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CBS News Now was the de facto umbrella title for a set of hybrid local/national newscasts produced by CBS News and Stations and aired on most of the group's CW affiliates or independent stations, with production led by the CBS Local News Innovation Lab at the studios of KTVT / KTXA in Fort Worth, Texas. In markets where the company has a full news operation, the newscast was named after the applicable CBS News Local streaming service, while in other markets (including those where CBS owns a station that carries the newscast, but the CBS network affiliate is owned by a third party) the title followed the format [Location] Now News.[1][2]

The program, which generally aired at either 9:00 or 10:00 p.m. local time, included short local news and weather briefs, presented by a local anchor (or in some cases a surrogate anchor hosting remotely), but consisted mainly of nationally-oriented news coverage produced in Fort Worth. The newscast's national anchors were Tom Hanson on weeknights and Trason Bragg on weekends.[1][2]

The format debuted on July 18, 2022, on the following stations:[1]

The program was discontinued in most markets on August 31, 2023, after CBS converted its CW affiliates to independent stations; in duopoly markets (excluding Detroit), the program was replaced with new 8:00 p.m. newscasts produced by the parent station's news department.[3] An exception is WUPA, which maintained the Atlanta Now News branding for a primetime newscast produced out of WCBS-TV.

See also

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Footnotes

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References

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CBS News Now

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from Grokipedia
CBS News Now was a branding initiative by for a series of hybrid local and national newscasts broadcast on CBS-owned television stations across the . Launched during the week of July 18, 2022, it represented an "innovation lab" effort to create multiplatform content that integrates local market reporting with broader national and international stories from correspondents. The newscasts debuted on ten stations in major markets, including New York, , Dallas-Fort Worth, and , typically airing in evening timeslots such as 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. . Each program adapted the "Now" branding to its market—for example, " News New York Now" or "Dallas News Now"—while maintaining a consistent visual identity featuring the CBS "deconstructed eye" logo, the TT Norms font, and virtual set elements for flexible production. The newscasts were discontinued in most markets on August 31, 2023, following the transition of several CBS-owned stations from affiliates to independents. Key features included themed segments like Health Now, Money Now, and Hope Now, which focused on specialized topics and allowed for shared content across stations via a centralized production hub. This model enabled efficient delivery of timely, platform-agnostic news, reinforcing the unified brand across linear TV, streaming, and digital outlets. The initiative aligned with CBS's broader strategy to expand hybrid journalism.

Background and Launch

Development and Concept

In 2022, pursued a strategy to broaden primetime offerings across its portfolio of non-CBS affiliated stations, including CW outlets and independents, by introducing hybrid newscasts that integrated national and local elements. This approach built on the company's Local News Innovation Lab, announced on January 11, 2022, which focused on developing efficient production models and multiplatform storytelling to serve 17 markets. The initiative addressed the limited contractual obligations of CW affiliates, which primarily required primetime network programming, allowing CBS to enhance viewer engagement through expanded news blocks. On July 13, 2022, revealed the "Now" branding to standardize these hybrid newscasts, with rollouts starting the week of July 18 in 10 markets. The core concept featured 60-minute evening programs airing at 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. local time, combining national feeds—such as anchor-led teases and recaps—with localized inserts for weather, traffic, and community-focused stories. This format enabled shared production resources while maintaining market-specific relevance, using virtual sets and existing talent to streamline operations. The production hub for these newscasts was centered at the studios of (CBS affiliate) and sister independent station in , capitalizing on the infrastructure of the Innovation Lab for cost-effective centralized elements like graphics and national segments. By leveraging this setup, aimed to fill primetime voids on CW affiliates and independents, boosting local ad opportunities and delivering quick, blended national-local news to audiences seeking accessible evening updates.

