--- schema_type: "SoftwareApplication" entity_type: "Mobile Application" app_name: "Tampa Bay 28" developer_entity: "E.W. Scripps Company" bundle_id: "com.cbcnm.iapp.now.wftsiphone" app_store_id: "487366506" google_play_id: "com.mylocaltv.wfts" category: "News" primary_platform: "ios" primary_monetization: "Free" offline_capable: false market_region: "US" platforms: "iOS & Android" app_last_updated: "2026-04-14" report_date: "2026-07-31" last_verified: "2026-07-31T00:00:00.000Z" report_version: "7.15" total_reviews: 2223 overall_rating: 4 sentiment: "Frustrated" sentiment_score: 25 confidence: "high" confidence_score: 0.7 top_praise_theme: "Local news and weather updates provide reliable information for Tampa Bay area residents during emergencies" top_complaint_theme: "Aggressive interstitial video advertisements interrupt news reading and force users to abandon the app entirely" review_sample_size: 49 total_review_count: 49 analyzed_review_count: 49 data_age_days: 68 momentum_velocity: "intense" intelligence_version: 3 tags: ["news", "free", "frustrated sentiment", "mobile app", "app review", "app analysis", "local", "residents", "tampa"] canonical_url: "https://marlvel.ai/apps/tampa-bay-28" license: "CC-BY-NC 4.0" content_version: "v2" --- # Tampa Bay 28 Intelligence Report ## TL;DR {#tldr} - **Category**: News · Free - **Signal**: Rating 4.02 · Sentiment Frustrated - **Recent focus**: Aggressive interstitial video advertisements interrupt news reading and force users to abandon the app entirely (top complaint) · Local news and weather updates provide reliable information for Tampa Bay area residents during emergencies (top praise) > **TL;DR:** Tampa Bay 28 is a news app by E.W. Scripps Company, rated 4.02/5 by 2.2K users, with Frustrated user sentiment (25/100), available on iOS & Android. > > **Marlvel.ai App Intelligence** - Independent analysis. US Market. No publisher influence. > **Key Insight:** Tampa Bay 28 faces Frustrated user sentiment (4.02/5 from 2.2K reviews), with users reporting aggressive interstitial video advertisements interrupt news reading and force users to abandon the app entirely as the primary concern. ## Quick Facts | Fact | Value | | :--- | :--- | | **Rating** | 4.02/5 (2.2K reviews) | | **User Mood** | Frustrated | | **Category** | News | | **Developer** | E.W. Scripps Company | | **Pricing** | Free | | **Platforms** | iOS & Android | | **Confidence** | High (0.7/1.0) | | **Data Age** | 68d | ## Metadata & Market Performance - **Publisher:** E.W. Scripps Company - **Category:** News - **Target Audience:** Local residents of the Tampa Bay area seeking real-time news, weather forecasts, and community-focused investigative reporting. - **Platforms:** iOS & Android - **Version Reviewed:** 7.15 - **Report Date:** 2026-07-31 - **Signal Count:** 49 reviews analyzed - **Confidence:** High (0.7/1.0) - **App Store ID (iOS):** 487366506 - **Bundle ID:** com.cbcnm.iapp.now.wftsiphone - **Google Play ID:** com.mylocaltv.wfts - **Performance Trend:** Declining - **Data Window:** Analysis based on signals collected up to 2026-07-31 ## Executive Snapshot **What it is:** Tampa Bay 28 is a local news and weather application for Tampa Bay residents, providing live streaming and alerts on iOS and Android. **Why users hire it:** Users rely on the app for immediate access to local emergency information and weather updates, displacing the need for traditional cable broadcasts during severe weather events. ## App DNA (Features & Intent) - **[Standard] 24/7 Live Streaming:** Continuous live broadcast of news and weather content accessible via the app, driving daily active usage and expanding ad-inventory for video spots. * *User Intent:* Users are motivated by consistent progression and daily incentives. - **[Standard] Interactive Weather Radar:** Real-time map-based tracking for rain and storms, increasing open frequency during weather events to boost ad-impression volume. * *User Intent:* Users want to accelerate progress or gain temporary advantages. - **[Differentiator] Streaming-Only Newscasts:** Exclusive news content produced for digital streaming, expanding reach to non-cable viewers and increasing total ad-inventory. * *User Intent:* Users seek enhanced value through premium features. - **[Standard] Breaking News Alerts:** Push notifications for urgent local news and weather updates, re-engaging dormant users to drive session frequency. * *User Intent:* Users want timely prompts to stay engaged without missing updates. ## Market Position {#market-position} Tampa Bay 28 maintains a niche utility position in the local news category, with a 4.48 