LG Electronics is rolling out updates to its webOS smart TV platform aimed at making news content easier and faster to access. With news among the most frequently viewed categories on connected TVs, the company is refining how users discover free news channels, podcasts, and online news through the webOS News Portal and built-in web browser.
As part of this effort, LG has expanded its partnership with Haystack News, a news streaming service that aggregates content from more than 400 local, national, and international news providers. Beginning in 2026, LG Smart TVs sold in the U.S. and Canada will ship with an LG Magic Remote that includes a dedicated Haystack News button, allowing users to open the service directly without navigating menus. Haystack News will also be accessible through the News Portal and web browser on LG TVs running webOS 25 and later.
The News Portal, accessible via the News Q-card, is available on LG Smart TVs running webOS 25 in nine markets: the U.S., the U.K., Mexico, Brazil, Germany, Spain, Italy, France, and South Korea. Designed as a centralized destination, the portal brings together multiple content types in one interface, including curated live and on-demand news from Haystack News, live news channels from LG Channels (LG’s free ad-supported streaming TV service), podcasts from LG Radio+, and selected content from major news organizations.
LG has also updated the webOS web browser to improve access to current news and information. The browser now features an integrated, region-specific search engine to help surface relevant stories more quickly. Frequently visited websites and recommended links appear below the search bar, while dedicated sections highlight trending news and personalized content recommendations.
“Our mission at Haystack News is to provide viewers with unparalleled access to trusted, diverse news sources,” said Daniel Barreto, CEO of Haystack News. “This expanded partnership marks a significant step forward in achieving that goal. We’re proud to deepen our relationship with the world’s number one OLED TV brand.”
“LG is enhancing the viewing experience with a refined UI for the News Q-card, making live news watching effortless and more accessible,” said Chris Jo, head of the webOS Platform Business Center at the LG Media Entertainment Solution Company. “This upgrade, along with our Haystack partnership, ensures users can seamlessly explore a wider range of free-to-watch content tailored to their interest and preferences.”
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