Your Guide to News 12 Long Island and Nassau County News

Living in Nassau County, NY, you know that local news isn't just nice to have—it's essential. A sudden accident on the Meadowbrook Parkway can impact your commute, and a last-minute school closure in Levittown affects your family's entire day. For these moments and more, News 12 Long Island provides the information that matters right here at home.

Why News 12 Is a Nassau County Staple

It’s easy to get lost in national headlines, but the news that truly shapes our lives happens right outside our front doors in Nassau County, NY. A road closure in Mineola, a new restaurant opening in Garden City, or a storm warning for Jones Beach—these are the updates that help us navigate our daily routines.

This hyper-local focus is where News 12 Long Island excels. As a 24-hour news channel dedicated entirely to Long Island, it filters out the noise to deliver relevant, useful information. For residents, this means having a trusted source for news that directly impacts their community, making it a staple in homes from Elmont to Oyster Bay.

Your Direct Connection to Local Events

News 12 zooms in on the issues that define our communities, covering stories that larger NYC-based networks often overlook. This dedication provides residents with critical, neighborhood-specific information.

Here’s why it matters to you:

• Community Safety: Get timely updates on local incidents, from a house fire in North Bellmore to a police update in Plainview, keeping your family informed and safe.

• Local Politics: Understand the issues at stake in local elections, such as town supervisor races in Hempstead and Oyster Bay, so you can make informed decisions.

• Small Business Spotlights: Discover the people behind our local economy, from a new coffee shop in Rockville Centre to a family-run bakery that’s been a community fixture for generations.

Our goal is to ensure you're always informed. By combining News 12's immediate coverage with our newsletter's curated local insights, you get a complete and actionable picture of your community.

Ready to dig deeper into what makes our community tick? Explore our full rundown on Nassau County, NY for more local stories.

How News 12 Changed the Game for Long Island News

Before 1986, getting news about Nassau County, NY, meant waiting through a New York City broadcast for a brief mention of Long Island. This all changed on December 15, 1986, when News 12 Long Island launched as the nation's first 24-hour regional cable news channel.

This new service was a game-changer. For the first time, news was all about our local communities, all the time. The network, which now serves over 3 million households, completely reshaped how Long Islanders get their information. For a deeper dive into its market presence, check out News 12's extensive reach in the New York market. This local-first approach provided residents with practical, actionable information relevant to their daily lives.

Finally, a Focus on Our Own Backyard

Suddenly, the headlines were about our towns, from Great Neck to Massapequa. Instead of a generic weather forecast, you received a specific outlook for your weekend trip to Jones Beach. Instead of a passing mention of the LIRR, you got live updates on delays affecting the Hicksville station.

This hyper-local approach created an immediate bond with viewers who saw their own communities reflected on screen. For residents of Nassau County, NY, this meant news was no longer a distant report but a valuable tool for navigating daily life.

The Lasting Impact of a Local-First Model

News 12's community-driven reporting became the gold standard for local media, proving the demand for news that addresses the unique challenges and character of suburban life. This legacy paved the way for modern local sources, including digital outlets like 516 Update.

The core idea—that what happens down the block is more relevant than what happens hundreds of miles away—remains as important as ever. It's why, after all these years, News 12 Long Island continues to be a go-to source for trustworthy local information.

To see how these community stories continue to develop, take a look back with our 2025 Year in Review. For the best local stories sent straight to your inbox, subscribe to our newsletter or visit our events page.

How to Watch and Access News 12 from Anywhere

Whether you're at home in Jericho or commuting through Hicksville, staying connected to News 12 Long Island is simple. Several options are available to fit any lifestyle, ensuring you never miss a critical update in Nassau County, NY.

From traditional cable to on-the-go streaming, you can choose the method that works best for you. This flexibility allows you to watch the morning traffic report on your TV at home and later receive a breaking news alert on your phone while you're out. Staying informed about your community has never been more convenient.

Your Viewing Options On and Off the Couch

For decades, the primary way to watch News 12 was on channel 12 via a cable subscription with providers like Optimum. While that remains a reliable option for 24/7 coverage, access now extends far beyond the living room.

You can stream News 12 live on your computer, tablet, or smartphone by logging in with your cable provider credentials on the News 12 website or mobile app. This modern convenience means you can stay connected to local news no matter where you are.

Here’s a quick breakdown of your main choices for tuning in.

Your News 12 Long Island Viewing Options

Staying Connected Through Digital Platforms

Beyond the live broadcast, News 12's digital platforms offer different ways to consume news, perfect for quick updates or sharing an important story with neighbors.

• The News 12 Mobile App: This is your best tool for personalized, on-the-go alerts. Set up notifications for specific locations, like school closings in Levittown or backups on the Northern State Parkway near Garden City.

• Social Media Channels: Following News 12 on platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) provides a steady stream of headlines, video clips, and community discussion.

• Website and Newsletters: The News12.com website is a comprehensive hub for stories, videos, and special reports. Signing up for their email newsletters can also deliver top headlines directly to your inbox.

News 12 also focuses on accessibility, including closed captioning features, which improve the viewing experience for everyone. For another helpful resource, explore our detailed map of Long Island, NY, with zip codes.

Getting to Know the News 12 Program Lineup

To get the most out of News 12 Long Island, it helps to know its daily schedule. The channel is structured with specific shows designed to serve Nassau County, NY, residents at different times of the day, providing relevant information when they need it most.

The morning shows, for instance, are packed with traffic and weather for a Hicksville commuter, while the evening news offers a family in Bethpage a complete summary of the day’s events. This thoughtful programming ensures you get actionable information that fits your routine.

Your Daily News Schedule

The programming day is built around several key shows that have become fixtures in local homes. Each one is designed to deliver exactly what you need, from breaking news to a positive community story.

