Five station groups are launching a free news app that allows users to watch live and same-day local newscasts on their mobile or select connected TV devices.
NewsON, formed by ABC Owned Stations, Cox Media Group, Hearst Television, Media General and Raycom Media, is an advertising supported service “delivered through apps available for download from leading mobile and connected TV app stores.”
The service has signed 112 stations. In 21 of the participating 84 markets, users will be able to change channels and view multiple stations.
“The sheer amount of live news coverage – from TV stations around the country – that has been assembled for delivery through NewsON’s apps is unprecedented,” said NewsON’s CEO Louis Gump. “Americans place a great deal of trust in their local news teams, who are typically the first informers from the local scene of the biggest news developments around the country. NewsON will bring instant access to live local news to a generation of viewers accustomed to using mobile and connected TV platforms to stay informed.”
NewsON is expected to launch in the fall.