ABC News is taking a fresh approach to live-streamed programming by launching shows designed around what audiences actually want to watch. The network’s new initiative includes “Searched,” a daily program where anchors Gio Benitez and Ashan Singh address topics based on real web search data, determining which stories viewers are genuinely curious about. During recent episodes, the hosts explored subjects ranging from food safety concerns to celebrity news, all driven by viewer interest rather than traditional editorial decisions.
The casual atmosphere of “Searched” marks a departure from conventional news broadcasts. Benitez emphasizes how the relaxed dress code and informal setting create a conversational tone rather than the formal presentation typical of mainstream news programs. This strategy reflects a broader shift in how ABC News approaches digital content, acknowledging that viewers may prefer a more approachable style of news delivery.
ABC News Live is rolling out three additional experimental programs alongside “Searched.” “Burden of Proof” will focus on high-profile legal cases, while medical correspondents will host a health-focused show launching this fall. Anchor Linsey Davis will also helm a new interview program offering longer, more substantive conversations with newsmakers and cultural figures. All four programs will extend beyond streaming to Disney+, Hulu, and podcast platforms, maximizing their reach across multiple formats.
Originally reported by Variety →
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