WWNY Watertown To Expand News In 2018

United Communications Corp.’s CBS affiliate WWNY Watertown, N.Y. (DMA 178), said today it will launch a 5 p.m. newscast First at 5 in early 2018.

The new broadcast will air live weekdays from 5 to 5:30 p.m. and will be produced and anchored by veteran newsman John Moore.

“Our news expansion demonstrates our commitment not only to true localism, but to covering the issues most important to our viewers in all areas of Northern New York,” said WWNY General Manager Ed Bassler.

Scott Atkinson, WWNY news director, added: “With the addition of a 5 p.m. news, 7 News will be presenting more than 27 hours of local news a week. That’s a big, expensive commitment for a small TV station, but it’s one we’re proud to make.

John Moore holds a degree in journalism from SUNY Morrisville and a degree in political science from SUNY Buffalo. He brings more than 37 years of experience including more than seven years as a reporter and anchor at WWNY. In May of this year he was recognized by the New York Associated Press as Best Reporter, and earlier in the year he was awarded The Bill Carey Award for Excellence in Journalism by the Syracuse Press Club.

First at 5 will be followed by Jeopardy at 5:30 and then 7 News This Evening with Jeff Cole.