NewsON Launches Enhanced App Experience on Roku with Latest Update

Rhea-AI Summary

NewsON, a leading local news streaming service, has launched an upgraded app on Roku featuring enhanced user interface and new features. The service provides ad-supported access to local news content from over 285 TV stations across 135+ markets, covering more than 90% of the U.S.

Key enhancements include: interactive weather features with radar maps and forecasts; a Trending Stations Map for breaking news navigation; 'What'sON' - a new original series with daily themed content; and mobile-specific features for iOS and Android including short-form content, polls, user commenting, and push alerts. The service remains free to download with no login required across multiple platforms including Roku, Amazon FireTV, Samsung, Android TV, VIZIO, Web, iOS and Android, with an LG app in development.

Positive

• Wide market coverage reaching over 90% of U.S. through 285+ TV stations
• Expansion of content offerings with new original series and features
• Multi-platform availability across major streaming devices
• Free, ad-supported business model requiring no subscription

Negative

• None.

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- NewsON, the nation’s premier streaming service for local news content, today announced the launch of its upgraded app on Roku. This latest version brings a host of new features and a refreshed user interface, providing viewers with unparalleled access to live and on-demand news coverage across the United States.

With the newly redesigned app, users can enjoy ad-supported access to a comprehensive range of local news content, including live newscasts and on-demand clips from over 285 trusted TV stations spanning 135+ markets, covering over 90% of the U.S. Additionally, numerous local stations have FAST channels which are available for streaming on NewsON.

The enhanced NewsON experience introduces several new features aimed at enriching the viewer's engagement and expanding the selection of content.

Weather Radar, Forecasts, Current Conditions & Video: Users can access a “zoomable” national radar map with additional layers including winds, precipitation, icy conditions and more. Local current conditions and 7-day forecasts are available for each NewsON market on the app, along with a curated collection of weather videos and up-to-date coverage from around the country.

Trending Stations Map: Easily navigate breaking news stories from across the U.S., ensuring instant access to the most relevant and up-to-date coverage both locally and out of market.

What’sON - New Original Series: What’sON is a daily segment featuring unique and trending news stories beyond the headlines, presented in an interactive and engaging format. Each day brings new content like ‘True Crime Tuesday’, ‘Strange but True Thursday’ and more. Viewers can interact with the host and fellow users through comments on their mobile device, sharing their voice and connecting with the community.

Unique Mobile Features: iOS and Android apps now offer a focus on mobile-centric short-form content, polls, user commenting and push alerts.

NewsON’s latest update solidifies its position as one of the top apps in the News & Weather category* on Roku.

“The release of our updated app on Roku is a significant milestone for NewsON. We are very focused on building on our core service of nationwide local TV news access with unique features like VOD newscasts, while enhancing multiplatform engagement and interactivity with a host of new content and features including interactive weather radar, user commenting and polls,” said Ron Stitt, VP/General Manager, NewsON.

NewsON is free to download with no login required on Roku devices, Amazon FireTV, Samsung, Android TV, VIZIO, Web, iOS and Android. An additional app for LG is also in development.

*Roku https://channelstore.roku.com/browse/news-and-weather

About NewsON:

NewsON is the nation’s largest aggregator of local news content. Owned by Sinclair, NewsON provides a nationwide lineup of local news from 285+ trusted, credible TV stations, giving consumers access to live and on-demand local newscasts and local news clips from 135+ markets covering over 90% of the U.S. population. NewsON is free to download with no login required on Roku devices, Amazon Fire TV, and iOS and Android mobile devices, and offers a free, ad-supported app which features instant access to broadcast-quality video. NewsON includes local television newscasts from 23 different station ownership groups, dedicated to serving customers across platforms and harnessing the strength of the local television industry at national scale.

About Sinclair:

Sinclair, Inc. (Nasdaq: SBGI) is a diversified media company and a leading provider of local news and sports. The Company owns, operates and/or provides services to 185 television stations in 86 markets affiliated with all the major broadcast networks; owns Tennis Channel and multicast networks Comet, CHARGE!, TBD. and The Nest. Sinclair’s content is delivered via multiple platforms, including over-the-air, multi-channel video program distributors, and the nation’s largest streaming aggregator of local news content, NewsON. The Company regularly uses its website as a key source of Company information which can be accessed at www.sbgi.net.

Category: General

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241216268497/en/

Jessica Bellucci jbellucci-c@sbgtv.com

Source: NewsON

FAQ

What new features are included in NewsON's Roku app update?

The update includes interactive weather features with radar maps, Trending Stations Map for breaking news, What'sON original series with daily themed content, and enhanced mobile features including polls and user commenting.

How many local TV stations are available on NewsON?

NewsON provides access to over 285 trusted TV stations across more than 135 markets, covering over 90% of the United States.

What platforms is NewsON available on?

NewsON is available on Roku, Amazon FireTV, Samsung, Android TV, VIZIO, Web, iOS, and Android devices, with an LG app in development.

Is NewsON a free service?

Yes, NewsON is free to download and use with no login required, operating on an ad-supported model.

What weather features does the new NewsON app include?

The app includes a zoomable national radar map with layers for winds, precipitation, and icy conditions, plus local current conditions, 7-day forecasts, and curated weather videos.