Full Breakdown
SiriusXM Expands News Offerings with ABC News Partnership
4/21/2026, 11:50:36 AM
Launch of New Channels
SiriusXM has announced the launch of two new channels in collaboration with Disney’s ABC News, enhancing its news offerings on its streaming platform. The first channel, “ABC News Live,” debuted on Channel 796 on the SiriusXM app, providing a continuous audio simulcast of ABC News’ live-streaming service. The second channel, “20/20 True Crime,” is set to launch later this spring on Channel 794, focusing on in-depth storytelling related to true crime narratives.
Features of the New Channels
“ABC News Live” will deliver around-the-clock coverage of breaking news, covering a wide range of topics including politics, weather, health, and business. The channel aims to keep listeners informed with real-time updates and analysis from ABC News’ journalists. Meanwhile, “20/20 True Crime” will serve as a destination for narrative podcasts, full episodes of the “20/20” series, and curated cases from the “20/20 True Crime Vault,” offering listeners a deep dive into gripping investigations and mysteries.
In addition to these channels, two ABC News programs will be available on SiriusXM’s P.O.T.U.S. channel. “This Week with George Stephanopoulos,” co-anchored by Stephanopoulos, Martha Raddatz, and Jonathan Karl, will air Sundays at 2 p.m. ET. “Start Here Weekend,” hosted by Brad Mielke, will be broadcast on Saturdays at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET.
Historical Context
The introduction of these channels marks the return of ABC News programming to SiriusXM, which had previously featured an ABC News channel through Citadel Broadcasting until its closure in 2007. The current collaboration signifies a renewed commitment to providing diverse news content alongside other established news outlets already available on SiriusXM, such as NBC News, CNN, and BBC World Service.
Official Statements & Responses
SiriusXM emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating that “ABC News Live” will keep listeners informed on the latest developments, while “20/20 True Crime” will provide a platform for compelling storytelling. ABC News expressed enthusiasm about reaching a broader audience through SiriusXM’s extensive distribution capabilities.
Criticism & Opposition
While the partnership has been largely welcomed, some critics argue that the proliferation of news channels may contribute to information overload for listeners. Concerns have also been raised about the potential for bias in news coverage, given the commercial nature of the partnership.
What's Next
As SiriusXM continues to expand its content offerings, the launch of “20/20 True Crime” is anticipated in the coming weeks. The integration of ABC News programming into SiriusXM’s platform is expected to evolve further, potentially leading to additional collaborations and content expansions in the future.
