NewsON, the broadcaster-operated service that provides local news nationwide, today announced that Sinclair Broadcast Group has joined NewsON, adding approximately 30 Sinclair stations, expanding NewsON’s reach.

Today, NewsON features video content from 120 stations in 92 markets covering 76% of the U.S. population. With the Sinclair additions, it will grow to approximately 150 stations in 100 markets covering 80% of the U.S. population after full implementation later this year.

In addition, Sinclair will increase the range of choices within the NewsON app in many major U.S. markets.

NewsON, which launched Nov. 4, 2015, provides consumers with access to live and on-demand local newscasts and local news clips on mobile and connected TV devices. The free, ad-supported app features flexible navigation that encourages discovery, offering instant access to broadcast-quality video.

It also allows users to search by market via an interactive map and for curated content linking coverage of breaking news events from multiple stations.

“We are delighted to welcome Sinclair as an investor and content participant, and believe that this milestone further demonstrates the value of the NewsON app in expanding the reach and relevance of local broadcast news,” said Louis Gump, CEO of NewsON. “This strong start to 2016 builds on our growing momentum from last year and will increase our ability to serve customers across the country.”

BRAND CONNECTIONS

“NewsON is a great way for Sinclair Broadcast Group to deliver on our mission of innovating local news on a large scale,” said Rob Weisbord, COO of Sinclair Digital Group. “We have a long track record of investing in news content and delivery for the communities we serve, and NewsON is an extension for us to reach important audience segments while extending and reinforcing our local news brands.”

The NewsON app is available for Apple iPhone and iPad, Android phone and tablet, and on the Roku platform on Roku players and Roku TVs.