WPKD Pittsburgh To Launch 8 P.M. Newscast

CBS News and Stations’ independent WPKD Pittsburgh (a former CW affiliate now branded as KDKA+), will launch what it says is the market’s first 8 p.m. newscast on Jan. 8, 2024, Primetime News on KDKA+ that will air weeknights at 8 p.m. and stream simultaneously on CBS News Pittsburgh.

“We have a commitment to our community to keep them informed,” said Shawn Hoder, KDKA VP-news director. “For the people of Southwestern Pennsylvania who are busy working long hours and taking care of their families, Primetime News on KDKA+ at 8 p.m. is the ideal time to sit down and catch up on the news of the day and look ahead to what’s coming up the rest of the week.”

Since its transition from CW-affiliate to a fully independent television station in September, WPKD has focused on bringing local content to Pittsburgh viewers, including, most recently, WPIAL high school playoff football as well as political debates for the county executive and district attorney races. Additionally, KDKA+ broadcasts have included regular season local high school football on Friday nights, local college football on Saturdays, and Pittsburgh Penguins pre-season hockey.

“KDKA+ provides our region with a powerful platform to air quality programming, sports and entertainment,” said Chris Cotugno, KDKA president-GM. “Now we are proud to add Primetime News on KDKA+ at 8 p.m. to an expanding line-up of in-demand local content that previously could not be found anywhere else.”

Primetime News on KDKA+ at 8PM will be anchored by Jessica Guay, who moves into the role from her weekend anchor position. First Alert Meteorologist Ray Petelin will anchor the weather coverage.