TVNewser has learned the World News weekday and weekend newscast staffs are being combined. The two broadcasts had been run independently. ABC News president David Westin writes, “By putting the two staffs together, we’ll eliminate duplication and increase clarity. It will also provide an opportunity to maximize and expand the digital components of the broadcasts and it should help streamline the story selection and pitching process.”
World News EP Jon Banner will oversee the combined programs, working closely with newly-hired weekend EP Vinnie Malhotra.
NBC News combined their weekday and weekend versions of Nightly News several years ago.
David Westin’s note is after the jump…
I am pleased to announce that effective immediately we will be combining the weekday and weekend broadcasts of “World News.” Each program will continue with its current name on the air.
We’re doing this first and foremost to ensure that we can concentrate all the reporting assets available on these essential newscasts. Stories pursued during the week can be carried through on the weekend, and vice versa. By putting the two staffs together, we’ll eliminate duplication and increase clarity. It will also provide an opportunity to maximize and expand the digital components of the broadcasts and it should help streamline the story selection and pitching process. Jon Banner will oversee the combined programs, working closely with Vinnie Malhotra, who will remain executive producer of the weekend version of “World News,” as well as a senior producer on “World News with Charles Gibson”. Both will continue to report to Paul Slavin.
We are fortunate to have the high caliber of people working, in front of the camera and behind the camera, seven days a week on “World News.” This organizational change will enhance what are already terrific newscasts.