E.W. Scripps says it’s “redefining the afternoon news” with a show called The NOW.
The show will debut on Denver ABC affiliate KMGH and Kansas City NBC affiliate KSHB starting today at 4:00 p.m.. The station group said it covers what’s trending on social media and “invites the audience to join the conversation across traditional and digital media platforms” and is not a newscast.
“I believe The NOW will set the pace for the type of programming that audiences on multiple platforms crave,” Brian Lawlor, SVP of Scripps television, said in a statement. “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.”
Denver’s version of The Now will be anchored by Lionel Bienvenu while the KSHB show will feature digital reporter Deb Tuff.
Scripps said it plans to expand the show, which has its own specially designed studio, to WXYZ in Detroit, KNXV in Phoenix, WCPO in Cincinnati, WEWS in Cleveland, WFTS in Tampa and WPTV in West Palm Beach in the next six months.
Scripps is not stranger to producing its own programming. The station group also produces syndicated programs “Let’s Ask America” and The List.