New Morning Show Slated for WRTV Following Deep Cuts

After Circle City Broadcasting took the reins at WRTV Indianapolis and significantly gutted the station's resources, the ownership is now attempting to pivot. Despite a period of heavy downsizing, management is moving forward with plans to launch a new morning newscast.

The station is set to expand its AM LIVE programming beginning May 4, transitioning from a two-hour hybrid of live and recorded content to a fully live three-hour block running from 4 to 7 a.m.

While Circle City owner DuJuan McCoy frames the expansion as a "broader investment" and the "beginning of many more improvements," the view from inside the newsroom is reportedly much bleaker. Station insiders tell FTVLive that the new venture isn't exactly a high-gloss production.

"It appears that we'll be looking at a low budget show that will start in the May book," one insider noted.

The New Morning Lineup

The expanded broadcast will be helmed by a new team, consisting of:

• Anchors: Karen Campbell and Marlee Thomas

• Meteorologist: Tara Hastings

• Reporter: Alan Selph

While McCoy insists the station is "investing in talented journalism," the skepticism remains high among staff who have seen the station's infrastructure stripped back since the acquisition. Whether this "low budget" expansion can compete in the Indianapolis market remains to be seen as the May ratings period approaches.