HLN Rebrands As News For Social Media Crowd

NEW YORK (AP) — HLN plans to rebrand itself as a TV gathering place for the social-media generation.

The network says it will reformat its programming to curate news, trending topics and other viral content from all media platforms.

In doing so, it will depart from its recent identity as more of a traditional talk-TV channel.

HLN executive vice president Albie Hecht says other networks may report on the conversation, but “HLN will be part of it.”

The reformatting starts with the syndicated “RightThisMinute,” a daily hour that spotlights emerging Web videos. It premiers Monday and will air at 10 p.m. ET.

The network says HLN’s “social-media format” also will be integrated into existing programs including “Morning Express,” ”News Now,” ”Jane Velez-Mitchell,” ”Nancy Grace” and “Dr. Drew on Call.”