It’s official: “Chicago Today,” a new lifestyle and entertainment show, will premiere September 6 on NBC-owned WMAQ-Channel 5.
Initially it will air weekly at 11:30 a.m. Fridays, but eventually it will expand to Monday through Friday at that time. To accommodate the live half-hour show, NBC 5 will cut its current hourlong 11 a.m. weekday newscast in half.
Confirming a report here Thursday, “Chicago Today” will be co-hosted by Cortney Hall, who signed off this week after seven years as a morning news anchor at Tribune Media WGN-Channel 9 and CLTV. She’ll be joined by Matthew Rodrigues, a former host, producer, and travel and entertainment reporter for PopSugar, the lifestyle digital media publisher.
From NBC 5’s NBC Tower studios, Hall and Rodrigues will highlight “new places to see and be seen, [report] the latest entertainment news, offer parenting tips and reveal new technologies and tools that can make everyday lives easier,” according to the station. The show also will feature "newsmakers, personalities and people that are making a difference in local communities.”
David Doebler, president and general manager of NBC 5, said in a statement: “Chicago is synonymous with amazing attractions like our beautiful parks and skyline, world-class museums, great sports teams, and an incredible gastronomic culture. ‘Chicago Today’ will dive deeper into all of this and what makes Chicago and its suburbs a world-wide destination for many around the world.
“If you’re looking to be entertained, find out what the best and latest trends are, and learn about inspiring stories of everyday people doing extraordinary things, I invite you to check out ‘Chicago Today.’”
The program joins an array of locally-produced lifestyle shows that generate revenue through sponsorships and product placements. Others include "Windy City Live" on ABC-owned WLS-Channel 7, "The Jam" on Weigel Broadcasting WCIU-Channel 26, and "Chicago's Best" and "S.E.E. Chicago" on WGN.