Statement: Mehdi Hasan Parts Ways With MSNBC, Jennifer Husdon Renewed
Bobby Rivers - TV Guide
Broadcast: In the last month of 2023, VH1’s TV host Bobby Rivers died at 90 in Minneapolis. Following his death, numerous tributes were posted on social media. Originally from Los Angeles, Rivers started his career at radio station WQFM as a morning newsman and later appeared as the first black TV film critic in Milwaukee. His well-known programs consist of Watch Bobby Rivers on VH1 and Food Network’s Top 5. Rivers also reported for Weekend Today in New York and Good Day New York as a lifestyle and entertainment reporter.
Writer and TV commentator Michael Musto wrote that Rivers “was an openly gay trailblazer” who was “funny, campy, knowledgeable, and groundbreaking”.
Fox sportscaster Curt Menefee will co-anchor WNYW‘s Good Day New York with Rosanna Scotto from Tuesday to Friday during the NFL season. He will concurrently remain in his role at Fox NFL Sunday; this marks the network’s latest cross-media maneuver.
Menefee possesses “the rare ability to combine his journalistic skills, approachability, and innate curiosity to connect with morning viewers,” said Lew Leone, senior vice president and general manager of FOX Television Stations' New York duopoly, including WNYW-FOX 5 and WWOR-My9.
ACA Connects, formerly the American Cable Association, named Zamir Ahmed the new VP of external affairs. Ahmed previously worked as the VP of Media Relations at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), ending his time there in the middle of December. In addition, Olivia Shields and Max Staloff joined as VP of public affairs and communications and VP of regulatory affairs, respectively, which demonstrates the association's efforts to beef up the team.
CBS News, Stations, Entertainment, and Sports named Sahand Sepehrnia as their new executive vice president of digital content strategy and business. Sepehrnia joined the network in February 2022 as senior VP of streaming. Jamie Reysen was promoted to senior VP of digital editorial, growth, and engagement.
Wendy McMahon, President and CEO of CBS News and Television Stations and CBS Media Ventures, said both executives “have been at the forefront of our digital transformation and will become even more critical in leading our future ambitions.”
With the support of McMahon, veteran leaders Lance Frank and Christa Robinson’s roles expanded. Frank was promoted to executive VP of communications for CBS News & Stations and CBS Media Ventures; executive VP Robinson will oversee the station business.
Health and wellness reporter Victoria Sanchez joins WJLA Washington’s (also known as 7News) 4 p.m. news anchor team; Sanchez will report alongside Megan Clarke, John Rogers, and Steve Rudin. The telecast debuted on January 23rd in a new studio.
“Victoria, Megan, John, and Steve are true journalists dedicated to telling the important stories that impact our local communities,” said WJLA news director Cheryl Carson.
Starting February 29th, experienced weather anchor and reporter Demetrius Ivory will become WGN’s chief meteorologist. He will appear on newscasts at 4 p.m., 6 p.m., 9 p.m., and 10 p.m., replacing Tom Skilling, who is retiring after 45 years of service. Joining the station over 10 years ago, Ivory also worked for WTAE Pittsburgh, WYTV Youngstown, Ohio, and WOHL Lima before.
“Demetrius is the natural progression of our weather team leadership. His charisma, connection with Chicagoland and his expert weather skills make him the ideal choice. We could not be more excited to have Demetrius as our chief meteorologist,” said WGN VP and general manager Paul Rennie.
Kendis Gibson, a Brooklyn-born New Yorker, will work at WPIX New York and anchor at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. Previously, he anchored at WFOR Miami, MSNBC, ABC News, WJLA Washington, CBS News, KSWB San Diego, HGTV, CNN, NBC News, and WHEC Rochester.
“Excited to be back home and working with my hometown station!” Gibson said on LinkedIn.
ABC-affiliated WRIC Richmond (also known as 8News) welcomes new news director Bernie Ritter. Ritter previously worked for WNCT, News 12 New Jersey, Al Jazeera America, ESPN, WPXI Pittsburgh, and WEWS Cleveland.
