MGM TV’s ‘RightThisMinute’ Expands to 182 Stations, Casts New Co-Host

HLN chooses not to renew viral video show’s contract

Oli Pettigrew

MGM Television’s “RightThisMinute” no longer will air on HLN, but it is expanding to 182 stations nationwide — clearing 91 percent of the country. The new major markets include New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, among others.

The syndicated viral video show will roll out across Fox networks on Sept. 8, airing late mornings and afternoons Monday through Friday. It also will feature a weekend version.

HLN chose not to renew the contract, a spokesperson from the cable news channel told TheWrap.

See video: ‘RightThisMinute’ Host: How Viral Video Show Became a Huge Hit

“We rolled out ‘RightThisMinute’ with our partners in a way that hasn’t been done before,” Phil Alvidrez, executive in charge of production, “RightThisMinute,” told TheWrap. “This season takes our clearance above 90 percent, and we’re really looking forward to getting in front of a newer and bigger audience.”

In addition to new markets, “RightThisMinute” also has a new co-host: Oli Pettigrew, who is best known for hosting “Cash Cab Asia.” Pettigrew (pictured above) joins current hosts Beth Troutman, Christian Vera, Nick Calderone and Gayle Bass.

Also read: ‘RightThisMinute’ Picked Up by 10 Fox TV Stations

Last September, Season 3 of “RightThisMinute” rolled out nationally, becoming the highest-rated new syndicated show of 2013-’14.

“RTM” is even up for a Streamy Award in the TV category. But it will have an uphill battle to win, as the other nominees are “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” “Conan” and “@midnight.”

Also read: Craig Ferguson Closing in on Syndicated Talk Show for Tribune Media

“RightThisMinute” is syndicated by MGM Television and produced by MagicDust Television, in partnership with Cox Media Group, Raycom Media and E.W. Scripps.

The program produces two original half-hour episodes every weekday with no repeats and no hiatus, as well as a “best of” weekend show. Former TMZ executive producer Lisa Hudson and journalist Dennis O’Neill executive produce the show.

Here are some of the new stations and markets that will get “RTM” starting next month:

WNYW in New York
KTTV in Los Angeles
KCOP in Los Angeles
WFLD in Chicago
WPWR in Chicago
KDFI in Dallas-Ft. Worth
WFXT in Boston
WTTG in Washington, D.C.
WDCA in Washington, D.C.
KRIV in Houston
KSAZ in Phoenix
KMSP in Minneapolis
WFTC in Minneapolis
WJZY in Charlotte
WMYT in Charlotte

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