The individuals behind the launch of a 24/7 local news channel serving northern Michigan and key figures in the launch of Flood Communications‘ News Channel Nebraska (NCN) are ready to take their model across the U.S.
The operation is scheduled to launch in late 2018, and affiliates are now being sought.
At the helm of what is being called NewsNet is President Eric Wotila.
His promise to potential partners: a 24/7 news channel “without pundits, panels or shout shows, built from the ground up with over-the-air broadcasters in mind.”
Wotila explains, “In recent years we’ve heard more and more complaints about existing 24/7 national news channels. At the same time, we’ve received constant compliments about the straight-to the-facts, no-nonsense and commentary-free local news coverage we provide on MI News 26, our 24/7 local news channel in northern Michigan. So, we thought, ‘Why not take this model national?’”
It’s a risky proposition, with RNN largely sticking to the New York metropolitan area as it eyes Boston-area expansion. Meanwhile, Charter Spectrum has assumed control of former Time Warner Cable local cable news operations, including the storied “NY1” operation in the New York DMA.
What was once “LNN” and is now NewsNet is slightly different, both with its approach to growth and its origin. Wotila began with a Kickstarter campaign under the LNN working title, and positive feedback from that campaign reinforced the demand for a 24/7 news channel focused on scripted headlines.
“The key to NewsNet’s success will be our affiliates,” explained Wotila, “and we’re currently reaching out to stations across the country who are interested in bringing quality news programming to their markets by carrying NewsNet on one of their subchannels.”
With the voluntary rollout of ATSC 3.0, channel sharing agreements, and increased potential of DT subchannels as more viewers “cut the cord,” the timing could be perfect for Wotila.
Local news breaks and local ad insertion is available for affiliates.
Otherwise, Wotila is pledging a “turnkey” production of local news cut-ins and national news.
NewsNet “will have a presence” at the 2018 NAB Show in Las Vegas.
Stations interested in learning more may contact Wotila at [email protected].
