NewsON App Launches on VIZIO Platform

Rhea-AI Summary

NewsON, a leading local news streaming service, has launched its free app on VIZIO TVs. The ad-supported platform provides access to over 285 trusted TV stations across 135+ markets, covering 90% of the U.S. The service includes live newscasts, on-demand content, and 190+ local stations offering FAST channels. Features include weather forecasts, breaking news, and trending stories through What'sON. The expansion aims to enhance local news accessibility, particularly during critical events like elections and severe weather.

Positive

• Expansion to new platform (VIZIO) increases market reach
• Extensive coverage with 285+ TV stations across 135+ markets
• 90% U.S. market coverage
• 190+ local stations offering FAST channels
• Ad-supported revenue model

Negative

• None.

Insights

Media Distribution Analyst

The launch of NewsON on VIZIO represents a modest expansion of Sinclair Broadcast Group's digital distribution footprint, but its immediate financial impact is likely minimal. While this increases potential ad revenue through wider audience reach across 285+ stations and 135+ markets, the ad-supported streaming model typically generates relatively low revenue per user compared to traditional broadcast advertising.

The partnership may help offset declining traditional TV viewership trends, but VIZIO's market share in the smart TV space trails competitors like Samsung and LG. The free-to-consumer model limits direct monetization opportunities, making this more of a strategic positioning move than a significant revenue driver for SBGI in the near term.

VIZIO Users Now Have Access to NewsON’s Comprehensive Local News Content

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- NewsON, the nation’s premier streaming service for local news content, today announced their free streaming app is now available on VIZIO TVs.

VIZIO users can enjoy NewsON’s ad-supported access to a comprehensive range of local news content at no cost, including live newscasts or catch up on other recent newscasts at their convenience, on-demand. The app experience offers over 285 trusted TV stations spanning 135+ markets, covering over 90% of the U.S. Additionally, 190+ local stations also offer FAST channels which are available for streaming on the NewsON app.

With helpful features like access to weather forecasts, breaking news, and top trending stories of the week with What’sON, the NewsON app brings VIZIO users yet another way to stay connected to the latest local news happening across the country. Access to news updates is especially important during key events such as elections or severe weather, giving users the ability to watch direct local coverage from anywhere in the country when it matters most.

"Expanding NewsON to VIZIO's platform underscores our commitment to making local news accessible to more viewers," said Ron Stitt, VP/General Manager of NewsON. "We're excited to bring comprehensive, real-time and on-demand local news coverage to VIZIO users, ensuring they stay informed about their communities."

About NewsON:

NewsON is the nation’s largest aggregator of local news content. Owned by Sinclair Inc. (Nasdaq: SBGI), 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 VIZIO, Roku devices, Amazon FireTV, Samsung, Android TV, Web, 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 station ownership groups, dedicated to serving customers across platforms and harnessing the strength of the local television industry at national scale.

About VIZIO

Founded and headquartered in Orange County, California, our mission at VIZIO Holding Corp. (NYSE: VZIO) is to deliver immersive entertainment and compelling lifestyle enhancements that make our products the center of the connected home. We are driving the future of televisions through our integrated platform of cutting-edge Smart TVs and powerful operating system. We also offer a portfolio of innovative sound bars that deliver consumers an elevated audio experience. Our platform gives content providers more ways to distribute their content and advertisers more tools to connect with the right audience. For more information, visit VIZIO.com and follow VIZIO on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Category: General

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241031980418/en/

NewsON

Jessica Bellucci Jbellucci-c@sbgtv.com

VIZIO

Chris Woolsey

Chris.woolsey@vizio.com

(310) 422-9975

Source: NewsON

FAQ

What features does NewsON offer on VIZIO TVs?

NewsON offers live newscasts, on-demand content, weather forecasts, breaking news, and trending stories through What'sON feature on VIZIO TVs.

How many TV stations and markets does NewsON cover?

NewsON covers over 285 TV stations across 135+ markets, reaching over 90% of the U.S., with 190+ local stations offering FAST channels.

Is NewsON free on VIZIO TVs?

Yes, NewsON is a free, ad-supported streaming app on VIZIO TVs, providing access to local news content at no cost.

What type of content is available on NewsON's VIZIO app?

NewsON provides live newscasts, on-demand recent newscasts, weather forecasts, breaking news, and trending stories through What'sON feature.