More than 100 stations owned and/or operated by the nation’s largest single owner of broadcast TV stations are preparing to air their own New Year’s Even special between 11pm on December 31 and 3:30am on January 1, Eastern time. Partner stations are also in the mix — including a former ABC affiliate in South Florida.
According to Nexstar Media Group, its “Coast-to-Coast Countdown 2026” will air on 138 stations across the U.S. The special will be produced from four locations across the United States, featuring performances, fireworks, and end of the year fanfare.
Coverage will come from New York, Dallas, Phoenix, and Las Vegas, with main hosts Nikki Novak and Michael Yo.
In addition to Nexstar-affiliated stations, BH Media’s independent WPLG-10 in Miami-Fort Lauderdale will also carry the broadcast, Nexstar confirmed. It gives the former ABC affiliate a New Year’s Eve program after years of offering Ryan Seacrest and, before that, Dick Clark to viewers.
“‘Coast-to-Coast Countdown 2026’ is a phenomenal production that brings together millions of viewers throughout the U.S. and Nexstar is excited to be able to provide such quality entertainment on more than 100 of our local television stations and their streaming platforms,” said Andrew Alford, President of Nexstar’s broadcasting division. “Whether you catch just a few minutes at midnight, or stay tuned in for the entire celebration, this year’s production has something for every member of the family—great music, iconic locations, and fireworks across the country. We’re looking forward to the best New Year’s Eve broadcast yet.”
Entertainment from a host of bands popular between 30 and 50 years ago are on the slate, including Styx, Foreigner, UB40, REO Speedwagon former lead singer Kevin Cronin, Cheap Trick, .38 Special, and The Marshall Tucker Band.
With coverage at midnight Eastern of the Times Square ball-drop in New York from on-site announcers JD Roberto and Marysol Castro, viewers will see at Midnight Central a fireworks and drone show from Reunion Tower in Dallas, Nexstar’s headquarters city.
Then, at Midnight Mountain Time, fireworks from Gila River Resorts and Casinos, near Phoenix, will be seen with on-site hosts Brad Perry and Teresa Strasser.
Yo, a former WHYI “Y-100” in Miami talent, and Novak will be based in Las Vegas. There, a 10-minute fireworks show launched from the rooftops of nine hotels on the Las Vegas strip will air at Midnight Pacific Time.
