Ask HN: How to create a streaming media service on Roku or other devices?

I'm wondering are there any API's, or best practices, or what sort of costs would one need up front in order to create a small scale PlutoTV that maybe starts w/ news channels, adds entertainment, and movies and binge watching, etc?

Is it possible without someone who has industry experience and connections with networks?

For example PlutoTV has CBSN and some CNN/NBC news channels, though it appears not to be the standard feed from MSNBC or CNN 24/7, but just looped feeds...