KFOX14 isn’t a stranger to pioneering better ways to serve local viewers.  KFOX14 has been the first (and only) station to air an hour-long 9 p.m. newscast; first to launch a 3-hour morning newscast; first to launch a Las Cruces and Eastside Bureau.  

Now, KFOX14 is furthering our commitment by being the first station to launch a local newscast from 5 to 6 p.m.

Starting January 2, 2012, news anchors John Purvis and Erika Castillo will deliver a fast-paced newscast that leaves the viewer satisfied that they received complete and major local news coverage. The decision has been months in the making.

“We had a massive research project funded this year,  asking our viewers and those watching the other stations what they preferred in local news and why,” said Elizabeth O’Hara, KFOX14 news director.  “Viewers told us they prefer KFOX14’s late night news and they want us at 5 p.m. as well. We’re excited to give viewers what they want in the format they’ve grown to love.”

Not only did research show that KFOX14 is perceived as the breaking news and continuous news leader, it showed when it comes to weather, viewers determined KFOX14 is the weather leader.  Viewer perception on how KFOX14 covers big weather events goes almost to the station’s rollout in 1997. 

“Weather is the #1 reason people watch TV news, even in a place as temperate and beautiful as our community,” O’Hara said.  “We get that.  And we never take for granted that we now have a performance legacy to uphold.”

The launch of KFOX14 News at Five will coincide with a new look for the KFOX14 Severe Weather team.  Chief Meterologist Sandra Diaz will showcase the latest in weather tracking technology with the new WSI TruVu Max® weather system, making KFOX14s Severe Weather Team coverage the strongest in the region.

“We have floods, ice storms, wind storms, record heat – our viewers need to know what’s happening as it’s happening and now with one click of a button, what you see on the air will be what you get on your cell phone, your home computer, your IPad,” said Diaz.   “The graphics TruVu ® provides are stunning!  You haven’t seen anything like this in our area.”

While other stations air national news at 5:30 p.m., KFOX14 will stay on the local stories affecting the area. 

“Again, it’s about providing viewers with what they say lacks in that time frame,” O’Hara said.

We invite you to join us weekdays from 5-6 p.m. for KFOX14 News at Five starting January 2nd, 2012.  Local Coverage YOU Can Count On.