Localish


Localish is a lifestyle TV network owned by ABC Owned Television Stations, part of Walt Disney Television, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company.

History

As Live Well Network

ABC Owned Television Stations began development of a potential subchannel network in 2007. To appeal to ABC affiliates not owned and operated by the network, it was decided not to use ABC branding in any way.
Live Well Network was launched on April 27, 2009 in high definition on ABC's owned-and-operated stations as part of the stations' subchannels. Initially, the network only had three hours of original programming that are looped throughout the day which was all sourced from ABC stations. In September 2010, Belo became the first non-ABC group to sign on with the network, adding it to their stations on November 8, 2010. Not all of the Belo-owned stations originally aired the network in , which led the network to drop the "HD" from its branding to become simply "Live Well Network".
Two LWN owned and operated stations, WJRT and WTVG, were sold to Lilly Broadcasting closing on April 1, 2011. On May 26, 2011, it was announced that a deal has been reached to air the network on nine Scripps-owned stations. In August 2011, the network picked up CBC Television's Steven and Chris for broadcast starting that fall.
On January 9, 2012, Citadel Communications announced that it would be adding Live Well to all five of its major network-affiliated stations, bringing the network's reach to around 55% U.S. television households. Young Broadcasting announced the addition of most of their stations to the network as of the end of January 2012; carriage agreements were maintained when Young was purchased by Media General in November 2013.
In 2012, many ABC affiliates switching to the Live Well Network dropped Retro Television Network. A 1-hour two-week LWN block was broadcast on Soapnet weeknights from 11 PM to 12 AM starting on July 30, 2012 through Friday, August 10, 2012.
The network lost affiliates in Memphis and Jackson, Tennessee in March 2013 as a result of the sale of Newport Television's stations to Nexstar Broadcasting.
KMCI-TV in Kansas City, Missouri removed the network in favor of Bounce TV in October 2013, while Salt Lake City, Utah's KSL-TV would add Cozi TV at LWN's expense in January 2014. On February 17, 2014, KMOV in St. Louis dropped the network, as new owner Meredith Corporation plans on using the bandwidth for ATSC M/H mobile DTV, better known by the brand name Dyle.
The Phoenix DMA is the largest TV market that did not have a Live Well Network affiliate, since Scripps-owned KNXV-TV switched to Antenna TV in January 2014, citing viewer demand for the classic TV network as the reason for dropping Live Well.
On June 9, 2014, network vice president Peggy Allen and ABC Owned Television Stations president Rebecca Campbell jointly announced to Live Well Network's staff that they planned to shut down the network in January 2015. Campbell and Allen stated that despite the success of the network, the division wanted to prioritize "local content" and its "core local news brands". Some of the network's shows might move over to the fyi cable network, a network ABC holds a half-interest in with Hearst Corporation via the A&E Networks joint venture. Many of the shows from ABC's stations are expected to end production.
On January 13, 2015 via an announcement by Green Bay affiliate WBAY-TV, ABC announced that the network would be extended for two further months from their previous close date of January 16, 2015 with a revised program schedule to allow their remaining affiliates additional time to find subchannel programming.
Two days later, ABCOTS and the E. W. Scripps Company announced a pickup of Katz Broadcasting's new subchannel Laff, including the DT3 subchannels of the ABC O&O stations, as of April 15, 2015; within that announcement, ABCOTS stated that Live Well Network would continue on their eight stations on their DT2 subchannels in HD, but no longer be distributed outside of ABC O&O stations. As of April 15, 2015, WBAY and all of the former Young stations now owned by Media General continued to run the network, with no mention of any new alternate programming for those subchannels. On May 29, 2015, Comcast was informed that Media General was dropping Live Well from their stations beginning May 30, 2015. Subsequently, the signal was pulled off the Media General stations at the close of business on May 29, with those stations either carrying still text cards apologizing for the end of the network and announcements of replacement programming to come, or carrying alternate station programming.

