For the first time, NewsNation is going all-in on news programming.
The cable network that relaunched from the ashes of WGN America will finally ditch its predecessor’s re-runs of sitcoms and dramas when it introduces a new schedule consisting entirely of news and political affairs programming in June.
Starting June 1, NewsNation will offer a new weekend evening news program called “NewsNation Now with Adrienne Bankert,” hosted by the news outlet’s former morning show host. The show debuts several months after NewsNation revamped its weekend schedule to include more news programming and a Sunday morning political affairs show hosted by Christ Stirewalt.
“We are immensely proud to announce that NewsNation [will soon be] a 24-7 cable news network,” Sean Compton, the President of Nexstar’s Networks division, said in a statement on Wednesday. “This milestone marks the culmination of our efforts to continue expanding and growing the network since launching it in 2020. It reaffirms our commitment to delivering unbiased news coverage, a mission that resonates deeply with our viewers, fostering their trust in the brand, and strengthening their loyalty to NewsNation.”
Really excited to see the new weekend news show by @ABonTV on @NewsNation. Weekends are a great opportunity to stretch out a little, try different things, and break new ground.https://t.co/ZhYPT3hucQ pic.twitter.com/zO32D3ApTf
— Matthew Keys (@MatthewKeysLive) May 22, 2024
While NewsNation still lags behind its peer cable news outlets, the network appears to be growing its audience at a decent rate. Nielsen data shows NewsNation’s prime-time viewership has increased 120 percent among the key demographic of adults ages 25 to 54 years old since the channel rebranded from WGN America in March 2021.
The network has courted a roster of A-list talent from other news organizations, including Ashleigh Banfield, Chris Cuomo, Dan Abrams and Elizabeth Vargas.
The new weekend schedule as of June 1 follows below (all times Eastern):
Saturdays
- 7AM – 10AM: Morning in America with Hena Doba
- 10AM – 1PM: NewsNation Live
- 1PM – 4PM: NewsNation Now with Anna Koolman
- 4PM – 7PM: NewsNation Now with Adrienne Bankert
- 7PM – 10PM: NewsNation Prime with Natasha Zouves
Sundays
- 7AM – 10AM: Morning in America with Hena Doba
- 10AM – 11AM: The Hill Sunday with Chris Stirewalt
- 11AM – 1PM: NewsNation Live
- 1PM – 4PM: NewsNation Now with Anna Koolman
- 4PM – 7PM: NewsNation Now with Adrienne Bankert
7PM – 10PM: NewsNation Prime with Natasha Zouves
NewsNation is owned by Nexstar Media Group. The channel is available on most cable and satellite platforms, as well as a handful of streaming cable-like services, including YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream.
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