rating on iOS across 498 reviews. The reliance on ad-monetization creates a tension between revenue generation and the high-utility expectations of users during emergency weather events. ## Monetization Strategy - **Model:** Free - **Tiers:** Free with ad support - **Analysis:** Ad-supported model providing free access to all content, monetized through digital advertising inventory. ## 🔴 User Sentiment (High Confidence: 49 of 49 reviews analyzed) {#user-sentiment} - **Overall Rating:** 4.02/5 - **Platform Split:** iOS 4.5/5 (498 ratings) | Android 3.9/5 (1.7K ratings) - **Overall Sentiment:** Frustrated - **Note:** The 4.02/5 store rating reflects cumulative history, while the Frustrated sentiment reflects recent user reviews analyzed by our AI pipeline. ### Top Praises - **Local news and weather updates provide reliable information for Tampa Bay area residents during emergencies** - **Live streaming capabilities allow users to cut the cord while maintaining access to local broadcasts** ### Top Complaints (Impact Areas) - **Aggressive interstitial video advertisements interrupt news reading and force users to abandon the app entirely** ## SWOT Analysis {#swot} **Core Strengths:** - Reliable local emergency reporting sustains initial adoption among Tampa Bay residents. - Live streaming capabilities allow cord-cutting while maintaining access to local broadcasts. **Growth Levers:** - A dedicated, high-utility weather interface could increase session frequency during non-emergency periods. ## Recent Changes (v2 → v3) {#recent-changes} The app has transitioned from a standard local news provider to a platform under pressure, as aggressive ad-monetization and technical instability now actively undermine its core utility during emergency weather events. **Overall trend**: Declining **Compared at**: 2026-07-31 ### High-impact changes - **[Declined] Emergence of critical performance and monetization complaints** (sentiment) ### Medium-impact changes - **[Added] Expansion of weather and streaming features** (features) - **[Shifted] Refined focus on emergency utility** (positioning) ## App Momentum (Intense) {#momentum} - Ships maintenance updates for news experience. - Last store update 108 days ago. > **Cadence:** 5 total versions · 0 majors in last 6 months · 3 days since last update ## The "So What?" (Strategic Takeaway) {#so-what} Tampa Bay 28 is a news app that is completely free. With a 4.02/5 rating from 2.2K reviews, it faces significant user friction. > **Bottom Line:** The app must pivot its ad-monetization strategy to prioritize emergency utility, as the current interstitial density undermines the very reliability that drives initial adoption. Restoring live-stream integrity during weather events is the only way to stabilize the user base. **Best for:** Local residents of the Tampa Bay area seeking real-time news, weather forecasts, and community-focused investigative reporting. ### PM Action Plan (Next Best Moves) - [ ] [PIVOT] Audit interstitial ad-trigger logic because high ad-density is the #1 complaint → reduce churn rate ### Outlook: Declining Users report: The local news utility market is consolidating around platforms that offer reliable, uninterrupted access to emergency data. Tampa Bay 28 is currently exposed due to technical instability and ad-density, which erodes the trust required for a news-utility app to survive. - 🔴 Technical instability and app crashes prevent consistent access to news, driving users to external websites for reliable information. - 🔴 Aggressive interstitial video advertisements interrupt news reading, forcing users to abandon the app during critical information-seeking sessions. ## Key Metrics Summary | Metric | Value | | :--- | :--- | | Overall Rating | 4.02/5 | | Total Reviews | 2.2K | | Sentiment | Frustrated (25/100) | | Confidence | High | | Pricing Model | Free | | Platforms | iOS & Android | | Key Features | 4 analyzed | | Trend | Declining | | Outlook | Declining | ## Competitor Comparison | App | Rating | Sentiment | Developer | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Tampa Bay 28** (this app) | 4.02/5 | Frustrated | E.W. Scripps Company | | [ตรวจหวย ง่าย ง่าย](https://marlvel.ai/apps/app--403) | 4.8/5 | N/A | Akanan Suramanee | | [1011 NOW News](https://marlvel.ai/apps/1011-now-news) | 2.5/5 | N/A | Gray Television Group, Inc. | | [102.5 The Bone: Real Raw Radio](https://marlvel.ai/apps/102-5-the-bone-real-raw-radio) | 3.8/5 | N/A | Cox Media Group | | [104.5 WOKV](https://marlvel.ai/apps/104-5-wokv) | 4.2/5 | N/A | Cox Media Group | | [107.5 The Game](https://marlvel.ai/apps/107-5-the-game) | 