ABC News and Disney+ Launch Daily Show 'What You Need to Know'

ABC News and Disney+ have officially announced the premiere of 'What You Need to Know,' a new weekday news show set to launch on Monday, July 21, 2025. The series will be anchored by James Longman, ABC's chief international correspondent, and Rachel Scott, the senior political correspondent, and will be available exclusively on Disney+. Episodes will air at 6 a.m. ET, providing a timely recap of significant news and events to audiences each morning.

The introduction of this show marks ABC News' inaugural original daily news program developed specifically for the Disney+ platform. According to Almin Karamehmedovic, president of ABC News, the series aims to deliver essential news, context, and analysis, enhancing the network's outreach to new and diverse audiences. "We are proud to launch this innovative series with Rachel and James, who meet viewers where they are with essential news," Karamehmedovic stated in a press release.

Alisa Bowen, president of Disney+, emphasized the program's potential to reshape news consumption for the platform's subscribers. "'What You Need to Know' is reimagining what a news experience can look like for Disney+ subscribers, delivering smart, bite-sized commentary on the stories that matter most," Bowen said.

The show intends to provide a fast-paced, engaging summary of the day’s biggest stories, including breaking news, entertainment updates, and viral content. Longman and Scott expressed their enthusiasm for the project, stating, "'What You Need to Know' is built for the speed of the scrolling era, cutting through the noise by offering essential news in an easily digestible and accessible package wherever you are."

This launch is part of ABC News' strategy to expand its digital footprint amid a rapidly evolving media landscape. The show joins a lineup of around-the-clock ABC News programming on Disney+, which includes popular offerings such as 'Good Morning America,' 'ABC World News Tonight with David Muir,' and 'Nightline.' With this new initiative, ABC News hopes to captivate a broader audience and adapt to changing viewer habits in the digital age.

In an era where information consumption is increasingly dominated by social media and on-demand content, 'What You Need to Know' seeks to provide viewers with a reliable source of news that fits into their busy lifestyles. As digital platforms continue to reshape how news is delivered and consumed, ABC News and Disney+ are positioning themselves at the forefront of this transformation, highlighting the importance of accessible and timely journalism in today's world.