WLWT announces newscast expansion: New weeknight newscast at 7:30 p.m. coming this fall
Updated: 11:01 AM EDT Jun 15, 2026
WLWT and Hearst Television announced Monday that it will add a new newscast on WLWT Monday through Friday at 7:30 p.m. beginning Sept.14th. The 7:30 p.m. newscast will be anchored by Ashley Kirklen, Chris Jacobs, Meteorologist Allison Rogers, and Sports Director Charlie Clifford. WLWT News 5, along with NBC News, will now broadcast 5 hours of uninterrupted news, weather, and sports coverage every weekday and weeknight on WLWT from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.“As more viewers turn to local news throughout the evening, we’re committed to meeting that demand with additional coverage that informs, connects, and serves our community,” said WLWT President & General Manger Branden Frantz. “The launch of our 7:30 p.m. newscast allows us to build on the momentum of our market-leading 7:00 p.m. news and provide even more of the local reporting our viewers rely on every day,” said Frantz“WLWT News 5 at 7:00p.m. is now the number one program in the time period, as our dedicated and veteran team has built a loyal audience who relies on us for news at that hour,” said WLWT News Director Jeff Benscoter. “We are excited to provide more critical local news and weather for our growing viewership,” Benscoter added.
CINCINNATI —
WLWT and Hearst Television announced Monday that it will add a new newscast on WLWT Monday through Friday at 7:30 p.m. beginning Sept.14th.
The 7:30 p.m. newscast will be anchored by Ashley Kirklen, Chris Jacobs, Meteorologist Allison Rogers, and Sports Director Charlie Clifford.
WLWT News 5, along with NBC News, will now broadcast 5 hours of uninterrupted news, weather, and sports coverage every weekday and weeknight on WLWT from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
“As more viewers turn to local news throughout the evening, we’re committed to meeting that demand with additional coverage that informs, connects, and serves our community,” said WLWT President & General Manger Branden Frantz. “The launch of our 7:30 p.m. newscast allows us to build on the momentum of our market-leading 7:00 p.m. news and provide even more of the local reporting our viewers rely on every day,” said Frantz
“WLWT News 5 at 7:00p.m. is now the number one program in the time period, as our dedicated and veteran team has built a loyal audience who relies on us for news at that hour,” said WLWT News Director Jeff Benscoter. “We are excited to provide more critical local news and weather for our growing viewership,” Benscoter added.