Verithiathe honest score on any app
Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
The verdict on

WHIO News

35
User verdict / 100 Medium confidence In trouble

The WHIO News app has significant usability issues, particularly with ads and outdated content, despite a strong legacy.

4.6★ lifetime (20,859) Free to download since 2013 by Cox Media Group, Inc updated 4.0 mo ago recent negative 56% 120 reviews across 1 regions
Ad overload Outdated news Technical issues
5★65
4★22
3★23
2★37
1★103
recent reviews across 1 regions, vs the 4.6★ lifetime average

Recent reviews of the WHIO News app highlight persistent problems with ads, outdated news, and overall functionality. While some users appreciate the news coverage, many express frustration with the user experience, including frequent crashes and slow loading times.

What users like

  • Provides local news coverageR10R49R55
  • Some users find it reliable for weather updatesR52R185

What users complain about

Latest update · v8.9.8

What the developer says changed (the verdict above weighs this against what reviewers report):

This release version contains some bug fixes and general improvements to enhance your viewing experience.

Recurring themes

Ad overload negative
Many users complain about the number of ads that disrupt their reading experience.R1R21R62
Outdated news negative
Users frequently mention that the app features old stories and fails to update timely.R12R20R130
Technical issues negative
Users report crashes, glitches, and problems with loading content.R30R51R39

Who it's for

This app may be suitable for users who prioritize local news and weather updates, but those seeking a smooth and ad-free experience should consider alternatives.

Evidence note: The evidence is somewhat one-sided, with a strong negative sentiment in recent reviews compared to the app's overall high lifetime rating.

Frequently asked

Why are there so many ads on the WHIO News app?
Users report that the app is filled with ads, often making it difficult to read news articles without interruptions R1R21R62.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R10] 5/5 · US I love this app: Even if I can't watch the news it will still let me listen I like that feature and I love all the channels you can watch on the app.
  2. [R49] 5/5 · US Dayton Ohio News.: I really like the app. It keeps me informed and what’s going on in Montgomery County Ohio and the surrounding Miami Valley area. It has up to the minute news along with local traffic updates. If I could make a suggestion. When I tap on the video I have to watch a 30 to 45 second commercial where I want to get to the story much quicker. I know you need advertising dollars to keep
  3. [R55] 5/5 · US Weather & News: I watch all of WHIO 7 because you are funny at times but with fantastic composure & professionalism. Thank you care of others.♥️
  4. [R52] 4/5 · US Storms: I am absolutely impressed by how well the meteorologists work together to keep viewers informed of severe weather. Great job everyone!
  5. [R185] 5/5 · US Great News: Up To Date News. Our News Helps to Save lives in case Of The Weather and Also Gives Us News To Know What Going On around Us. Thank You Channel 7.
  6. [R1] 1/5 · US Worst news app ever: I’ve never seen a worse app on any platform. It’s nothing but ads that block what you try to see, stutter, stop you reading a story, and just generally get in the way of anything you want to do. Whio used to be my go-to. Not anymore.
  7. [R21] 1/5 · US Too Many Ads: Sad that you have to sit through minutes of ads before you can actually get a weather forecast. I never actually got through the ads to see my forecast. Seek weather info elsewhere.
  8. [R45] 1/5 · US Too much stimulation: Constant pop-up ads and ads within stories -it's all too much for my eyes and my brain. They don't get my attention, they just prompt me to get off of this app.
  9. [R62] 1/5 · US I HATE THE VIDEO THE PLAYS AS SOON AS I OPEN THE APP!!!: I used to love this app, but I can hardly stand to open it anymore. I hate the addition of the video that plays at the top of the app. I can’t open the app without the video playing and obnoxiously loud at that. The first time I opened it after the addition of the video I was in the waiting room at my dentist and it blared incredibly loud th
  10. [R12] 3/5 · US Update: Often you run stories that are old. Same with the weather. I suggest you update more often. Thank you.
  11. [R20] 2/5 · US The truth: Need more stories new, sooner. . Needs to update sooner. Then show more local. More Ohio and the major nations news and local state sports major events.
  12. [R130] 3/5 · US Old news: They leave stories on home page up for weeks. Need to be updated more often.
  13. [R51] 1/5 · US Crashes a lot: Every time I open the app it crashes…doesn’t matter if I open it from a notification or just open to check the news..
  14. [R30] 1/5 · US Marginal at best: App constantly crashes or does the opposite of what you have told it to do. Very frustrating
  15. [R39] 1/5 · US Glitches: There are multiple occasions when clicking on an article it opens a completely different one

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store