As Localish

ABC Owned Television Stations launched its Localish digital media venture the week of September 20, 2018 with four shows. Localish focuses on mobile millennials with national appeal local short stories produced by the stations and released on digital and social platforms. The first series, More in Common, had already appeared via Facebook Watch on July 21, 2018. The station group was considering the possibility of an OTT channel for the brand. A More in Common compilation special was broadcast on all ABC station's primary channels on November 4, 2018 with WPVI-TV, Philadelphia also on November 3 then on their LiveWell Network subchannel from November 4 through 11, 2018.
On January 21, 2020, ABC Owned Television Stations announced that the network would be rebranded as Localish on February 17, 2020. The rebranded network serves as an expansion of the Localish brand featuring several programs already featured on the Localish website.

Programming

Many of the network's shows were produced by the local ABC Owned Television Stations. Initially, the network only had three hours of original programming that looped throughout the day, all sourced from ABC stations. The network expanded to six hours of original programming on January 11, 2011 when six more half-hour shows were added. This allowed the programming block to loop three times daily; with rotating episodes to ensure a given episode would not air more than twice in a day.
By July 2011, the network was scheduling 18 hours of original programming with 1 hour set aside for local programming. In September 2011, 3 hours of children's E/I shows were added.
In February 2014, WPVI-TV Philadelphia and LWN were seeking participants for a pilot episode of Pop the Question, a reality series featuring wedding proposals.
FYI, a cable specialty channel partly owned by Disney through A&E Networks, would take on some of the Live Well Network programs with the network's contraction. Sweet Retreats was picked up starting on October 10, 2014 by FYI.
SourcingProduction co.Show titleStart dateEnd dateHostDescription
ABC StationKABC-TVAdvice for Lifegeneral advice
ABC StationKGO-TVHome with Lisa QuinnLisa Quinnone room make overs
ABC StationWLS-TVLet's DishChef Chris Koetke, Dean of the School of Culinary Arts at Kendall Collegecooking show
ABC StationKTRK-TVMirror MirrorRebecca Sperafashion and beauty tips
ABC StationKFSN-TV & 18Thirty EntertainmentMotion2015Greg Aiellooutdoor travel show
ABC StationWLS-TV and Answers Media, LLCSay Ahh...2011health and medical news
ABC StationWPVI-TVMary Talks Money2011Mary Caracciolia financial advice and literacy show
ABC StationWABC-TVGotta KnowHeidi Jonesa high-tech gadget show
ABC StationKGO-TVEveryday Living2011Janelle Wanglifestyle show
ABC StationKABC-TVCustom Fitfall 2012Lori Corbin, food and fitness coachhealth living series covering a range of topics from dieting to workout routines
ABC StationKGO-TVGood Cookin’fall Bruce Aidells, a chef, food commentator and best-selling authorcooking program
ABC StationWLS-TVHere's How, Right Nowfall 2012former HGTV host Joel Schmargeprovides instructions on non-professional needed household projects
ABC StationKABC-TVOTRC: On the Red Carpetfall 2013Rachel Smith and Chris Balishentertainment magazine
ABC StationWPVI-TVWe Owe What?Mary CaraccioliHost helps family with debt
ABC StationKFSN-TV & 18Thirty EntertainmentMy Family Recipe RocksJoey Fatonehome cooking
ABC StationKABC-TVLive Big with Ali VincentAli Vincentweight loss & activities
ABC StationKGO-TVFood RushRyan Scottfollows the chef as he works his catering business, food truck and the opening of a new restaurant
ABC StationKTRK-TVDealsconsumer reporter Kat Cosleywho gives or finds money-saving tips
ABC StationMiss America: Secret's RevealedRebecca Speracontestants makeup, beauty and other tips
ABC StationKTRK-TVHome Chef ShowdownRyan Scotthome cooks face off judged by a panel of chefs in this special three episode series
ABC StationWPVI-TVKnock It Off!13 episodes; low cost one room make over
ABC StationWPVI-TVSweet RetreatsRene Syler
OutsideAnswers MediaSave My Planet2012eco-info series
OutsideCanada syndicatedMy Green House2012an "Extreme Home Makeover" like show
OutsideFrontera Media Productions & Luminair Film ProductionsMexico: One Plate At A TimeRick Baylessoff network Mexican food series
OutsideAssociated Television InternationalLaura McKenzie's Travelerfall Laura McKenzietravel to various sought-after destinations
OutsideEntertainment Concepts InternationalTreasure Hunters Roadshowfall 2013Andy St. Clairseeks out eclectic collectors’ items
OutsideCBC TelevisionSteven and Chris2016Steven Sabados
Chris Hyndman
lifestyle talk show, Series canceled in 2015 following Chris Hyndman's death
OutsideBasil Street MediaFood for Thought with Claire ThomasClaire ThomasProgram from ABC's syndicated block Litton's Weekend Adventure for FCC E/I compliance; cooking
OutsideEveryday HealthEveryday HealthE/I Litton program; health and wellness
OutsideEveryday Health & TruimRecipe RehabDaniel BoomeE/I Litton program; cooking and health
OutsideThe Television Syndication CompanyReal Life 101Christie and ShawnE/I program; career exploration
OutsideHiring America, LLCHiring America20192020Gigi Stone Woodsassisting veterans to find jobs;
OutsidePickler & Ben20192020Kellie Pickler
Ben Aaron
syndicated day time variety show
OutsideBrandstarMilitary MakeoverR. Lee Ermeyhome improvement for veterans
OutsideBrandstarThe Balancing ActJulie Moran and Olga Villaverdeadvertorial