Here’s what a typical day looks like:

• Morning Edition: This is your first stop for planning the day, offering real-time traffic reports for the Long Island Expressway, LIRR delays, and a reliable local weather forecast.

• Daytime Coverage: The News 12 team provides continuous updates on developing stories, including live press conferences from officials in Mineola or on-the-scene reports from across the county.

• Evening News: This comprehensive summary dives deeper into the day's most important stories, from political decisions in Hempstead to announcements affecting the entire community.

Faces of the Community and Special Segments

News 12 also features special segments that celebrate the unique culture of Long Island. These stories provide a welcome break from hard news and connect viewers with the people and places in their own backyards.

One popular segment is "Road Trip: Close to Home," which is great for discovering local gems for a family outing, like a trip to the historic Old Bethpage Village Restoration. Another favorite is "The East End," which often highlights local artisans and small businesses. A memorable piece on a Calverton bakery’s traditional Italian biscotti perfectly captured the entrepreneurial spirit found throughout our communities.

Understanding this lineup helps you connect with the people, stories, and events that make Nassau County, NY, a great place to live. To stay up-to-date on local happenings, check out our events page for activities in your town.

What News 12 Covers in Your Neighborhood

While major networks offer a broad overview, News 12 Long Island focuses on the ground-level stories that shape daily life in Nassau County, NY. Their reporters are embedded in our communities, covering the events that matter to your family, commute, and local economy.

This is where you’ll find a detailed report on a school budget vote in Rockville Centre or the latest on a zoning debate in Port Washington. This reporting directly answers the question, "How does this affect me?" and provides actionable information for residents. The reliance on this hyper-local approach is clear, as News 12 Networks draws over 1,001,648 viewers on an average day.

Your Guide to Local Impact Stories

News 12's strength lies in its focus on topics woven into the fabric of life in Nassau County, NY. Their coverage is built around the rhythm of our suburban communities.

• Traffic and Commuting: Get real-time updates on a jam on the LIE or a snag on the Meadowbrook Parkway, so you can adjust your route and save time.

• Local Government: Their reporters attend town hall meetings in Hempstead and track decisions from the Nassau County Legislature that could impact your property taxes.

• Education: From school board elections to stories about innovative programs in local classrooms, they keep parents informed about what's happening in their districts.

• Community Events: Find out about a street fair in Garden City or a free concert at Jones Beach Theater, making it easy to plan your weekend.

Beyond the Headlines: Sports and Culture

News 12 also understands that local pride runs deep, especially in sports. Learning how to write a sports article often involves capturing that local passion, which they do by covering Nassau high school sports with genuine excitement. They celebrate the achievements of young athletes in our communities, not just the pro scores.

This focus on our streets also highlights the incredible innovation and growth happening across the county, a theme we explore in more detail here: https://516update.com/p/nassau-county-in-focus-innovation-growth-and-giving-back.

Your Strategy for Staying Fully Informed in Nassau County

To be one of the most informed residents in your Nassau County, NY, neighborhood, it’s best to combine sources for both immediate alerts and deeper context. A smart approach uses News 12 Long Island for urgent, breaking news and complements it with other local resources.

Think of News 12 as your early warning system for everything from a major pile-up on the Southern State Parkway to a severe thunderstorm watch over Freeport. Its immediacy is invaluable. By pairing it with a community-focused source, you get a complete picture of local life.

Create Your Personalized Alert System

The key is to make News 12's tools work for you. By actively using their mobile app, you can stay a step ahead of developing situations in your area.

Here’s how to set it up for maximum local impact:

• Customize Your Notifications: In the app's settings, specify your town, whether it's Plainview or Mineola. This ensures you only receive alerts relevant to your community.

• Enable Weather Alerts: Turning on severe weather notifications provides crucial lead time to prepare before a storm hits, keeping your family safe.

• Submit a Story Idea: If you see something newsworthy, use the app's direct line to the newsroom to submit a tip, photo, or video, helping them cover what matters on the ground.

Complement Breaking News with Community Stories

While News 12 excels at covering the "what, where, and when," a local newsletter like 516 Update provides the "why." For instance, while News 12 is on the scene of a house fire in North Bellmore, we follow up with the story of how the community is rallying to support the family.

This dual approach ensures you never miss a piece of the puzzle. For more on how to forge these connections, take a look at our guide on community engagement best practices.

Start building that deeper connection today. Subscribe to the 516 Update newsletter for curated local stories, and visit our events page to see what's happening in your town this weekend.

Your News 12 Questions, Answered

If you live in Nassau County, NY, you're likely familiar with News 12. As news consumption evolves, however, some common questions come up. Here are straightforward answers to what we hear most often.

Can I Watch News 12 Without Cable?

This is the most common question. In short: you can access much of their content, but not the full live broadcast.

You can find top stories, video clips, and updates for free on their website, News12.com, and on their social media channels. This is a great way to catch up on the day's biggest headlines. However, to watch the uninterrupted 24/7 live broadcast on the app or website, you will need to log in with credentials from a TV provider like Optimum.

How Can I Send a News Tip?

If you see something newsworthy happening in your community, like a traffic issue in Plainview or a great local event in Westbury, it's easy to send a tip to the News 12 newsroom.

The quickest method is through their mobile app, which has a "Submit a Tip" feature to send photos, videos, and a description directly to their assignment desk. You can also use the contact form or email on their website. Your tips help them cover the stories that matter most to residents.

Ready to get the full picture of what's happening in our community? We invite you to subscribe to our newsletter for more local stories and event guides.

For curated local news, event guides, and stories that celebrate our community, subscribe to the 516 Update daily newsletter at https://516update.com.