KLAS Launches $1.3M In News Enhancements

Today, Nexstar Broadcasting Group’s CBS affiliate KLAS Las Vegas (DMA 40), is introducing enhanced locally-produced news programming under the “8 News Now – The Valley’s News Leader” brand.

Nexstar invested approximately $1.3 million to build news sets, develop new on-air graphics and purchase new equipment and weather technology to support the news programming debut.

In addition, Nexstar and KLAS announced additional programming and station enhancement plans. These initiatives include expanded local news programming, which is expected to debut this fall, as well as new kitchen and performance set buildouts for a new local lifestyle show, which is scheduled to launch in early 2017.

KLAS said it plans to hire additional news and production personnel later this year to support the new and expanded local programming.

Lisa Howfield, KLAS VP-GM, said: “Our top priority at Nexstar and our Las Vegas station operations is to support the evolving needs and interests of the people and communities across the Valley. With our significant investment to enhance local programming, content production, technology and marketing opportunities for overall improved service and experience, we are raising our commitment to local viewers, hometown businesses, and public organizations. Our new locally-produced news programming will feature an updated look, including modern locally-themed news sets, LED studio lighting, new on-air graphics and music, as well as state-of-the-art technology and equipment that will significantly expand our ability to gather content in the field so we can quickly bring it to viewers and online users.

“This is a very exciting time for KLAS-TV … as these valuable resources, including touch screens, multi-screens, a new weather center and interview set build-out, greatly enhance our storytelling approach for a more interactive and engaging viewer experience,” Howfield continued. “The Valley’s News Leader brand will empower our viewers to make informed decisions and take action with our exceptional local news coverage and the most accurate weather forecasts on-air and through our digital applications, with both mobile and desktop accessibility at LasVegasNow.com.

“In addition, we will further elevate our community service far beyond the April 11 launch of our new enhanced local newscasts, with plans currently underway to expand our news programming and launch a new local lifestyle show over the next 12 months.”

In addition to mobile and desktop accessibility at LasVegasNow.com, KLAS offers community-focused apps — News.Vegas, Weather.Vegas and Traffic.Vegas. All of KLAS’ apps are available in the App Store or Google Play Store.