ABC, Cox, Hearst station groups up the stakes in live local news OTT streaming

Disney-owned ABC is among five major broadcast TV station groups that are joining forces to develop NewsON, a service that will deploy the live streaming server for local newscasts to viewers in 84 viewing markets nationwide.

The service will directly challenge live local streaming efforts by CBS, which is working to bring local newscasts to its CBS All Access service. The venture could also threaten Granite Broadcasting-owned, fledgling manufacturer TabletTV, an over-the-air antenna and streaming device that has been trying to solve the local news conundrum for cord cutters.

NewsON, slated to launch in fall 2015, will be delivered through apps developed by the participating station groups. The service offers free, ad-supported live content as well as same-day content on demand. Currently, 112 local TV stations are participating in the effort, with more expected to join.

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