WISH Announces 4 P.M. News Expansion

Nexstar Media Group’s CW affiliate WISH-TV Indianapolis (DMA 28), is beefing up its local news schedule this fall.

“We’re constantly looking for opportunities to build upon our commitment as Central Indiana’s Local News Source,” said Randy Ingram, VP-GM. “This fall, we’ll do that once again offering viewers a 4 p.m. news option.”

WISH says that at 70 hours per week, it “already produces the most local news and local programming of any television station in Indiana.” That number increases to 75 hours per week this fall.

“We will be providing viewers 12-and-a-half hours of local content every weekday,” said Ingram. “More than half our broadcast day will consist of live, local programming produced out of our own studios.”

Ingram also announced additional content and on-air staffing hires to support this news expansion. The 4 p.m. broadcast will premiere as part of WISH’s 2019 fall schedule. The program title, format and launch date will be announced later this summer.

“The one-hour live broadcast will incorporate the daily news and weather viewers depend on from News 8, but presented in a format different from our 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. newscasts,” said WISH News Director Al Carl. “This broadcast will utilize our digital and social media platforms to engage directly with our audience. Viewers can expect additional contributors, new franchises, and original content produced in conjunction with our local news gathering partners.”

Since 2014, WISH has nearly doubled its local news hours. “From our All Local, All Morning strategy, launched almost five years ago, to our most recent weekend morning news additions, we’ve had success with every news expansion we’ve made,” said Ingram.

WISH said it has experienced both ratings and revenue growth with these local news expansions.

“As the Local News Source, WISH-TV’s News 8 continues to respond to the changing needs of today’s viewers,” said Carl. “Our commitment to local news programming and digital content delivered through WISHTV.com and our mobile apps, give audiences more opportunities to access the local news content they want, and the information they need at times convenient for their schedules.”