ABC7 Chicago is a leading local news and weather app serving the Chicago market, backed by Disney/ABC. It differentiates itself through 24/7 live streaming and deep investigative journalism (I-Team), positioning itself as a local authority for residents and commuters. However, the app currently faces significant technical challenges, with users reporting frequent crashes and intrusive advertising that hampers the overall experience.
Product velocity
Unknown
Daily rank 🇺🇸
#67
▼11News & Magazines · free
Sentiment
4.5
42k reviews
Nemesis
NBC 5 Chicago: News & Weather
The App DNA
What makes this app unique?
For Chicago-area residents and commuters who require real-time local news, weather, and traffic updates to stay informed throughout the day.
What does it look like?
Key features
Continuous live broadcast of Eyewitness News and original local programming.
Customizable news feed based on user-selected topics and locations.
Dedicated section for investigative journalism and consumer advocacy stories.
Real-time Doppler maps, hourly conditions, and push notifications for severe weather and traffic.
Allows users to watch live video while navigating other apps.
How much does it cost?
The app is entirely free, monetized through advertising and cross-promotion of Disney/ABC content, serving as a digital extension of the broadcast station.
Velocity
Who built it?
Disney
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What do users think recently?
Review voice lately leans mixed. Users appreciate content quality and ease of use, but report technical stability and performance.
How are ratings & reviews evolving?
What users say, by theme
- Content Quality
- Ease of Use
Unlock 1 more frustration theme, each backed by review evidence.
Access the full report for freeCompetition
Competitive landscape for ABC7 Chicago
How's the News & Magazines market?
The rivals identified
By NBCUniversal Media, LLC
Primary direct competitor providing identical 24/7 live streaming, local investigative reporting, and AccuWeather-powered forecasting for the Chicago market.
ABC7 Chicago vs NBC 5 Chicago: News & Weather
NewsBreak: Local News & AlertsContender
SmartNews: Live News & RewardsContenderCChicago TribuneContenderCChicago Sun-TimesContenderUnlock the deeper market read.
Access the full report for freeThe Analyst's Read
Key takeaways for ABC7 Chicago
Where is it heading?
The SWOT
- Strong brand authority and Disney backing
- Exclusive investigative content (I-Team)
- High iOS user rating and large install base
- Improve Android performance to match iOS standards
- Optimize 'My News' personalization to compete with aggregators
- Enhance Smart TV/lean-back experience for cord-cutters
Since the last report: The report shows a decline in user satisfaction metrics and a more granular understanding of the competitive landscape, specifically regarding the threat of news aggregators.
Unlock 3 critical frictions, 3 market threats and the analyst’s take.
Access the full report for freeReport last updated