LG has announced significant updates to its webOS smart TV platform aimed at streamlining how users access and consume news content. Acknowledging news as a primary content category for TV viewers, the company is introducing a new “News Portal,” upgraded web browser features, and a strategic partnership with streaming service Haystack News.
Partnership with Haystack News
To facilitate direct access to news coverage, LG has partnered with Haystack News, a service that aggregates content from over 400 local, national, and global channels.
As part of this collaboration, LG Smart TVs sold in the U.S. and Canada starting in 2026 will ship with an LG Magic Remote featuring a dedicated Haystack News button. This hardware integration allows users to bypass menus and launch the service instantly. Additionally, the service will be integrated into the webOS interface for TVs running webOS 25 and above.
The New webOS News Portal
LG is introducing a centralized “News Portal” accessible via a dedicated Q-card on the home screen. This feature is designed to be an all-in-one hub for news discovery, simplifying navigation by consolidating various content sources.
The News Portal will be available on LG Smart TVs running webOS 25 in nine regions: United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Mexico, Brazil and South Korea
Key Features of the News Portal:
- Trending News: A curated section featuring live and on-demand clips from sources like Haystack News.
- Live Content: Integration with LG Channels, the company’s free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) service.
- Audio Content: Access to podcasts via LG Radio+.
- Major Outlets: Selected content from prominent news organizations.
Enhanced Web Browser
LG has also upgraded the webOS browser to further support news consumption. Accessible directly from the home screen, the updated browser features a search engine that provides results tailored to the user’s specific region.
To improve usability, the browser interface now displays shortcuts to frequently visited websites and recommended sites directly below the search bar. Furthermore, the browser includes a “Trending News” section for popular stories and a “Picks for You” section that utilizes algorithms to offer personalized content recommendations based on user interests.