Report: WABC-TV To Fill Void of Oprah with Newscast

WABC/Channel 7 is losing two mainstays of its daytime lineup this year–Oprah Winfrey and Regis Philbin.

WABC, for a quarter-century, has been fortunate to have Winfrey’s strong ratings as a lead-in for their 5 p.m. newscast.

Now, WABC execs are at the “what next?” portion of the show.

Crain’s New York reports station management has decided to use Oprah’s departure to go back to basics–more news.

WABC will air news, becoming the only New York TV station with a 4 p.m. newscast.  

Dave Davis, WABC general manager, told Crain’s that being alone at 4 o’clock is an advantage for Channel 7.

On the topic of Philbin, Davis said a replacement for the 79-year-old legendary host hasn’t been made. He did say Philbin has been asked, and agreed, to say with Live with Regis and Kelly until November.

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