JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – WJXT will launch Jacksonville’s first 4 p.m. daily newscast -- News4JAX at 4 p.m. -- on-air and livestreaming on all platforms beginning January 23. The half-hour newscast will be followed by Inside Edition at 4:30 p.m.
“Jacksonville is a passionate local news town,” said Bob Ellis, WJXT vice president and general manager. “The people that live here want to know what’s happening in their communities. With our new 4 p.m. newscast, they’ll be able to get the important stories of the day on TV an hour earlier.”
Tarik Minor expands his anchoring duties, which will now include News4JAX at 4, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Tarik will be joined by The Weather Authority meteorologist Rebecca Barry, giving viewers their first look at the evening’s complete forecast, breaking news alerts and important local stories.
“You have to be a good reporter before you can anchor a newscast," Ellis said. Tarik Minor is a great reporter. He’s established himself as one of the best investigative reporters in Jacksonville as part of our I-TEAM, and now adds 4 p.m. to his other anchoring duties. No one relates to the people of Jacksonville more than Rebecca Barry. She grew up right up the road in south Georgia, and knows how the rivers and ocean affect the forecast. She is a pro during severe situations. Rebecca will be a breath of fresh air at 4 p.m.”
For North Florida and South Georgia viewers tired of talk and repeats, this will mean all original programming 52 weeks a year at 4 p.m. With the launch of the 4 p.m. newscast, Dr. Oz will continue to be seen weekday mornings at 10 a.m., followed by River City Live at 11 a.m. An updated Inside Edition will air weeknights at 7:30 p.m..
“Viewers have told us loud and clear they want live, first-run programs in the afternoons,” Ellis said. “We’ll be the only station in Jacksonville providing this, and it gives us even more opportunities to serve the Jacksonville community. That’s why we’re The Local Station.”