ABC News Live launches graphics refresh with cleaner banners, more fullscreen visuals

ABC News Live introduced updated graphics the week of Oct. 26, 2026, with changes designed to integrate into the network’s existing graphics ecosystem. 

The most notable change is that lower third insert banners are now center-aligned with no backplate. 

ABC notes that this update allows banners to work in both 16:9 and 9:16 and allows more seamless transition for vertical video uses.

The lower thirds also feature a gradient overlay that starts at the bottom of the screen and fades upward behind the text — a move that boosts visibility and also, since it’s on-screen so frequently, also gives the stream a subtle “look” that that viewers could grow to connect, even if unconsciously, with the FAST offering.

This updated L3 layout typically includes two lines. The primary one, which appears second, is a topical headline. Above this, a tab-like element can be used for a broader text-only description or display sub or franchise branding as needed. This element dynamically changes width as needed and also includes a thin line outline.

Under this tier is a similar thin horizontal line that serves as an additional separator between the two sections. The network appears to keep this at the same width at all times, with the Proxima Nova text’s character width adjusted as needed.

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For on-screen identifiers, the network uses simple off-white text centered in the middle of the screen, dropping both the tab and separator line. 

Fullscreen graphics now appear against photographic backgrounds with a dark gradient overlay meant to help boost legibility. The new format also opens up more space for text and visuals.

The notion of more room for visuals is carried through to showing anchors and guests full-frame rather than inside boxed graphics. When an anchor and guest need to be shown on-screen, they appear in a simple split-screen format with no additional elements.

ABC News noted that the update was inspired by the graphics used on its other broadcasts, which it says adds more “visual consistency” across programming.

ABC News Live’s new look channels tabs as reference to storytelling

The network has retained elements from the complete graphics package overhaul it introduced in 2025, largely in the form of animated elements and opens, though the redesigned banners still include the reference to the tab visual that inspired the original look and still appears in select spots.