There are HD antennas that are powered. I have one here.
Without the power option I get nothing. Once the antenna is boosted I get about six OTA channels.
Perhaps look into that.
Looking at my local news stations, I don’t see any Apple TV apps. I will probably get online with Apple support and try to figure out why streaming the local news from my iPad to our Apple TV doesn’t work.
Yup. I think if we go the antenna route, it will have to be an outside, powered monster.
Thanks for all the guidance and suggestions - we still haven’t solved the sports issue, but I have some better ideas now. Plus, we’re getting internet 50 mbps tomorrow. Next step is probably antenna shopping. 
Not necessarily. Mine is about the size of a paperback novel and hangs from the curtain rod. There’s a small adapter that plugs into the wall and then the unit.
If time is the issue get an IT guy to do it for you. it will take less than an hour.
I get called in to help with businesses that need this all the time. “I’m too busy blows up in your face every time.”
If he is that busy, hes making money and can afford help.
Many streaming devices have a web browser app. Almost all news stations IME have an option to watch their content via their web page.