Inside Nexstar's News Nation

FTVLive told you that Nexstar’s News Nation cable newscast has set a date of September 1st for the launch on WGN America.

Nexstar had hoped to launch in July and has been telling staff hired and potential hires that what was going to happen. But now, they have pushed back the launch to September, likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic more than anything.

As for what is happening behind the scenes at Nexstar’s News Nation, this is what our sources are telling us is going down.

Sources say the plan is to divide Nexstar nation into 6 to 10 zones with zone managers overseeing the affiliate contributions.

There will be at least 5, if not 6 bureaus - L.A., Dallas, Chicago, DC, New York City - and possibly Atlanta or Miami and Denver for field reporting.

As for those interviewing for jobs, due to the pandemic and internal politics, those that live in Chicago or have ties to WGN or former Tribune stations seem to move to the top of the list.

Richard Magin was poached from NBC Chicago to come be a Managing Editor.

WGN management is very active in the interview process with potential employees.

Yesterday, FTVLive told you that longtime WGN (Chicago) Reporter Nancy Loo was joining News Nation and would be based in LA.

Sources say don’t be surprised to see other WGN staffers moving over to News Nation. Don’t be shocked in WGN Anchor and Investigative Reporter Lourdes Duarte isn’t one of those.

Stay tuned….

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