KOAT 7 Will Launch New Weekday Newscast
The half-hour program will begin airing this September for viewers across New Mexico.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Television
KOAT 7 CBS New Mexico will debut a new weekday newscast on September 29, 2026. This half-hour program will provide local coverage to residents across the state.
Why it matters
The addition of this time slot expands the local news availability for viewers in New Mexico. It provides an extra window for residents to access updated reports during their daily routines.
The new program will run for a half-hour duration daily on weekdays. The broadcast is scheduled to air at 5:30 p.m. for the New Mexico viewing audience.
The players
KOAT 7 CBS New Mexico
This is a television station serving the New Mexico market with local news and programming.
Doug Fernandez
He is an anchor who will lead the newly established 5:30 p.m. broadcast.
Shelly Ribando
She is an anchor assigned to present the reporting on the new half-hour weekday program.
Byron Morton
He is an anchor who will provide reporting for the new station newscast.
The details
The program is designed to cover breaking news throughout the region alongside local statewide weather forecasts. Doug Fernandez, Shelly Ribando, and Byron Morton are set to serve as the program anchors.
Timeline
September 29, 2026: The debut date for the new KOAT Action 7 News at 5:30.
Industry Dynamics
This program expansion follows industry trends of local stations adding early evening newscasts to capture additional viewership in competitive markets. By increasing local content, the station seeks to leverage the Nielsen local television market ratings system to solidify its position among state viewers.
Viewers can tune in to the new half-hour broadcast starting at 5:30 p.m. on weekdays. The addition provides residents with a new source for local news and weather updates during the early evening hours.
The takeaway
Local news stations continue to adjust their afternoon schedules to accommodate changing viewer habits and information needs. Residents should check their local listings to ensure they have the updated channel information for the debut date.
What happens next
The program is scheduled to premiere across New Mexico on September 29, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest broadcast developments in Television.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KOAT 7.
