"DFW Nonstop," 24/7 News and Lifestyle Channel, Launches on Digital Channel 5.2

DALLAS/FORT WORTH, Texas, May 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- "DFW Nonstop," a new 24/7 local news and lifestyle channel, produced by NBC 5, debuted Wednesday, May 4, on digital channel 5.2 featuring a unique lineup of locally produced news and lifestyle programs geared for North Texas viewers. The channel's signature program is a 6:30 p.m. half-hour newscast, "Nonstop Nightly," anchored by NBC 5's Jane McGarry.

"NBC DFW is committed to producing even more local programming for our North Texas audiences.  DFW Nonstop is a first for the marketplace," said Tom Ehlmann, NBC DFW president and general manager.  "We're particularly excited to introduce the new half-hour newscast "Nonstop Nightly," increasing the amount of news coverage we can offer the local North Texas community."

DFW Nonstop is a new, first of its kind, digital channel with unique programming designed to be informative, timely, creative, fun and all about the DFW region.  Available 24-hours per day, seven days per week over-the-air on channel 5.2 and local cable systems, DFW Nonstop is about the people, places, ideas and events that reflect the local flavor of our area and will help locals live, work, play and thrive in North Texas.

In addition to airing over-the-air on Channel 5.2, DFW Nonstop is available on local cable systems including Charter (channel 105), Time Warner (ch. 365), Verizon FiOS (ch. 460), One Source (ch. 801), GEUS (ch. 126) and Grande Communications (ch. 280).

The signature program for DFW Nonstop is Nonstop Nightly, solo anchored by Jane McGarry, one of the most experienced, well-connected journalists in the Dallas-Fort Worth region.  McGarry will use her contacts and expertise to tackle the big issue of the day for the newscast airing 6:30-7 p.m., Monday-Friday.

As the only live local newscast in the time period, McGarry focuses on serving the North Texas audience with a completely different approach.  She talks to the newsmakers and experts while monitoring social media to get the pulse of the community.  

"Nonstop Nightly airing on an entirely new platform is an exciting opportunity for NBC 5 and me.  This is smart, innovative journalism at a time when the way in which viewers collect news and information is changing," McGarry states.  "NBC 5 and I have been talking about new ways to deliver news for some time now and I'm thrilled they have offered me this opportunity.  How often are you given the tools and people to help develop an entirely new half hour of television news?  I'll continue anchoring the 5:00 p.m. newscast on NBC 5, so it's the best of both worlds!"

Additional DFW Nonstop programming will include news shows produced by the NBC 5 staff specifically for the channel along with lifestyle programming featuring the local dining and entertainment scene.

"North Texas is full of important stories and colorful characters," says Susan Tully, vice president and news director of NBC DFW.  "DFW Nonstop is a great place to take a look into the issues and people who make this part of Texas unique."

Some of the local DFW Nonstop programming included at launch and a brief description follows:

DFW Today Nonstop takes the pulse of the morning offering news highlights from NBC 5 Today along with live weather and traffic updates.  Primary anchors include: Deborah Ferguson, Scott Friedman, Jennifer Lopez, Tammy Dombeck and Samantha Davies.  (M-F, 7-10 a.m.)  

The Rundown provides a non-traditional look at the news of the day.  The NBC 5 news team gives commentary with an engaging and creative edge.  The show is hosted by Deborah Ferguson and Scott Friedman, but features many other NBC 5 reporters.  (M-F, 1-1:30 p.m., repeat at 3-3:30 p.m.)

Foodies DFW is all about the heart and flavor of DFW.  From the quirky to the authentic, we visit terrific restaurants and venues for appetizers, entrees, desserts and more.  (Weekly, Monday, 7-7:30 p.m. and various repeats)

Scene DFW clues us into what's hot in DFW and the surrounding area. Scene DFW will keep viewers in the know from fashion trends to the best places to play -- this show covers it all. (Weekly, Monday, 7:30-8 p.m. and various repeats)

With the launch of DFW Nonstop and the April 4th premiere of NBC 5 First Weather at 4:30 a.m., Monday-Friday, the amount of NBC DFW locally produced news and informational programming now averages over forty hours each week.

www.NBCDFW.com

Facebook: facebook.com/NBCDFW

Twitter: @NBCDFW

SOURCE NBC 5 / KXAS-TV