV app no longer exists, Reuters News has not abandoned video delivery to consumers. Instead, they’ve shifted to third-party OTT (Over-the-Top) platforms, expanding their global reach.
Here’s where you can still access Reuters video content:
| Platform | Availability | Launch Date |
|---|---|---|
| Roku Channel | U.S. and Canada | June 2020 |
| Plex Live TV | Worldwide | July 2020 |
| Rakuten TV | Across Europe | April 2021 |
| Samsung TV Plus | Selected European markets | May 2021 |
| Amazon Fire TV (News App) | U.S. | March 2022 |
These platforms host Reuters-branded channels, which provide 24/7 streaming of curated video news, special reports, and breaking updates. The content is automatically refreshed and formatted for a smooth viewing experience.
🌎 Global Coverage and Newsroom Reach
With a presence in over 200 cities and more than 2,500 video journalists, Reuters News has one of the most expansive global video operations in the world. Their correspondents are stationed across key regions:
- North & South America
- Europe
- Africa & Middle East
- Asia-Pacific
Each regional bureau is equipped to produce high-definition video, conduct live interviews, and transmit real-time news back to the Reuters editorial hub.
This robust network ensures that breaking news from any part of the globe can be captured, edited, and distributed to audiences almost instantly—either via satellite or digital means.
🛡️ The Trust Principles That Guide Reuters
What sets Reuters apart from other broadcasters is its commitment to independence, integrity, and freedom from bias. These values are codified in what the company calls the Reuters Trust Principles, originally created in 1941 and reaffirmed after it became part of Thomson Reuters.
The principles are:
- Integrity: Accuracy and factual reporting.
- Independence: Free from political or commercial influence.
- Freedom from Bias: Impartial news coverage.
These ideals ensure that Reuters News continues to be one of the most respected and quoted news sources worldwide—used not only by the public but by governments, corporations, and journalists globally.
💡 Did You Know?
- Reuters was the first to transmit news via undersea cable.
- It broke many major global stories, including financial crashes and wars.
- Visnews, the predecessor to Reuters TV, launched the first daily satellite news feed in 1975.
- Despite discontinuing its own app, Reuters News remains one of the top sources of video news for social media platforms like Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook.
🔍 Conclusion: Why Reuters News Channel Still Matters
In today’s noisy, opinion-driven media environment, Reuters continues to serve as a beacon of clarity and objectivity. From its early days using pigeons and telegraphs to today’s high-definition satellite feeds and on-demand OTT platforms, Reuters News has never stopped innovating.
Whether you’re a broadcaster needing raw satellite feeds, a journalist looking for verified footage, or a regular viewer wanting global headlines—Reuters has a platform for you.
📲 How to Watch Reuters Today
Here’s how you can access Reuters video news content right now:
- Reuters.com – Live streams and on-demand reports.
- Reuters News App – iOS & Android.
- Roku, Plex, Fire TV, Rakuten, Samsung TV – Add the Reuters channel for free.
- YouTube.com/Reuters – Regularly updated clips and live coverage.
