Expanding the News in Chi-Town

Starting next week, CBS O&O WBBM (Chicago) will launch a 9AM newscast.

The first 30 minutes of the newscast will be available to viewers of WBBM. The second half-hour will be available via streaming.

The station says anchors Ryan Baker and Audrina Bigos and First Alert meteorologist Laura Bannon, as well as traffic reports from Kris Habermehl will front the broadcast/stream.

Do you really need a Traffic Reporter after rush hour?

Is there really a need for a 9AM newscast?

WBBM thinks there is and of course it will give them more spots for political ads.