Nexstar Broadcasting’s WROC-TV / News 8 — Rochester’s first television station — will launch the market’s first 4:00 p.m. newscast on 9/13. Bringing viewers a new opportunity to get their news when and where they want it, “News 8 First at 4” will be anchored by veteran reporter Matt Molloy whose interaction with viewers through social media apps will allow viewers to shape coverage and provide input on the news. Chief Meteorologist Scott Hetsko will join Molloy at 4 as well.
Molloy has been with WROC as a general assignment reporter since 2006 and has covered significant stories including the 2009 plane crash near Buffalo, NY, Mayor Duffy’s candidacy for Lieutenant Governor, and the Discovery shuttle launch through a live on location broadcast. First at 4 will provide him a daily platform to reach viewers, as he will de-brief reporters on the spot and use Facebook, Twitter and RochesterHomepage.net.
First at 4 will be adding to the series of expanding news coverage at WROC and sister WUHF-TV. FOX First at 10, was the market’s first hour-long newscast at 10:00 p.m., and News 8 at 5:30 was added two years ago to provide more coverage of local news each evening. With First at 4, the two stations will have the largest and broadest news presence in the Rochester market, with a combined 6 hours of local news each weekday.
“The launch of First at 4 highlights the ambition and strength of our newsroom staff and underscores WROC’s commitment to provide our viewers with convenient, timely, relevant news, weather and sports coverage,” says Louis Gattozzi, WROC VP/GM. “Changing lifestyles demand more opportunities for our viewers to get their news when they want it and where they want it. As we say in our promotion, we are the ‘team you can trust’ and to that end we are committed everyday to delivering viewers the best news content.”
Viewers are encouraged to share their thoughts on the new show and to submit story ideas. They can email the station at [email protected], tweet Matt directly at @mattmolloy or visit WROC’s Facebook® page at http://www.facebook.com/News8WROC.
At 4:30 p.m., WROC will run Inside Edition, currently in the 4 p.m. slot.
