Sinclair’s ‘National Desk’ Adds Evening Edition

Sinclair Broadcast Group will be offering more of its original news program, The National Desk, starting on September 27, 2021. From 10 p.m.-midnight ET and 7-9 p.m. PT audiences across the country will be able to tune into 68 stations (including all MNT and CW channels owned or operated by Sinclair), STIRR, Sinclair’s free OTT streaming platform, as well as Sinclair’s news websites.

Since its inception in January, The National Desk has offered audiences commentary-free news from both local and national perspectives by reporters living in the communities they cover.

“Across the board, both in audience research and organically from viewers, we have received  exceedingly positive feedback that frequently cites the remarkable, unique value of The National Desk,” said Chris Ripley, Sinclair president-CEO. “Going beyond reporting the news, The National Desk offers audiences firsthand coverage that is not always available online or on the national level, and we have found that people are eager for this content. Sinclair cannot wait for The National Desk to transform evening news after the success we have seen with its morning launch.”

Leading the launch of the The National Desk’s evening coverage will be the news director of KUTV Salt Lake City, Mike Garber. In June, he will assume the role of director of content, overseeing all verticals at The National Desk, including morning, digital and late news.

This summer, The National Desk will also be launching a new website and app, giving audiences immediate access to the latest commentary-free news mornings and nights.

The main anchor of The National Desk’s evening news is still under consideration and will be announced in the coming months. The morning news is currently hosted by Jan Jeffcoat.