The number of Upper Midwest TV stations launching local programming as Ellen Degeneres’ syndicated show comes to an end is now up to eight, with a few other stations adding newscasts as well.
New local programming in Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Duluth, Mankato, Sioux Falls, and Omaha has already been reported here.
TV listings are now showing that local news will be added at 4:00 on Allen Media ABC affiliate WKOW/27.1 (Madison) and Nexstar CBS affiliate KXMB/12.1 (Bismarck), with both stations moving Dr. Phil from 4:00 to Ellen’s former 3:00 timeslot.
Meanwhile, Allen Media ABC affiliate WAOW/9.1 (Wausau) did not carry Ellen but is also moving Dr. Phil an hour earlier to launch a new 4:00 newscast.
Hubbard ABC affiliate KAAL/6.1 (Austin-Rochester) is also adding an hourlong 11 a.m. newscast, replacing paid programming in that hour.