Tampa Bay 28 is a local news and weather application for Tampa Bay residents, providing live streaming and alerts on iOS and Android.
The App DNA
What makes this app unique?
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.
For Local residents of the Tampa Bay area seeking real-time news, weather forecasts, and community-focused investigative reporting.
What does it look like?
Key features
Continuous live broadcast of news and weather content accessible via the app, driving daily active usage and expanding ad-inventory for video spots.
Real-time map-based tracking for rain and storms, increasing open frequency during weather events to boost ad-impression volume.
Exclusive news content produced for digital streaming, expanding reach to non-cable viewers and increasing total ad-inventory.
Push notifications for urgent local news and weather updates, re-engaging dormant users to drive session frequency.
How much does it cost?
Ad-supported model providing free access to all content, monetized through digital advertising inventory.
Velocity
Intense developmentShow more...
5 versions in history. Development pace: intense.
Who built it?
E.W. Scripps Company
13+ apps tracked · News
CBS 6 News Richmond WTVR
CBS 6 Richmond, Va. Weather
News 3 WTKR Norfolk
LEX18 Storm Tracker Weather
WXYZ 7 News Detroit
KATC News
KATC Weather
WPTV News Channel 5 West Palm
ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix
Denver 7+ Colorado News
WCPO 9 Cincinnati
News 5 Cleveland WEWSUser Sentiment
What do users think recently?
The recent review mood reads frustrated. Users appreciate local news and weather updates provide reliable information for tampa bay area residents during emergencies and live streaming capabilities allow users to cut the cord while maintaining access to local broadcasts.
How are ratings & reviews evolving?
What users say, by theme
- 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
- Aggressive interstitial video advertisements interrupt news reading and force users to abandon the app entirely
49 of 49 recent reviews analyzed · high confidence · Frustrated overall
Read the full review analysisUnlock 2 more frustration themes and 1 user request, each backed by review evidence.
Access the full report for freeCompetition
Competitive landscape for Tampa Bay 28
How's the News market?
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.
Read the market outlookThe rivals identified
Unlock the deeper market read.
Access the full report for freeThe Analyst's Read
Key takeaways for Tampa Bay 28
Where is it heading?
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.
The SWOT
- Reliable local emergency reporting sustains initial adoption among Tampa Bay residents.
- Live streaming capabilities allow cord-cutting while maintaining access to local broadcasts.
- A dedicated, high-utility weather interface could increase session frequency during non-emergency periods.
Next best moves
Audit interstitial ad-trigger logic because high ad-density is the #1 complaint → reduce churn rate
+ 1 more prioritized moveThe counter-intuitive read
The app's reliance on interstitial ads is a structural error…
Read the full takeSince the last report: 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.
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.
Unlock 2 critical frictions, 1 market threat, 1 more prioritized move and the analyst’s take.
Access the full report for freeFAQ
Is Tampa Bay 28 free to use?
Does Tampa Bay 28 provide live weather updates?
Can I watch local news without cable?
Sources
- [1] App Store, source
Report last updated