TEGNA a major owner of ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC local TV stations, has introduced a new suite of mobile apps designed to transform how audiences consume local news and weather. The apps, now rolling out across the company’s 51 markets, focus on delivering thousands of original short-form videos each day directly from local reporters and meteorologists in a vertical, scrollable format familiar to social media users.
The initiative stems from TEGNA’s broader shift toward operating its local television stations as continuous, story-first newsrooms. This model prioritizes real-time coverage over traditional scheduled broadcasts, enabling faster production and distribution of content as events develop. The mobile apps serve as the primary platform for this approach, allowing users to access breaking local stories and weather updates on their phones throughout the day.
The launch began with beta versions in four markets: Atlanta, Denver, Indianapolis, and Seattle. These apps became available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Expansion to the remaining markets will occur gradually over the following weeks. Early results from the beta phase proved encouraging, with video playback increasing more than four times compared to previous levels and daily user sessions rising by 13 percent.
“Our audiences rely on us for credible, local coverage that helps them stay connected to their communities and make informed decisions in the moment. That’s why we’ve reimagined our newsrooms as story-first operations, built for speed and accuracy around the clock – not just fixed broadcast timeslots. This app is an expression of our local newsroom of the future, where great local journalism meets people exactly where they are, on the devices they use throughout the day,” said Adrienne Roark, Chief Content Officer, TEGNA.
The apps emphasize personalization and user control from the outset. During onboarding, individuals select their location, specific interests, and notification preferences to tailor the experience. A customized home feed then prioritizes the most relevant news and weather developments in real time. Story presentations combine concise text summaries, supporting visuals, and links to additional coverage, giving users flexibility to quickly scan headlines, view brief videos, or explore deeper reporting.
Central to the app is its vertical video player, which mimics popular social platforms by offering an endless stream of short, original clips produced by local journalists and weather experts. This format aims to provide an immersive way to stay informed without requiring extended viewing sessions. Weather features stand out as particularly robust, incorporating customizable forecasts, interactive maps, and timely alerts generated by station meteorologists who possess in-depth knowledge of regional conditions.
Beyond daily news and weather, the apps include dedicated topic hubs that aggregate in-depth coverage on subjects such as politics, public safety, education, sports, and community events. These sections blend local angles with broader national context when relevant. Additional tools allow users to save stories, manage preferences, and receive alerts consistently across multiple devices. For advertisers, the platform introduces advanced targeting options to connect brands with engaged local audiences in mobile environments.
TEGNA operates 64 television stations serving 51 U.S. markets and reaches more than 100 million people monthly through various channels, including web, mobile, connected TVs, and traditional linear television. The company positions itself as a leader in sustaining local journalism by adapting to modern consumption habits. This mobile-first strategy represents an effort to meet audiences where they spend much of their time—on smartphones—while maintaining a commitment to credible, community-focused reporting.
The apps reflect a deliberate focus on design and user experience in an industry often criticized for lagging in digital innovation. By combining social-style navigation with trusted local sources, TEGNA seeks to boost engagement and relevance in a competitive media landscape increasingly dominated by national platforms and algorithm-driven feeds. As the rollout continues, the company anticipates further refinements based on user feedback and performance data from additional markets.
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