Duluth, Mankato, Omaha Stations Replace Ellen with Local Shows

Posted on by Jon Ellis

TV stations in Duluth, Mankato, and Omaha have joined the growing list of broadcasters launching new local programming as Ellen Degeneres’ show comes to an end.

Degeneres’ syndicated show aired its last new episode in May and has continued with reruns over the summer. In many cities, her show has aired at 4:00 as a lead-in to local newscasts.

Hubbard ABC affiliate WDIO/10.1 (Duluth) will partially replace Degeneres’ show with a new local 4:30 p.m. magazine show called “The Lift” on Tuesday, Sept. 6, hosted by anchor Baihly Warfield.

TV listings indicate WDIO will carry Tamron Hall at 2:00 followed by a simulcast of KSTP-TV’s Twin Cities Live from 3:00 to 4:30, with Rachel Ray and Drew Barrymore dropped from the lineup.

Gray CBS affiliate KEYC/12.1 (Mankato) announced that it will also launch a new half-hour local magazine program, “Kato Living,” at 4 p.m. starting Monday, Sept. 5. The show will be hosted by Lisa Cownie and Kelsey Barchenger.

Hearst ABC affiliate KETV/7.1 (Omaha) announced that it will launch an hour-long newscast at 4 p.m. starting Sept. 5. It will be co-anchored by Rob McCartney, Julie Cornel, Bill Schammert, and Bill Randby.

CBS owned-and-operated WCCO-TV/4.1 (Minneapolis) and Nexstar CBS affiliate KELO-TV/11 (Sioux Falls) also recently announced plans for new 4 p.m. newscasts to replace Degeneres. Hearst ABC affiliate WISN-TV/12.1 (Milwaukee) launched a 4 p.m. newscast in June.

As noted previously, the choice of local programming marks a trend of TV stations moving away from syndicated programming. The trend marks a return of local daytime programming that had been common decades ago but was gradually replaced by national programs.

It’s not yet known what will replace Degeneres’ show on many other stations. Listings indicate Sinclair CBS affiliate KGAN/2.1 (Cedar Rapids) will move Judge Judy into the 4:00 hour, while other stations will continue with reruns for the week of Labor Day.