Premiere and Initial Rollout

CBS News Now officially premiered on July 18, 2022, debuting evening newscasts across 10 initial markets on CBS-owned affiliates and independent stations, including New York (WLNY), (WPSG), Dallas-Fort Worth (KTXA), (KBCW), (WUPA), (WSBK), (KSTW), Tampa (WTOG), (WKBD), and (WBFS). The rollout utilized a centralized hub model supported by the CBS Local News Innovation Lab in Dallas-Fort Worth, enabling efficient production of hyper-local content blended with national reporting. The inaugural broadcast was anchored from , on , opening with standardized "CBS News Now" graphics and theme music to establish a consistent brand identity across markets. These newscasts were titled as "[Market] Now News," such as " Now News" or " Now News at 10," airing primarily at 10:00 p.m. local time, with select markets like , New York, and opting for 9:00 p.m. slots to directly compete with network primetime programming. Press releases highlighted the initiative's focus on enhancing through daily evening broadcasts seven nights a week, positioning it as a key expansion of accessibility. The rollout integrated with CBS's broader CBS News Local streaming services, rebranded from CBSN Local to align with the national Streaming Network, allowing simultaneous linear and digital distribution. Early operations incorporated national feeds from CBS News headquarters in New York, ensuring seamless incorporation of breaking stories and resources into the localized format produced via the Dallas hub. This technical setup facilitated a hybrid approach, with local anchors like Doug Dunbar in Dallas-Fort Worth delivering the debut editions.

Programming and Format

Content Structure

CBS News Now employed a hybrid format that integrated national and local news elements to deliver timely updates tailored to viewers in specific markets while drawing on CBS's broader reporting resources. The newscasts typically ran for 60 minutes, featuring national news coverage, including headlines and reports from CBS correspondents across the country. This was blended with local briefs, encompassing weather forecasts, sports highlights, and community events relevant to the affiliate's market. The program also focused on features or investigative segments, often blending national context with local implications to provide deeper insights. The format emphasized extended coverage of ongoing stories, such as thematic segments like "Hope Now" that highlighted uplifting national narratives with regional ties. The program's visual style was characterized by clean, modern graphics featuring blue-red accents, which aligned with CBS's branding while distinguishing the hybrid nature of the content. Lower-thirds clearly attributed stories to either local stations or national CBS News sources, and the broadcast frequently incorporated high-quality video feeds from CBS News archives and live shots for immediacy. Produced from facilities in Fort Worth, the format prioritized live elements, including real-time updates from the field and occasional viewer Q&A interactions, setting it apart from more static traditional local newscasts. To ensure uninterrupted engagement, core segments avoided commercial breaks, confining advertisements to the program's opening and closing edges.

On-Air Personnel

CBS News Now featured a centralized team of anchors and reporters to support its hybrid national-local format, with production handled from the CBS Local News Innovation Lab in , under the guidance of executives. This approach emphasized cost efficiency by forgoing dedicated full-time anchors in individual markets, instead relying on a core national staff augmented by contributions from affiliate stations. The program's primary weeknight anchor was Tom Hanson, who led broadcasts from 9 to 10 p.m. ET, delivering national news teases and transitions to local segments. On weekends, Trason Bragg served as the lead anchor, focusing on national stories while incorporating meteorologist Brittany Rainey for weather updates. Both anchors drew from prior roles at CBS affiliates, bringing seasoned reporting expertise to the hybrid newscast. Supporting reporters included a rotation of CBS News national correspondents from the New York team, who provided concise updates on key developments such as weather events and . Local flavor was added through inserts from station journalists in specific markets, like Karen Borta contributing segments for and audiences from the Dallas-Fort Worth hub. Anchors handled a mix of live and pre-recorded elements throughout the 14-month run, from its July 2022 debut to discontinuation in late 2023.

Broadcast and Distribution

Affiliated Stations and Markets

CBS News Now premiered on ten CBS-owned stations in major U.S. markets, primarily consisting of CW affiliates and independent outlets within the CBS Television Stations group. These stations included WLNY in New York airing at 9 p.m., in at 10 p.m., in Dallas-Fort Worth at 9 p.m., KBCW in at 10 p.m., in at 10 p.m., WSBK in at 10 p.m., in at 10 p.m., in Tampa at 10 p.m., WKBD in at 10 p.m., and WBFS in at 9 p.m.. The program did not expand beyond these initial outlets to include non-CBS-owned stations in secondary markets, remaining confined to the CBS Television Stations portfolio of 28 stations across 17 markets. Branding for the newscasts varied by market to incorporate local identity, such as "Seattle Now News at 10 on CW11" on , while maintaining the overarching "" umbrella. These markets targeted urban demographics in the top 20 , collectively serving over 20 million television households through CW and independent signals. Adaptations were minimal across markets, featuring occasional pre-produced local inserts sourced from affiliate newsrooms to integrate community-specific reporting without altering the core national-local hybrid format.
MarketStationAffiliation at LaunchLocal Time Slot
New YorkWLNYIndependent9 p.m.
Philadelphia10 p.m.
Dallas-Fort WorthIndependent9 p.m.
KBCW10 p.m.
10 p.m.
WSBKIndependent10 p.m.
10 p.m.
Tampa10 p.m.
WKBD10 p.m.
WBFSIndependent9 p.m.
Coinciding with the transition of eight affiliates to independent status effective September 1, 2023, CBS News Now was discontinued in most markets on August 31, 2023, with some stations continuing under modified branding. In some duopoly markets, the programs were replaced by new 8:00 p.m. newscasts, while in continued with a primetime newscast under modified "Now" branding.