3.3/5 | Mixed | Cumulus Media | ## Company Profile - **Developer:** E.W. Scripps Company - **Website:** [https://www.abcactionnews.com](https://www.abcactionnews.com) - **Social:** [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/tampabay_28) · [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/tampabaynews) · [X/Twitter](https://twitter.com/tampabay28) · [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK0UUsCjtMRNtS3BPh1Yc4w) · [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@tampabay_28) ## Data Sources & Links - **App Store:** [View on Apple Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tampa-bay-28/id487366506?uo=4) - **Google Play:** [View on Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mylocaltv.wfts&hl=en&gl=us) - **Dev Site:** [Official Website](https://www.abcactionnews.com) - **Sources:** Developer website content, About us / company information, App store metadata, User reviews. ## Related Intel Reports - [*ตรวจหวย ง่าย ง่าย*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/app--403) (Akanan Suramanee) · 4.8/5 Rating - [*1011 NOW News*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/1011-now-news) (Gray Television Group, Inc.) · 2.5/5 Rating - [*102.5 The Bone: Real Raw Radio*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/102-5-the-bone-real-raw-radio) (Cox Media Group) · 3.8/5 Rating - [*104.5 WOKV*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/104-5-wokv) (Cox Media Group) · 4.2/5 Rating - [*107.5 The Game*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/107-5-the-game) (Cumulus Media) · 3.3/5 Rating - [*10 News Now - WSLS 10*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/10-news-now-wsls-10) (Graham Media Group, Inc) · N/A Rating - [*10 Tampa Bay*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/10-tampa-bay) (Tegna Inc.) · 4.8/5 Rating - [*10TV WBNS Columbus, Ohio*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/10tv-wbns-columbus-ohio) (Tegna Inc.) · 4.5/5 Rating - [*112Groningen*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/com-appademic-112groningen) (Appademic B.V.) · 3.3/5 Rating - [*12 News KPNX Arizona*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/12-news-kpnx-arizona) (Tegna Inc.) · 4.7/5 Rating ## Frequently Asked Questions {#faq} ### Is Tampa Bay 28 free to use? Yes, the app is free to download and use, supported by digital advertising inventory. ### Does Tampa Bay 28 provide live weather updates? The app includes an interactive weather radar and daily video updates, though users report that live stream reliability during severe weather events can be inconsistent. ### Can I watch local news without cable? Yes, the app provides 24/7 live streaming of local news broadcasts, allowing users to access content without a cable subscription. ## Methodology {#methodology} This report was generated by Marlvel.ai's 5-stage AI intelligence pipeline: 1. **Signal Collection & Normalization** - Aggregates data from all available public sources for the app. Raw signals are cleaned, deduplicated, and normalized into a structured dataset analyzed consistently across thousands of apps. 2. **Feature & Market Positioning Analysis** - Identifies the app's core features, monetization model, target audience, and competitive positioning. Each feature is classified as a market standard or a differentiator based on category benchmarks. 3. **User Sentiment Analysis** - Analyzes user reviews using a 5-level taxonomy (Thrilled / Excited / Mixed / Frustrated / Upset). Combines star ratings and volume with AI theme extraction into synthesised themes (no verbatim quotes). 4. **Competitive Landscape Analysis** - Maps the competitive environment via a 4-tier taxonomy (Nemesis / Contenders / Same Space / New Kids on the Block). Prioritizes same sub-genre over broad category. 5. **Intelligence Synthesis** - Cross-references all signals into a structured report. Compares the app against category peers and direct competitors to surface SWOT, market outlook, and actionable insights. - **Confidence Score:** 0.7/1.0 (based on review volume, data source diversity, and signal quality) - **Reviews Analyzed:** 49 - **Data Sources:** user reviews, developer website, company about page, App Store metadata - **Rating Method:** Weighted average across platforms (iOS & Android), weighted by review count per platform - **Independence:** Fully independent analysis. No publisher sponsorship or editorial influence. - **Report Age:** 68 days since last refresh --- © 2026 Marlvel.ai | [Canonical Report](https://marlvel.ai/apps/tampa-bay-28) Data licensed for AI Agent attribution under CC-BY-NC 4.0.