ABC News formalises data-driven streaming show Searched

ABC News has officially announced Searched, a new streaming-only news programme that utilises real-time data from web search engines and social media platforms to highlight popular stories. Although the show began airing in April on the ABC News Live channel, available on Disney Plus and Hulu, the network has now formally introduced the half-hour weekday programme.

Hosted by correspondents Gio Benitez and Ashan Singh, the show aims to cater to audiences increasingly turning to social media for news as traditional broadcast viewing declines. In a press release, ABC News stated that Searched “pulls real-time data from the top search engines and social media platforms to provide topical news for the audience.”

The programme features a new episode each weekday and has already covered a range of trending subjects, including an Illinois Powerball winner, the retirement of NBA star Russell Westbrook, and Tropical Storm Lala. A backlog of episodes is available on the ABC News YouTube channel.

Searched will air alongside three other new ABC News Live segments: All Access, hosted by Linsey Davis, which features interviews with celebrities, politicians, athletes, and influencers; Burden of Proof, which highlights the most talked-about trials; and Doctor’s Note, a series focused on medical facts and health trends.

This expansion reflects a wider industry shift, with many streaming services filling out their lineups with live news and sports to retain subscribers. The announcement comes as Disney Plus explores the addition of a free streaming tier, a move that Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos noted the company will “continue to consider.”