ABC and Disney+ Launch Daily News Show to Reinvent Morning Streaming

“What You Need to Know” debuts July 21, bringing fast-paced, digestible news exclusively to Disney+ every weekday morning.

Disney+ is taking a bold step into the future of broadcast journalism with the debut of What You Need to Know, a short-form, daily news series launching July 21, 2025. Produced by ABC News, this original program marks the first daily news content created specifically for Disney+, signaling a major evolution in how news is delivered to digital-first audiences.

The show will be anchored by two of ABC’s top correspondents: James Longman, chief international correspondent known for his global crisis coverage, and Rachel Scott, a leading voice in U.S. political journalism. Their complementary perspectives promise a dynamic mix of domestic and global reporting, aimed at viewers increasingly seeking news on mobile and connected platforms.

Episodes will premiere every weekday at 6 a.m. ET and remain available on demand for 24 hours before refreshing. With each segment running between 8–10 minutes, the show is designed to fit seamlessly into morning routines, ideal for commuters, casual scrollers, and busy professionals alike.

“What You Need to Know” covers a wide range of topics, from breaking headlines and political developments to entertainment buzz and viral moments. This broad scope reflects Disney’s aim to reach a younger, more diverse audience, many of whom no longer rely on traditional television for news updates.

The move comes at a time when Disney+ continues expanding its content catalog. With over 126 million global subscribers as of Q2 2025, the platform is also home to ABC News staples like Good Morning America and Nightline. However, this marks the first time the network is offering news programming produced exclusively for the streamer.

Almin Karamehmedovic, president of ABC News, and Alisa Bowen, president of Disney+, are leading this initiative as part of a larger effort to modernize how audiences engage with journalism. “What You Need to Know” embodies this shift, bringing editorial integrity to a format optimized for today’s fast, mobile consumption habits.

This experiment could have far-reaching implications not only for Disney+ and ABC News, but also for the broader news industry. As more consumers demand flexibility and speed from their content, traditional media companies may need to follow suit or risk falling behind.