Time Slots and Technical Details

CBS News Now aired in primetime slots seven nights a week, in 9:00 p.m. or 10:00 p.m. , varying by market to accommodate the hybrid local-national format. Weekend editions followed similar primetime scheduling in participating markets, though episodes were occasionally preempted for local sports programming or special events. The program was transmitted via satellite feeds originating from the CBS Local News Innovation Lab at the KTVT/KTXA studios in Fort Worth, Texas, allowing for centralized national content distribution to affiliate stations across 10 markets. Local inserts were integrated using existing station facilities, often with setups for seamless blending of regional reporting. The broadcast maintained a high-definition format with a 16:9 , employing ' standardized graphics package featuring a "deconstructed eye" design for visual consistency. Digital simulcasts were available on local CBS News streaming apps, enabling simultaneous viewing for cord-cutters in supported areas. In select markets, episodes streamed concurrently on Paramount+ and CBS.com, though the primary emphasis remained over-the-air delivery via affiliates on independent, , or signals. Production relied on multi-camera setups in the Fort Worth facility for national segments, supplemented by remote contributions from local teams without requiring new hires. Early broadcasts encountered occasional technical challenges, such as delays in national feed with local elements and brief glitches like overlapping station bugs or abrupt 30-minute cuts, which were mitigated through automated systems implemented by .

Discontinuation and Legacy

Cancellation Reasons

The discontinuation of CBS News Now in most markets occurred on August 31, 2023, primarily due to the transition of eight CBS-owned affiliates to independent stations following Nexstar Media Group's acquisition of a controlling 75% stake in network in October 2022. This shift allowed CBS Television Stations to exercise its contractual right to end the affiliations, as the agreement was structured to permit such a move after the ownership change. In response, CBS Television Stations pivoted resources toward expanding programming, particularly introducing or enhancing 8:00 p.m. newscasts in duopoly markets such as (KTVT-KTSA), (KCBS-KTLA), and others, to better align with primetime schedules and avoid conflicts with national content. This strategic evolution emphasized integrating more content, live sports, and syndicated shows like "48 Hours" on the newly independent outlets. Financial considerations also played a key role, as The CW's persistently low ratings—averaging under 500,000 viewers in primetime during its first full year under Nexstar—resulted in insufficient ad revenue to offset rising reverse compensation fees and production costs for programs like CBS News Now in an era of fragmented linear viewing. One notable exception was in , which retained a version of the program under the "Atlanta Now News" branding after the CW affiliation ended, allowing continued local production and airing of hybrid local-national newscasts into late 2023 and beyond. The official announcement of these changes, including the end of CBS News Now in affected markets, was detailed by in late August 2023, positioning the moves as a forward-looking reimagination of station programming rather than an outright failure.

