
ABC News and Disney+ announced What You Need to Know, a new weekday news show, is coming to Disney+, with episodes beginning on July 21.
The short-form streaming series will be anchored by chief international correspondent James Longman and senior political correspondent Rachel Scott. It will premiere Monday, July 21, exclusively on Disney+. What You Need to Know is ABC News’ first original daily news program created for Disney+, with episodes premiering at 6 a.m. ET.
What You Need to Know is the fast, fresh way to stay ahead of the conversation as viewers start their day. From breaking headlines and the day’s biggest stories to entertainment buzz and viral videos, the show has everything you need to know. What You Need to Know will be available on demand on Disney+ for 24 hours. If you don’t watch it within that time period, you’re out of luck before that day’s news program is refreshed with news stories for the next day.
James Longman has been a foreign correspondent for ABC news since 2017. Based in London, his work takes him all over the world — to date, more than 45 countries and counting. Prior to joining ABC, Longman worked at the BBC as a Beirut correspondent and a general news reporter. He covered terrorist attacks across Europe, mental health issues and adolescent drug use.
Rachel Scott is the senior political correspondent for ABC News, reporting on President Trump’s second term, his administration and Capitol Hill across all programs and platforms, including Good Morning America, World News Tonight with David Muir, Nightline, This Week with George Stephanopoulos, 20/20, ABC News Live, ABC News Digital and ABC Audio. Scott’s first day covering Capitol Hill as the incoming congressional correspondent was Jan. 6, 2021. Her career began at ABC News as a production associate for ABC News Live in 2016.
“We are proud to launch this innovative series with Rachel and James, who meet viewers where they are with essential news, context and analysis to help them better understand the world around us,” said Almin Karamehmedovic, president of ABC News. “This new effort expands ABC News’ significant footprint on Disney+, allowing us to reach and connect with new and diverse audiences on the platform.”
“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,” said Alisa Bowen, president of Disney+. “With the trusted voices of ABC News at the helm, this show marks an exciting evolution of our news offering.”
“We are excited to embark on this journey with Disney+, a show that reimagines how you get your news,” said Longman and Scott in a joint statement. “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.”
What You Need to Know joins around-the-clock ABC News programming available on Disney+, including Good Morning America: First Look at 4 AM ET, Prime with Linsey Davis at 7 PM ET, World News Tonight with David Muir at 10 PM ET and ABC News Live streaming news channel content throughout the day.
ABC News is America’s No. 1 news source, providing straightforward, fact-driven journalism across broadcast, streaming, digital and audio. ABC’s award-winning programs include Good Morning America, World News Tonight with David Muir, Nightline, 20/20, This Week with George Stephanopoulos, GMA3, and The View. Platforms include 24/7 streaming channel ABC News Live featuring Prime with Linsey Davis, ABC News Studios, ABC News Digital, ABC Audio and NewsOne. Based in New York City, ABC News is comprised of three U.S. bureaus and eight international bureaus, with a presence in more than 20 countries around the world.
New episodes of What You Need to Know will premiere on Disney+ weekdays at 6 AM, beginning on July 21, 2025.
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