Localish Supports Local Citizens During Virus

Building on its most popular show, More In Common, which debuted in 2018, Localish introduced a special coverage series Check In that focuses on profiling individuals who are stepping up to serve their communities and inspiring others to do the same.

Grounded in its mission to bring out the good in cities across America, Localish checks in with leaders and innovators at hospitals, schools and local businesses who are transforming their services to combat the spread of the virus and support their neighbors.

Each episode features stories of resilience, with individuals fostering unique solutions to build even stronger bonds during a time of social distancing. Given the unconventional circumstances, the show is now being produced remotely featuring interviews via webcams and utilizing more audience-submitted content.

“As we face this challenge collectively, communities are adapting in real time,” said Michael Koenigs, executive producer, Localish. “There’s never been a more important time to remind our communities that we’re connected and that we’re all in this together. By sharing stories of individuals who are stepping up to serve their communities, we have the opportunity to highlight the heroes among us and inspire more to do the same.”

Localish’s Check In deepens ABC OTV’s focus on multiplatform engagement by premiering as a short-form online series in partnership Facebook Watch, streaming on Localish’s digital owned platform Localish.com and on ABC OTV’s connected TV apps, and broadcasting as a half-hour linear program on OTV’s Localish Network.

ABC says that since Check In debuted on Facebook Watch on March 25, “its show clips have garnered over 5.7 million views and attributed to a 5,000% lift in More In Common brand engagement.”

Check In premiered on broadcast on Sunday, April 5, on WLS-TV Chicago, WPVI-TV Philadelphia, KGO-TV San Francisco and KTRK-TV Houston; on Saturday, April 11, on WABC-TV New York; and on Sunday, April 12, on KABC-TV Los Angeles, reaching No. 1 in key target demographics.

“As the world is experiencing an unprecedented crisis that has irrevocably changed the lives of millions, the need for positivity and hope is even more pronounced,” said Jennifer Mitchell, SVP of content development for ABC Owned Television Stations. “We’re heartened that Localish’s unique style of positive community-driven storytelling has been so well received, as the premiere of the special coverage series Check In ranked No. 1 in its time slot and across all key demographics in the four markets where it aired.”

Check In will continue to air in linear broadcast in select cities on ABC (weekends, check local listings for airdate information). Check In will release new episodes weekly in partnership with Facebook Watch, posting on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 6 p.m. ET.