Localish

Localish content was originally available via online, its over-the-top platforms, social media and syndicated by Oath and Apple News.
Show titleStart dateEnd dateProduction co.HostDescription
More in Commonlaunched on Facebook Watch
Secretly Awesomelocals' top spots
My Go-Tolocal influencers showing their favorite hangouts
Worth the Waitlooks into the wait at the hotspots are really worth it
Staycationa travel series
Bite Sizedfood series
Pumpedfitness series
All Goodfeatures people making positive change
Glam Labbeauty and self-care newest products and trends tested
Out of Officevacation videos
Stroke of GeniusFinding the inspiration behind America's most talented artists

Video quality

The network broadcasts in a lower-bandwidth form of 720p HD format in order to preserve bandwidth for the main HD station signal and additional 480i digital subchannels.
Cable carriage is also featured in the ABC O&O markets, either as the full HD feed or a 480i standard definition version. As of December 2017, WLS-TV only carries a standard definition version of the network due to a channel sharing agreement with UniMas station WXFT-DT which requires a high definition broadcast of that station.

Past Live Well Network affiliates

Affiliates were given 1 hour of programming time by July 2011, more than 5 minutes of advertising time per hour and responsibility for gaining cable carriage.
DMA NameStationChannelOwnerReplaced by
WTEN
10.3
Media GeneralJustice Network
WTBS-LD
26.2
Prism BroadcastingBiz TV
WMAR-TV
2.2
E.W. ScrippsLaff
KERO-TV
23.3
E.W. ScrippsMeTV
KNIN-TV
9.2
Kiel Media Group, LLCHeroes & Icons

