[W. Knight]

Finally, an update on CBS News Detroit: their entire broadcast center has been fully remodeled in preparation for the big launch. Additionally, other CBS O&O one-man bands have been visiting the Motor City to prepare the new hirings for the launch.

Now scheduled to launch in January, with morning news in first half of 2023:

WWJ-WKBD is on West Nine Mile Road too. Brian Watson is VP/general manager, and Paul Pytlowany is the news director. CBS News Detroit is scheduled to launch in January. There will be live streaming, and linear newscasts at 4, 5, 6 and 11 p.m., with morning news to premiere in the first half of 2023.

Shaina Humphries and Jeff Skversky are the primary anchor team, and multimedia journalists will be embedded in various communities, driving Ford Broncos with editing systems on board. 

Watson and Pytlowany speak of a “working newsroom” — producers and reporters in the background, high energy, everyone hustling to get the news out. “It’s not just two anchors and a meteorologist and a polished-off set,” Watson said. “It screams Detroit. It screams how hard-working we are, how gritty we are.”

Newsgatherers from around the country are knocking on WWJ’s door. “They see what we’re building here, and they want to be a part of it,” said Pytlowany. “The word is on the street that we’re building something different, from the group up, and people have a place, they have a voice.”

Detroit general managers said launching local news in 2023 will be challenging, but wish their new rival well. “Competition is always good for the consumer,” said Easterly, “but I’m more worried about what we do every day than what they are doing.”

(Broadcasting & Cable)