“Throughout his career, Bernie has demonstrated a commitment to excellence, team building, and innovation in news production. His strategic vision, combined with a deep understanding of audience engagement, positions him to lead this accomplished and growing newsroom,” said Steven Blanchard, WRIC VP and general manager.
Award-winning anchor Anita Padilla officially stepped down from WFLD Chicago (also known as Fox 32), ready for her new journey with her husband. She hosted Fox 32’s Good Day Chicago until December 27th and worked for WMAQ Chicago and WNYW New York previously.
“With him newly retired from the Attorney General office of investigation and my son Seth off to college, it's time to see what 2024 will bring. If you would like to stay in touch, please reach out to me on social media. It has been an honor and privilege to bring you the news of Chicago for 25 years," Padilla said.
The station’s new anchor lineup was announced on January 22. Anthony Ponce and Anita Blanton will co-host from 4:30 to 7 a.m., Brian Jackson and Natalie Bomke from 7 to 10 a.m., and Jake Hamilton will report entertainment and feature stories during the whole five-and-a-half hour-long morning newscast.
“The Fox Chicago team is ready to take the new year by storm in the morning, noon and at night,” said Sheila Oliver, senior VP and general manager of WFLD. “With the addition of Brian and Tina, our versatile team will deliver fresh and innovative content across all our platforms, every day.”
After The Jennifer Hudson averaged 4.4 million total P2+ weekly viewers in its sophomore season, the Emmy Awards nominated daytime talk show has been renewed for its third season by the Fox Television Stations.
“Jennifer is a rare talent, both in front of and behind the camera. Her enthusiasm and endearing demeanor radiates from the stage and onto television screens everywhere. It’s no wonder her audience continues to skyrocket. We are so proud of the entire Jennifer Hudson Show team for their amazing success, and we look forward to another year full of exciting moments, engaging conversations, and stellar guests,” said Channing Dungey, chair and CEO of the Warner Bros. Television Group.
WABC (also known as ABC7) New York former weekend anchor Sandra Bookman will co-host the weekday newscast Eyewitness News with David Novarro.
“Sandra’s leadership in the newsroom has been critical to our success with Eyewitness News, earning her the respect of our viewers and the entire New York City community,” said Marilu Galvez, president and general manager of WABC. “Her warmth and humanistic approach to journalism are hallmarks of what it means to be an Eyewitness News anchor.”
CBS-affiliated WKRG Mobile (also known as News 5) named Shamonee Baker a morning anchor beginning on January 22nd. Baker joined the Nexstar Media Group station in 2022 as a dayside reporter, morning show reporter, weekend evening anchor, and nightside reporter.
“Shamonee has come a long way in a short period of time,” said Jesse Grear, WKRG VP and general manager. “She’s a pleasure to be around, and our viewers love her. We couldn’t ask for a better person to join the morning team!”
E.W. Scripps hired three station managers as department heads in Tulsa, Fort Myers, and Tallahassee. Previous news director at Fox-affiliated WFTX, Autumn Jones will join WFTX Fort Myers. Meanwhile, Whitney Grover takes up the position at KJRH Tulsa, and Vicki Bradley at WTXL Tallahassee.
“All three of these news leaders have a deep understanding of their station and the communities it serves,” said Dean Littleton, senior VP of local media for Scripps.
Kyung Lah - Cnn
Cable: After MSNBC canceled The Mehdi Hasan Show amid controversy last December, British American broadcaster Mehdi Hasan announced that he is leaving the network for new plans and challenges, according to his post on X.
“It’s been an absolute blast doing this live show on MSNBC for the past three years,” Hasan said. “But as we begin 2024 with an election coming, a war still ongoing and too many Trump trials honestly to even keep track of, and with this show going away, I’ve decided it’s time for me to look for a new challenge. Tonight is not just my final episode of ‘The Mehdi Hasan Show.’ It’s my last day with MSNBC. Yes, I’ve decided to leave. To be clear, I am so, so proud of what we’ve achieved on this show on this network, and I can’t thank you enough for tuning in and for your support, and for your feedback. But as I say, new year, new plans.”
