WFTS Tampa To Premiere New Afternoon Newscast

The E.W. Scripps ABC affiliate WFTS Tampa, Fla. (DMA 14), is redefining its afternoon news on Sept. 8 with the premiere of The Now Tampa Bay at 4 p.m.

The Now Tampa Bay is an original Scripps program that aims to focus “on issues of most interest to news consumers in the Tampa Bay area and across America each day.”

The hour-long program features a mix of local, national and international news, as well as viral stories and videos and entertainment and lifestyle stories. The Now Tampa Bay will attempt to draw television audiences into trending conversations, including topics people are sharing across digital and social media platforms.

WFTS journalist Laura Harris will host the show.

“I believe The Now will set the pace for the type of programming that audiences on multiple platforms crave,” said Brian Lawlor, SVP of Scripps television. “These audiences want to know what’s happening right now, give their own take on those events, and share their thoughts with their own social media networks. The NOW does all of that in a fast-moving, fun format that showcases our strengths in storytelling while serving each of our communities in a unique way.” 

Scripps owns two other original television programs, both entering their third year: the game show Let’s Ask America and entertainment magazine show The List. Let’s Ask America will expand to television markets nationwide this fall through syndication partner MGM Domestic Television Distribution. The List expands to 12 Scripps markets.

Scripps also collaborates with Cox Media and Raycom Media to produce Right This Minute, a daily program that gives viewers the first look at the best videos of the day before they go viral. It reaches 85% of U.S. households.