Successors and Impact

Following the discontinuation of CBS News Now on August 31, 2023, CBS Television Stations introduced localized 8:00 p.m. ET newscasts on several of its duopoly pairings, incorporating hybrid local-national elements similar to the original program but shifted to earlier evening slots to align with independent station schedules. In New York, WCBS-TV began producing an 8:00 p.m. newscast for sister station , branded as CBS 2 News at 8, which debuted on September 1, 2023, and features a mix of local reporting and national feeds from . Similarly, in , KCAL-TV expanded its evening lineup with an 8:00 p.m. newscast co-anchored by figures like Chauncy Glover, maintaining a format that blends stories with network segments, as part of the /KCAL-TV duopoly's refreshed programming. These successors aimed to leverage the duopoly structure for cost-efficient production while filling primetime gaps left by affiliation drop. In the streaming space, elements of CBS News Now were integrated into CBS News 24/7, the rebranded evolution of the former CBSN launched on April 22, 2024, which absorbed national news segments and hybrid formats to provide 24-hour coverage across digital platforms. This shift allowed CBS to repurpose scalable production models from News Now, such as quick-hit reporting and virtual anchors, into a unified streaming network available on Paramount+ and the CBS News app, enhancing accessibility without traditional broadcast constraints. The service now includes localized inserts from stations like those in the former News Now markets, supporting a broader digital-local hybrid approach. The program accelerated CBS's emphasis on digital-local hybrids, influencing station refreshes in 2024 and 2025 by prioritizing shared resources across owned properties to combat declining linear viewership. While CBS News Now garnered no major industry awards during its 14-month run, it is credited internally with testing efficient, multi-platform models that informed subsequent investments in independent stations, including expanded news hours and streaming integrations. Its brief lifespan underscored challenges like affiliate network instability following the CW split, prompting CBS to allocate more resources to standalone local operations rather than syndicated feeds. An exception to the full discontinuation occurred in Atlanta, where WUPA retained the "Now" branding as Atlanta Now News for its primetime newscast, produced in collaboration with WCBS-TV's New York team and airing at 8:00 p.m. starting in late 2023. This format served as a model for retained hybrid elements in select markets, continuing local-national blends until its cancellation on February 13, 2025. Following the end of Atlanta Now News, WUPA rebranded as CBS Atlanta on August 16, 2025, launching new local news operations and a CBS News Atlanta streaming channel that incorporate hybrid local-national elements.

References

  1. https://www.newscaststudio.com/2022/07/13/cbs-news-now-local-newscasts/
  2. https://www.newscaststudio.com/2022/07/19/cbs-news-now-news-debut/
  3. https://tvnewscheck.com/business/article/cbs-to-transition-eight-stations-from-cw-to-independents/
  4. https://www.paramountpressexpress.com/cbs-news-and-stations/releases/view?id=58934
  5. https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/cbs-stations-debuts-evening-newscasts-in-10-markets
  6. https://www.paramountpressexpress.com/cbs-news-and-stations/shows/stations/releases/?view=100579-cbs-stations-heightens-commitment-to-community-journalism-as-it-launches-evening-newscasts-on-independent-and-cw-stations-in-10-markets-this-week
  7. https://www.paramountpressexpress.com/cbs-news-and-stations/releases/?view=100579-cbs-stations-heightens-commitment-to-community-journalism-as-it-launches-evening-newscasts-on-independent-and-cw-stations-in-10-markets-this-week
  8. https://www.adweek.com/tvspy/cbs-stations-hire-28-staffers-to-support-evening-news-debut-on-cw-and-independent-stations/
  9. https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/cbs-owned-stations-drop-cw-affiliations-september-1235604771/
  10. https://deadline.com/2023/05/cbs-stations-eight-drop-cw-go-independent-this-fall-1235357388/
  11. https://emmysf.tv/cbs-drops-cw-affiliation-for-8-stations-makes-them-independent/
  12. https://www.paramountpressexpress.com/cbs-news-and-stations/shows/stations/releases/?view=108406-cbs-to-transition-eight-company-owned-stations-from-affiliates-of-the-cw-to-independents-on-friday-sept-1
  13. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/cbs-owned-cw-stations-will-go-independent-fall-2023-1235480730/
  14. https://www.tdogmedia.com/2023/05/cbs-to-pull-cw-affiliations-in-eight-markets.html
  15. https://www.newscaststudio.com/2024/01/05/the-cw-nexstar-ratings/
  16. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kV2Pf7ue1Z4
  17. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsCB-e0H15w
  18. https://www.paramountpressexpress.com/cbs-news-and-stations/releases/?view=108432-chauncy-glover-named-co-anchor-of-weeknight-newscasts-on-cbs-owned-los-angeles-stations-and-the-cbs-news-los-angeles-streaming-channel
  19. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cbs-news-24-7-streaming-channel/
  20. https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/cbs-stations-former-cw-affiliates-independent-primetime-1235708574/
  21. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/valenciajones3_its-the-end-of-a-news-era-at-atlanta-69-activity-7296356718542749696-hgXu
  22. https://www.paramountpressexpress.com/cbs-news-and-stations/shows/stations/releases/?view=111660-cbs-atlanta-senior-leadership-team-announced-as-network-programming-moves-to-wupa-channel-69-on-aug-16
  23. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bw33v7ibNS8
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