Gray Media this week announced the addition to its programming lineup of a new 2 pm news program. This comes as many local ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC stations are cutting staff now Gray Media launched a show called Local News Live, an afternoon newscast now airing on 37 of its local television stations. The one-hour broadcast, which debuted this week, will air on weekdays at 2:00 p.m. (ET) in most markets, bringing top stories from local journalists across Gray’s newsrooms to viewers nationwide. This expansion boosts Local News Live’s presence to 46 television markets, reaching over 19 million households, according to Nielsen ratings.
This comes as news programs like this are seen as a cheap way to fill its programs. Instead of paying for syndicated programs instead, TV stations are turning to these in-house news programs to fill this daytime schedule at a lower cost.
The program, anchored by Debra Alfarone, Local News Live’s National Correspondent, offers a dynamic mix of live breaking news coverage and in-depth local perspectives on the day’s most pressing stories. Alfarone, a seasoned journalist, leads the charge with contributions from reporters in Gray’s expansive network of 113 markets. Beyond hard news, Alfarone hosts “The Good Side,” a popular segment spotlighting solutions-oriented stories and individuals driving positive change across the United States. This blend of hard-hitting journalism and uplifting narratives has quickly become a viewer favorite.
Local News Live sets itself apart by emphasizing the local ramifications of national and international events. The program features daily contributions from Gray’s Washington, D.C. Bureau, including White House Correspondent and Senior National Editor Jon Decker, who delivers updates straight from White House press briefings. Meanwhile, Senior National Correspondent Peter Zampa reports live from New York City, covering critical beats such as Wall Street and the United Nations, ensuring viewers receive a comprehensive view of the day’s developments.
Lisa Allen, General Manager of Gray’s Washington Operations, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, stating, “Local News Live is uniquely positioned to deliver the stories the nation is talking about through a distinctly local lens. We are excited to increase our footprint and deliver impactful news and information to millions more viewers.” This move underscores Gray Media’s commitment to bridging the gap between national headlines and their local significance.
Originally launched in February 2021 as a national free ad-supported streaming (FAST) news network, Local News Live has grown steadily, providing live news coverage across more than 500 Gray station websites, connected TV apps, and mobile platforms. With today’s expansion, the program remains accessible on these digital channels while adding a traditional broadcast component. Viewers can continue to access Local News Live on Gray’s local apps or download its dedicated apps for free by searching “LNL” on Roku, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, iOS, and Android devices.
The addition of Local News Live to Gray Media’s afternoon lineup reflects a growing demand for trusted, locally focused journalism in an era of rapid news cycles. By combining the expertise of local reporters with national correspondents, the program offers a fresh perspective that resonates with audiences seeking both relevance and reliability in their news consumption. As it reaches millions more households, Local News Live is poised to solidify its role as a vital resource for communities across the country.
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