When Disney+ launched in 2019, its ABC News presence was limited to clips from “Good Morning America” and “Nightline.”
By September 2024, Disney+ had added the full 24/7 ABC News Live channel as part of its “Streams” section.
💰💵Don’t miss the move: SIGN UP for TheStreet’s FREE Daily newsletter💰💵
Now Disney+ is home to “What You Need to Know,” the first streaming‑only, daily short‑form newscast.
“What You Need to Know” premiered on July 21, 2025, at 6 a.m. EST. The format of the show is an 8- to 10‑minute roundup of top headlines, culture, viral moments, and context — all exclusively on Disney+.
The Walt Disney Company (DIS) owns ABC News, so it makes sense that the producer of “Bluey,” “Andor” and “Ms. Marvel” would partner with ABC News to launch an innovative news program.
Each segment remains on demand for 24 hours before refreshing with the next episode.
Why Disney+ is investing in streaming news
Disney+ President Alisa Bowen called the series “an exciting evolution” of the service's news offering. At the same time, ABC News President Almin Karamehmedovic emphasized its potential to reach “new and diverse audiences.”
The move reflects broader cord‑cutting trends: as viewers migrate away from linear TV, platforms like Disney+ are integrating bite‑sized news to maintain daily engagement and expand their demographic reach.
Related: Disney World breaks its own longstanding rule (Walt would not approve)
“What You Need to Know” joins a growing suite of ABC News content on Disney+:
- “Good Morning America”: First Look (4 a.m. EST)
- “Prime with Linsey Davis” (7 p.m. EST)
- “World News Tonight with David Muir” (10 p.m. EST)
- The continuous ABC News Live stream is available throughout the day.
This strategic layering — from brief morning segments to full‑length evening newscasts — is Disney+'s way of delivering news at every point in a subscriber's day, aiming to keep them tuned in around the clock.
“What You Need to Know” marks Disney+'s biggest step yet into original news content. It's a timely format that caters to modern viewing habits and solidifies its role as both an entertainment hub and a daily information platform.
Why Disney+ is tackling news now
With traditional cable viewership declining, streaming platforms are racing to fill the news vacuum.
For subscribers, it's a chance to get informed without flipping between apps. For Disney and ABC, it broadens reach, especially among users who might skip traditional networks.
Disney+ is taking a different approach than streaming competitors like Peacock and HBO Max.
Related: Apple's new emoji puzzle game wants to be as viral as Wordle
Peacock, for example, offers “NBC News Now” and “Today All Day,” which are full-show replays or linear news channels. HBO Max features long-form documentary journalism with shows like “The Weekly” and “Axios,” plus specials from CNN. Neither is offering bite-sized segments like Disney+.
Who are James Longman and Rachel Scott?
- James Longman, ABC's chief international correspondent, brings firsthand insights from global hotspots.
- Rachel Scott, senior political correspondent, adds Beltway and Capitol coverage.
Both anchors noted they aim to “cut through the noise” and guide viewers through top stories with clarity. In other words: No filler and no anchors talking over each other.
More on Hollywood Entertainment
- How Al Pacino went from a net worth of $50 to broke
- Your streaming services are only getting more expensive
- Amazon Prime Video scores big on sports offerings and fans are happy
How to watch Disney+ news show
The programming is neither simulcast nor available on cable, and the programming is meant for viewers who want the headlines, not half-hours.
If you're a Disney+ subscriber, you can stream the news under the ABC News section of the Disney+ app. Each episode drops at 6 a.m. EST and disappears the next morning, ideally just as your coffee has finished brewing.
Related: AT&T making move designed to outrage older Americans
