Spectrum Networks Announces Morning News Team and Primetime Programming for Southern California's New 24/7 News Channel

Five Local Los Angeles Journalists Will Join the News Network

Los Angeles, CA – Spectrum Networks today announced it has hired five veteran news journalists to lead a dynamic lineup of news and original programming set to launch in November, in Southern California. Spectrum Networks newest destination for high-quality hyperlocal and original news programming will deliver stories that are essential to the lives of Spectrum viewers across Southern California.

Every Monday through Friday from 5 to 9 AM, Spectrum customers will wake up to “The Beat on 1,” a new morning newscast that will deliver a mix of hyperlocal stories and news content. The morning team will feature veteran anchors Giselle Fernandez and Lisa McRee, award-winning political journalist Alex Cohen, as well as Southern California native and television host Melvin Robert. Seasoned weather forecaster, Robert Santos, will deliver up-to-the minute weather reports specific to local communities.

“We’re excited to bring together this incredible group of Southern California talent to serve as our morning news team,” said Cater Lee, Spectrum Networks Vice President of News and Content. “All of our anchors and journalists have Southern California roots, and are active members of the communities they serve. By having their finger on the pulse of what’s important to their communities, our team will be able to deliver relevant news and information to Spectrum viewers.”

The network’s original programming will include a slate of primetime shows that will cover a range of diverse topics and interests important to Southern Californians.

Former radio host Alex Cohen will host “Inside The Issues,” a one-hour political program that will air every Monday to Thursday. The issues-driven program will focus on the week’s most pressing political topics and will include interviews with political newsmakers, pundits and consultants from Southern California.  Prior to joining Spectrum, Alex was most recently the local host of "Morning Edition,” NPR's most popular show. Prior to that, she was co-host of KPCC's "Take Two" and "All Things Considered."

Giselle Fernandez, an Emmy Award winning journalist, will also host “LA Stories,” a weekly show that will air on Mondays. The one-hour documentary-style show will feature in-depth one-on-one interviews with local newsmakers and change agents in Southern California. Born in Mexico and raised in Los Angeles, among her numerous posts, Fernandez previously anchored NBC's weekend edition of the "Today Show" and Sunday edition of the "NBC Nightly News." During her tenure at CBS, she also substituted for Paula Zahn on "CBS This Morning," for Dan Rather on the "CBS Evening News," for Connie Chung on the "CBS Weekend News,” and regularly contributed to CBS "Sunday Morning," "Face the Nation" and “48 Hours.”

Lisa McRee will also host a nightly news magazine show that will take an in-depth look at the news headlines with Southern California experts and journalists every Monday to Thursday. Lisa is a former anchor correspondent for the award-winning PBS news magazine show “California Connected.”  She also previously anchored for “ABC’s World News Now,” “Good Morning America” and KABC-TV.

Melvin Robert, born and raised in Inglewood, will host “The SoCal Scene” every Wednesday. The 30-minute insider's guide to local arts and culture will explore the latest art exhibits, movie premieres, live events, and nightlife experiences across Southern California. Robert is an educator, entrepreneur, singer, actor and television host. As a television personality, he has appeared on “The Wendy Williams Show,” “Access Hollywood LIVE,” “The Young Turks,” “Lip.TV,” “KTLA-5 Morning News” and “Good Day LA.”

The news network will be available exclusively to Spectrum customers.

Additional content about Southern California’s new 24/7 news channel is available at Charter Newsroom.

About Spectrum Networks 

Spectrum Networks is a series of 24/7 news and sports networks owned and operated by Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR), a leading broadband communications company and the second largest cable operator in the United States. Spectrum Networks carry distinct, comprehensive, and exclusive local programming on 31 networks across 12 states. More information on Spectrum Networks is available at spectrumlocalnews.com.

Media Contact

Stacey Mitch

312.531.1570

Stacey.Mitch@charter.com