NewsON Rolls Out Redesign, Upgrades, Platform Expansion

NewsON, Sinclair Broadcast Group’s streaming service for local news content, has completed the relaunch of its product offering across all supported platforms. The free app, which offers ad-supported access to live and on-demand news content across the U.S., now features a redesigned user experience as well as a web-based offering on NewsON.us.

NewsON features local news from more than 275 TV stations, giving consumers access to live and on-demand local newscasts and local news clips from 165-plus markets covering more than 75% of the U.S.

The NewsON redesign, the company says, “builds upon the established user experience while creating a deeper connection to the communities consumers value most. Each market represented in the app is identified with a featured image for the designated area. The app’s new interface also simplifies access to stations marked as favorites, allowing for viewers to easily access news outside of their own market. As an added feature, when a local story gaining national attention occurs, a dynamic breaking news banner at the top of the screen will alert viewers to stations with coverage of the event within the app.”

As part of the redesign, NewsON has refreshed the Roku player, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV and iOS and Android versions to include an enhanced user experience with streamlined navigation for live and on-demand newscasts.

This spring, NewsON announced the addition of a web-based product offering consumers another way to connect with local news wherever they are on NewsON.us. The site, which previously maintained company-related news, is now complete and presents a web version of the NewsON app service. Viewers can watch live and on-demand local newscasts and local news clips from NewsON participating stations on NewsON.us, all from a computer or mobile screen. The web app has also added an interactive element, offering viewers the ability to share newscasts and clips via Twitter and Facebook.

“We’re continuing to expand NewsON’s offerings, streamlining the experience, building in more editorial capabilities and connecting viewers to the content they care about,” said NewsON General Manager Ron Stitt. “We’re pleased to offer this robust viewing experience and to continue supporting our partner station groups that make this possible.”