WBIN-TV
50.2
Carlisle One MediaAntenna TV
KCRG-TV
9.3
Source MediaAntenna TV
WCNC-TV
36.2
Tegna
Justice Network
WLS-TV
7.2 HD, 7.3 SD
ABC Owned Television StationsLaff ; removed in November 2017, and DT2 now only airs in standard definition due to channel share with WXFT-DT
WCPO-TV
9.3
E.W. ScrippsLaff
Bounce TV
WEWS-TV
5.2
E.W. ScrippsCozi TV
WFAA
8.3
Tegna
Justice Network
WOI-DT
5.2
Nexstar Media GroupLaff
WXYZ-TV
7.3
E.W. ScrippsLaff
WTVD
11.2HD, 11.3SD
ABC Owned Television StationsLaff
Eureka, CAKAEF
23.2
Bonten Media GroupMovies!
WJRT-TV
12.2
Gray TelevisionMeTV
KFSN-TV
30.2HD, 30.3SD
ABC Owned Television StationsLaff
WBAY-TV
2.3
Media GeneralIon Television
Greenville-New Bern, NCWCTI-TV
12.2
Bonten Media GroupDecades
WVEC
13.2
Tegna
Justice Network
KTRK-TV
13.2HD, 13.3SD
ABC Owned Television StationsLaff
WRTV
6.3
E.W. ScrippsLaff
Jackson, TNWJKT
16.2
Nexstar Media GroupEscape Launched Sept. 1 as part of an agreement with Katz Broadcasting
WTEV-TV
47.2
Cox Media GroupGetTV
KMCI-TV
38.2
E.W. ScrippsBounce TV
WATE-TV
6.2
Media GeneralLaff
KLFY-TV
10.2
Media GeneralGetTV
WLYH-TV
15.2
Nexstar Media GroupGrit
WLNS-TV
6.2
Media GeneralGetTV
KTNV-TV
13.3
E.W. ScrippsHeroes & Icons
Lincoln, NEKLKN
8.2
Citadel CommunicationsGrit
KATV
7.3
Sinclair BroadcastingGrit
KABC-TV
7.2HD, 7.3SD
ABC Owned Television StationsLaff
KDRV
12.2
Chambers CommunicationsAntenna TV
WATN-TV
24.2
Nexstar Media Grouptaken Laff Launched Sept. 1 as part of an agreement with Katz Broadcasting
WPLG-TV
10.3
BH MediaMovies!
WTMJ-TV
4.3
E.W. ScrippsCozi TV
KSTP-TV
5.7
Hubbard BroadcastingHeroes & Icons
WKRN-TV
2.3
Media GeneralSimulcast of WKRN-DT2
Justice Network
WWL-TV
4.2
Tegna
Justice Network
WABC-TV
7.2HD, 7.3SD
ABC Owned Television StationsLaff
KMTV-TV
3.2
E.W. ScrippsAntenna TV
OrlandoWKMG-TV
6.2
Graham Media GroupCozi TV
KMIR-TV
36.2
OTA Broadcasting, LLCMovies!
KNXV-TV
15.2
E.W. ScrippsAntenna TV
WPVI-TV
6.2HD, 6.3SD
ABC Owned Television StationsLaff
WEPA-CD
59.4
OTA Broadcasting, LLCCozi TV
KGW-TV
8.2
Sander Media, LLC/Tegna
Justice Network
WLNE-TV
6.2
Citadel CommunicationsGrit
KRCR-TV
7.3
Bonten Media GroupMovies!
WRIC-TV
8.2
Media GeneralIon Television
WHBF-TV
4.2
Nexstar Media GroupSDTV simulcast CW affiliate KGCW
KXTV
10.2
TegnaJustice Network
KGTV
10.2
E.W. ScrippsLaff
KMOV
4.3
MeredithMyNetworkTV
WVXF
17.1
Caribbean Broadcasting NetworkThis TV
KSL-TV
5.2
Bonneville InternationalCozi TV
WOAI-TV
4.2
Sinclair BroadcastingAntenna TV
KGO-TV
7.2HD, 7.3SD
ABC Owned Television StationsLaff
KING-TV
5.2
Tegna
Justice Network
KCAU-TV
9.2
Nexstar Media GroupReplaced by Escape on Sept. 1 2016 as part of an agreement with Katz Broadcasting
WSJV-TV
28.2
Quincy MediaJustice Network
KREM-TV
2.2
TegnaJustice Network
WFTS-TV
28.2
E.W. ScrippsLaff
WTVG
13.2
Gray TelevisionThe CW
Tri-Cities, TN/VAWCYB-TV
5.3
Bonten Media GroupDecades
KGUN-TV
9.3
E.W. ScrippsThis TV
KJRH-TV
2.2
E.W. ScrippsLaff
WJLA-TV
7.3
Sinclair BroadcastingComet
WPTV-TV
5.2
E.W. ScrippsMeTV
KGPT-CD
49.4
Great Plains TVBounce TV, later Escape
KSWO-TV
7.3
Drewry Communications GroupThis TV