CBS News is expanding its morning programming with the launch of “CBS Mornings Plus,” a live, third hour of “CBS Mornings” that will air from 9-10 a.m. ET/PT weekdays on CBS-owned stations in Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Detroit, and Miami, as well as CBS News 24/7, CBS News’ national, free streaming news network. Hosted by Tony Dokoupil and Adriana Diaz, “CBS Mornings Plus” aims to delve deeper into the day’s top headlines while incorporating segments on pop culture, entertainment, health, wellness, and financial news.

A Deeper Dive into News and Beyond

“CBS Mornings Plus” is positioned as a complementary offering to the existing two-hour block of “CBS Mornings,” providing a more extensive look at current events and offering a wider range of topics. This expanded format signifies a commitment from CBS News to deliver a comprehensive and engaging morning news experience across various platforms.

Beyond Traditional News

The new program is designed to resonate with viewers by offering a mix of hard news and lighthearted content, blurring the lines between traditional news broadcasts and lifestyle programming.

“We’re going to have some chat-able items, some news items, some things from our life — things that are driving our days,” Dokoupil stated, highlighting the program’s focus on relatable and conversational content.

Diaz added, “It’s almost like a variety show, a news show, a friend show – a show that you, I hope, will be watching and that I think I would want to watch if I were at home.”

Leveraging Strengths and Reaching New Audiences

“CBS Mornings Plus” reflects CBS News’ strategy to utilize its established brands to expand its reach and appeal to a wider audience. The program leverages the success of “CBS Mornings,” building upon its reputation for strong journalism and captivating storytelling.

Wendy McMahon, president and CEO of CBS News and Stations and CBS Media Ventures, emphasizes the importance of this expansion: “‘CBS Mornings Plus’ is a great example of how our broadcast and beyond strategy is leveraging the strengths of our most important brands to grow the audience and position CBS News and Stations for the future. At the same time, it highlights our commitment to delivering best-in-class journalism on every platform.”

Embracing Opportunity

The addition of the third hour allows the “CBS Mornings” team to experiment with different formats and content styles, providing a platform for creativity and innovation.

“This expansion of ‘CBS Mornings’ shows a commitment to the brand, and I’m excited to see what this team can do with another hour of real estate to experiment with,” said Shawna Thomas, executive producer of “CBS Mornings” and “CBS Mornings Plus.”

Thomas recognizes the growing demand for extended morning programming, stating, “People say all the time they wish we had another hour. Now it’s time for us to do something smart with the time that the audience will appreciate.”

A Modern Approach to Morning News

“CBS Mornings Plus” exemplifies the evolving nature of news consumption, acknowledging the desire for engaging content that goes beyond traditional hard news reporting. By incorporating diverse segments and a conversational tone, the program aims to attract a broader audience and cater to evolving viewing preferences.

The team behind “CBS Mornings” is well-equipped to deliver this expanded offering, drawing upon their expertise in producing award-winning news and compelling storytelling. “CBS Mornings” was recognized with the 2022 Outstanding Live News Program Emmy Award, showcasing the team’s commitment to delivering high-quality content.

Takeaways

• “CBS Mornings Plus” provides an expanded view of current events and explores a wider range of topics beyond traditional news.
• The program embraces a more conversational and accessible tone, resonating with viewers who seek engaging and relatable content.
• The expansion signifies CBS News’ commitment to delivering compelling journalism across diverse platforms, meeting the needs of a digitally connected audience.
• By utilizing its established brands and the expertise of its award-winning team, “CBS Mornings Plus” aims to attract a larger audience and reinforce CBS News’ position as a trusted source of information.