CINCINNATI – In anticipation of its October launch as the country’s only free, over-the-air live 24/7 news network, Newsy has unveiled a new programming lineup, and the news teams behind it, rooted in fact-based, transparent reporting that focuses on the “why” of every story.
While already available on nearly every major over-the-top and connected TV platform, Newsy also will launch over the air in roughly 90% of U.S. television homes – and in all major markets – on Oct. 1. It will be carried primarily over Scripps-owned broadcast stations’ spectrum as well as that of partner broadcasters. Its distribution over the air will make it the only American news television network to be ubiquitous on both growth platforms.
Newsy has appointed senior leaders to develop and execute Newsy’s live coverage and primetime programs.
Tracy Carmony, director of live news, will lead the development and execution of the network’s live, rolling daypart-based coverage out of Atlanta. Prior to Newsy, Carmony served as executive producer at The Weather Channel for the network’s flagship morning shows “AMHQ” and “Wake Up with Al” with nationally renowned NBC personality Al Roker.
Jason Potts, director of programs, will oversee Newsy’s primetime programs. Before joining Newsy, Potts led experimental partnerships and internal innovations at the ABC Owned Television Stations group. His responsibilities included oversight of a yearlong, data-driven content initiative on racial inequity funded by Google and development of a first-ever editorial policy manual for the station group’s 1,600-person staff.
Zach Toombs has been appointed deputy director of programs. Toombs joined Newsy in 2011 and has held various roles including leading Newsy’s documentaries unit and serving as a reporter and producer in the field. During his time at Newsy, he has reported across four continents, three presidential elections and several natural disasters.
The programming lineup includes:
“Morning Rush,” live weekdays, 7-11 a.m. ET
“Newsy Live,” live weekdays, Noon-3 p.m. ET
“Newsy Reports,” live weekdays, 4-7 p.m. ET
“Evening Debrief,” live weekdays, 7-8 p.m. ET and 11 p.m.-midnight ET
“Newsy Tonight with Chance Seales,” live weekdays, 8-9 p.m. ET
“In the Loop with Christian Bryant,” weekdays, 9-10 p.m. ET
WEEKENDS
Newsy’s programming will be overseen by veteran newsmakers, including:
Brian Donlon, executive producer of weekday morning live news. After working for USA Today, Donlon became a member of the senior production team that launched “The Early Show” with Bryant Gumbel on CBS. ESPN later hired Donlon to create and produce “Cold Pizza” and “1st and 10” (now known as “First Take”). Donlon also helped launch morning programming at the new Fox Business Network, where he ran “Fox Business Morning” and “Money for Breakfast.” Donlon joined CNBC to become a senior producer for “Closing Bell” and most recently was the coordinating producer for the A&E newsmagazine pilot series, “News Café”.
Adrienne Carr, executive producer of weekday dayside live news. The veteran news producer has previously held posts at HLN, CNN, MSNBC, The Weather Channel and local stations in Columbia, Missouri; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Palm Springs, California; and Las Vegas. She was most recently an executive producer at The Weather Channel. Carr has covered a wide range of news including politics, social justice, criminal trials and weather disasters. She’s also covered some of the biggest news stories in the past 20 years. She produced the first cable news interview with Trayvon Martin’s parents, which opened the door to national coverage of the landmark case, the George Zimmerman trial and the Black Lives Matter movement.
Magdalena Cabral, executive producer of weekday nightside live news. Cabral has been part of the Scripps Networks Division since January, when she joined as a consultant for Court TV. She began her career in Argentine media in 1997 on Red de Noticias de Telefe Television Network, where she worked as a producer, editor and reporter for Negocios TV, the channel’s business program. She came to the U.S. in 1999, starting with an internship at CNN working with the news and entertainment teams. Cabral rose to become executive producer for CNN en Espanol. She led the production team and supervised the primetime shows. Her team won three national Emmy Awards. Her 20 years with CNN included coordination and travel for special coverage in the United States, Europe, Latin America and Asia.
Patrick Griffin, executive producer, weekends. Griffin is an Emmy Award-winning producer, who has worked in all facets of live television. During his 20-plus-year career, Griffin has worked at CNN, HLN, The Weather Channel, ESPN and a pair of local news stations. Patrick is rejoining Scripps, where he was previously the morning executive producer for Indianapolis affiliate WRTV.
Previously, Scripps announced Ethan Nelson as head of program development and Christina Hartman as head of news standards at Newsy and Court TV. Kate O’Brian is head of the news group for Scripps Networks, which includes Newsy and Court TV, and Eric Ludgood serves as head of Newsy.
Newsy is owned by The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP).
About Scripps
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is a diversified media company focused on creating a better-informed world. As the nation’s fourth-largest local TV broadcaster, Scripps serves communities with quality, objective local journalism and operates a portfolio of 61 stations in 41 markets. The Scripps Networks reach nearly every American through the national news outlets Court TV and Newsy and popular entertainment brands ION, Bounce, Grit, Laff, Court TV Mystery, Defy TV and TrueReal. Scripps is the nation’s largest holder of broadcast spectrum. Scripps runs an award-winning investigative reporting newsroom in Washington, D.C., and is the longtime steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Founded in 1878, Scripps has held for decades to the motto, “Give light and the people will find their own way.”
Media contact:
Michael Perry, The E.W. Scripps Company, 513-259-4718, [email protected]