Nexstar Broadcasting has announced it will re-launch WPTY, the ABC affiliate for Memphis, TN, as WATN LOCAL 24 this Saturday June 1.
Ardyth Diercks, vice president and general manager for Nexstar’s Memphis and Jackson operations, said in a statement, “This is a very exciting time for Nexstar and our Mid-South station operations, as launching WATN LOCAL 24 reflects our deep commitment to serve our local community and advertising partners, while delivering the most relevant, compelling and informative local news that touches the daily lives of our viewers.”
The new brand will feature a new community web portal and HD news broadcasts. Earlier this month, Nexstar revealed its new Memphis broadcast facility housing its three Tennessee stations, WPTY (WATN), Memphis CW affiliate WLMT and Jackson FOX affiliate WJKT.
Nexstar also announced Joy Lambert will anchor the 5:00 to 7:00 a.m. and midday news on WATN as well as the news from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. on WLMT alongside Rodney Dunigan, meteorologist Lauren Raymer, and traffic reporter Ron Taylor.
The station also added meteorologist Sean Parker to the weekend team alongside anchor Jeff Beimfohr to the WATN 5:00, 6:00 and 10:00 p.m. news as well as the 9:00 pm. news for WLMT which is also broadcast on WJKT.