The Weekend, MSNBC’s latest panel show has a bold new look, complete with circular and halftone elements. Originating from Studio N5, Alicia Menendez, Michael Steele, and Symone Sanders-Townsend host the show. It premiered on January 13th.
Financial news website Cheddar News’ employees reportedly received furlough messages from its new owner, Regent-owned Archetype, on the second day of this new year. Founded by Jon Steinberg in 2016, Cheddar News was acquired by Altice USA and recently sold to Archetype. Archetype says they are “excited to assist Cheddar in expanding its reach as the definitive independent ‘Voice of What’s Next’ empowering new audiences to be informed and engaged citizens in an ever-changing world.”
“We would like to have given you more notice of this action, but the decision was necessitated by unforeseen internal and external factors that required rapid adjustments in our business strategy,” the message said.
Sports Center co-anchor Kevin Negandhi extended his contract with ESPN. He expects to try new things in the future no matter the assignment, and to continue “making good TV.” Since joining in 2015, Negandhi is one of just a few Indian American national sportscasters.
“We’re very happy to have Kevin remaining with ESPN for years to come,” said Norby Williamson, executive senior vice president of studio and event production for ESPN. “He has contributed to our success in so many areas — ‘Sports Center,’ college football, NBA Draft, and more — and he’s a consummate professional in everything he touches.”
Atlanta-based Emmy-award-winning reporter Ryan Young was promoted to CNN senior national correspondent this month. Joining the network in 2015, Young has reported on law enforcement and other diverse topics nationwide.
Meanwhile, Korean American correspondent Kyung Lah was named CNN’s senior investigative correspondent. She covered presidential elections and campaigns across Arizona, Wisconsin, Nevada, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, and earned a Walter Cronkite Award for excellence in television political journalism in 2023. Outside the United States, Lah reported on East Asian regions, especially Japan.
Lisa Respers France was promoted to CNN entertainment reporter for the cable’s multi-platforms. Previously, Respers worked for The Los Angeles Times and The Baltimore Sun as a reporter, interviewing celebrities and trendsetters like Oprah Winfrey and Taylor Swift; she contributed to CNN’s 2023 FlashDocs “Taking On Taylor Swift.” Additionally, she hosted the Lisa’s Desk franchise, the CNN podcast Lisa, Sandra, and Kristin Go to the Movies, and wrote the Pop Life Chronicles newsletter.
Meanwhile, Michael Yoshida became a DC-based correspondent for CNN Newsource. He worked for 7NEWS, Action News Jax, and WDAZ-TV before joining CNN.
CNN Philippines will officially close on the last day of January after 300 layoffs and a loss of more than $89 million. The Philippines is one of the most dangerous places in the world for journalists, and CNN Philippines operated since 2015.
“A trusted source of news and information, CNN Philippines is accessible on free-to-air TV, cable, and digital platforms. To our staff, we thank you for your commitment and dedication. To our partners, including CNN Worldwide / Turner Broadcasting Corporation, we are grateful for your support. And to our viewers, our sincerest gratitude for your loyalty and trust over the past 9 years,” shared CNN Philippines in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Don Lemon - Amy Sussman
Streaming: America in Black returns for its second season this February during Black History Month. It is a prime-time monthly news magazine revolving around investigative reporting and interviews with Black celebrities, such as Vice President Kamala Harris, Michael B. Jordan, LL Cool J, Taraji P. Henson, and T.D. Jakes. Veteran news anchors Ed Gordon and Vladimir Duthiers will host the new season of the show, which will air on BET, Paramount+, and CBS News streams.
Former CNN anchor Don Lemon will launch a new program, The Don Lemon Show, under his new deal with X (formally known as Twitter) after being fired by Warner Bros. Discovery. Lemon has been ambitious about delivering more outspoken commentary during his nine-year career. The turning point occurred when he was moved to morning programs at CNN, prompting him to leave and start a new media company himself.
“Don’s new company will take his no-holds-barred approach to storytelling to the next level in this raw and authentic program,” said Oren Rosenbaum, partner and head of audio at UTA, the group representing Lemon. “Leveraging technology like AI and many decades worth of experience, Don will break news and provoke thoughtful conversation through his direct and unfiltered take on today’s most important stories.”
