Channel 9 extends 4 p.m. newscast

ORLANDO, Fla. — Fueled by the momentum of the half-hour newscast at 4 p.m., Channel 9 Eyewitness News, Central Florida’s News Leader, announced Eyewitness News at 4 will now run a full hour from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The new half-hour replaces Family Feud at 4:30 p.m., but Feud fans can still watch the popular game show on WFTV at 10:30 a.m. and back-to-back episodes on WRDQ at 7 p.m.

The decision comes just weeks after the launch of the half-hour, 4 p.m. newscast, which provided an immediate ratings boost and laid the ground for big wins with key demographics during the June book.

Shawn Bartelt, vice president and general manager, explained that the station is responding to viewers’ desires.

“Our viewers made it very clear that what they wanted at 4 p.m. was a full hour of news. We paid attention and made the necessary changes," she said.

WFTV News director Matt Parcell added, “This really benefits central Florida news viewers. Now they have uninterrupted access to Eyewitness News and the top-notch breaking news, investigations and severe weather coverage we provide every day.”

WFTV