Boston’s WFXT announced this week that it will expand its 6:00 p.m. newscast to one hour, putting the Fox-affiliate in direct competition with the network newscasts of its local rivals.
“While other local stations switch over to national news, FOX25 News will be the only news station on with local news from 6:30–7 p.m.,” the station said, in making the announcement.
The move also means that WFXT will offer the most local news of any station in the Boston market with 42.5 hours per week.
The extra half hour will feature the same team as the existing 6:00 p.m. newscast: anchors Maria Stephanos and Mark Ockerbloom (above, right) with chief meteorologist Kevin Lemanowicz.
As btvn points out, the move is just the latest in WFXT’s ever-evolving evening news slate. The 6:00 p.m. newscast was introduced in 2009 after the station decided to scrap its 5 p.m. newscast, which was expanded to a full hour in 2003.
According to WFXT, the new half-hour will include the usual mix of news, weather, and sports as well as “issue-focused guest segments.”