ABC News launches streaming program that curates stories from online buzz
ABC News has debuted a new livestreamed show called Searched, which selects stories based on real-time data from search engines and social media platforms. The half-hour program, hosted by Gio Benitez and Ashan Singh, has been airing on ABC News Live since April and is available on Disney Plus and Hulu. It is part of a broader push to attract viewers as traditional broadcast audiences decline.
The program, hosted by Gio Benitez and Ashan Singh, has been quietly streaming on ABC's digital channel since April, with past episodes accessible on YouTube. Its format relies on algorithmic aggregation to surface trending queries and viral discussions.
This launch coincides with a broader industry shift where traditional broadcast viewership is waning. ABC is simultaneously rolling out other niche live programs, such as a celebrity interview series and a medical facts show, while also considering ad-supported streaming tiers to compete with rivals like Netflix.
This data-driven approach could further blur the line between journalistic editorial judgment and algorithmic popularity, potentially prioritizing viral engagement over substantive reporting. Audiences may find their news consumption increasingly shaped by search trends, which could reinforce echo chambers. Traditional news organizations might feel pressure to adopt similar formats, altering how information is curated and delivered to the public.