KHBS-KHOG will produce a 9 p.m. newscast on a CW-affiliated digital subchannel beginning tonight, the stations announced today.

The newscast will air seven days a week. On weekdays, it will be anchored by Angela Taylor, with meteorologist Drew Michaels and sports director Mike Jacques. On weekends, Jay Plyburn will anchor and Brittany Bell will handle the weather.

“I know other stations have chosen to deliver a different kind of experience at 9:00 p.m., but we plan to offer a substantial, fast-paced traditional 30 minute newscast filled with local news, delivered by our award-winning team of journalists,” KHBS-KHOG president-GM Brian Sather said in a statement.

KHBS-KHOG is adding a new sports anchor.  The joint ABC-affiliate announced today that it has hired Josh Taylor as a weekend sports anchor and reporter.

Most recently, Taylor worked as a sports reporter and producer at KHBS-KHOG’s Hearst sister station in Pittsburgh, WTAE.

“Josh’s passion for college and high school sports will fit in well with our commitment to offer the best local sports coverage in Northwest Arkansas and Fort Smith,” news director Dawn Dugle said, in announcing the hiring. “We’re excited for him to join our 40/29 Sports team.” Read more

KHBS-KHOG will get a new anchor and s ports director this month, as Mike Jacques joins the Fort Smith-Fayetteville affiliate on June 27. Jacques has reported and produced sports at three stations in Wisconsin: WSAW in Wausau, WMTV in Madison, and WISN in Milwaukee.

“Mike shows viewers the human side of sports, not just the scores and stats,” said KHBS-KHOG  President and General Manager Brian Sather. “I’m convinced that will resonate with our viewers.”

Known to viewers as “Jocko,” Jacques recently received an MBA from the University of Phoenix. He received his undergraduate degree in journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Jacques has been reporting on high school and college sports for more than ten years. KHBS-KHOG news director Dawn Dugle called his passion for sports “a great asset,” saying, “He’s a unique story teller and we look forward to him reporting on the Razorbacks, University of Arkansas – Fort Smith and the outdoor sports our area is known for.”