WDSI FOX61 – TV announced today it will be the local home to “On -- Air with Ryan Seacrest.” The show debuts Monday, January 12, 2004.
“We had an opportunity to secure a daily, live, national show hosted by arguably the hottest young host – who is part of the of the American Idol phenomena – in the country today, “ said Michael Costa, general manager of WDSI FOX61.
“Ryan has become identified with American Idol and FOX and the connection was natural for us. His Hollywood ties and appeal to the younger demographics will assure us of a fast-paced, current, hip show leading into our popular 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. line-up.”
Mr. Costa said, "Securing “On -- Air with Ryan Seacrest” is also allowing the station to better dedicate its news producing resources to its popular 6:30 p.m. nightly newscast First News and First News @ Ten by ceasing production of First News @ Four effective Friday, December 19.
“Since we introduced our 6:30 p.m. newscast, advertisers have flocked to it. This move allows us to focus our news gathering efforts on that show and the 10 p.m. newscast. It will allow us to cover the events of the Tennessee Valley more thoroughly and to provide a better product to our viewers.”
The sitcom “Frasier” will fill the 4 p.m. time slot until the debut of “On -- Air with Ryan Seacrest” on January 12, 2004.
Other program changes effective January 12, 2004 include the “Wayne Brady Show” moving from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the “Sharon Osbourne Show” moving from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each Monday through Friday. The entertainment news magazine “Extra” will move to 11 p.m. and “Will & Grace” to 11:30 p.m.
WDSI-TV, your FOX61 is owned and operated by Pegasus Communications Corporation (www.pgtv.com). Pegasus provides digital satellite television to rural households throughout the United States. Pegasus owns and/or operates television stations affiliated with CBS, FOX, UPN and The WB networks.