Disney+ has officially entered a new phase. Beginning now, subscribers in the United States can access 24/7 livestreams from eight ABC Owned Television Stations directly inside the app. That means live local newscasts, breaking news, weather alerts and community coverage are now part of the Disney+ experience.
Here are the eight local stations now streaming on Disney+:
WABC-TV — New York KABC-TV — Los Angeles WLS-TV — Chicago WPVI-TV — Philadelphia KTRK-TV — Houston KGO-TV — San Francisco WTVD-TV — Raleigh-Durham, NC KFSN-TV — Fresno, CA
This is not a clip library. It is live television.
What Exactly Is Available?
Subscribers can find the streams inside the ABC News Hub and the Live Hub on Disney+.
Each station delivers continuous coverage specific to its market. Morning shows, evening newscasts, severe weather updates and special local events are included. Over time, Disney says local stations will appear more prominently inside the platform for viewers located in those markets.
In short, Disney+ local ABC news becomes part of the daily routine, not just a special feature.
Why This Move Matters
For years, Disney+ has focused on on-demand entertainment. Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar and Disney classics defined the platform’s identity. However, streaming is evolving.
Platforms now compete for daily engagement, not just a weekend watch. By adding live local news, Disney+ positions itself as something viewers may open every morning, not just when a new series drops. This is a strategic shift.
Instead of asking, “What should I watch tonight?” Disney+ now answers, “What’s happening right now?”
Sam’s Disney Diary Take
This is not just a technical update. It is a signal. Disney+ is evolving from a content library into a daily platform. Entertainment, sports and now local news all live under one roof.
If this rollout expands beyond the initial eight markets, Disney+ could become a true hybrid of streaming and broadcast. The next phase of Disney streaming is not just about what to watch this weekend. It is about what we check every day.
And that is a meaningful shift.
