MediaCo is expanding its iconic audio brand into television with the launch of HOT 97 News. A daily live national TV program set to debut in January 2026. The show aims to blend journalism, hip-hop, culture, and conversation in a format that mirrors trends in both radio and television content delivery.
According to MediaCo, the program will offer audiences “a raw, unedited blend of breaking hip-hop and music news, entertainment, and unfiltered discussion.” It will highlight stories through the cultural lens that has defined the HOT 97 brand for decades.
The program will be hosted by Lana Harris and Ronndell Smith, with Million Connally-Cooper serving as producer. HOT 97 News will be broadcast and streamed nationally across all HOT 97 TV and digital platforms. This allows fans access to the show on multiple devices.
The launch coincides with MediaCo’s broader rollout of HOT 97 TV programming on WHOT-66 in Atlanta. This will include a localized version, HOT 97 News — Atlanta, a one-hour daily live show focused on area entertainment and community headlines.
Harris, a metro Atlanta native, brings extensive on-air experience to the program. She has worked as a reporter, correspondent, anchor, and digital content creator. Her experience includes stations such as WANF-TV in Atlanta, WCNC-TV in Charlotte, WTLV-TV in Jacksonville, and WLTX-TV in Columbia, South Carolina. Most recently, Harris has focused on social media content delivery, blending traditional reporting skills with digital engagement strategies.
Smith, also based in Atlanta, is a comedian, host, and creative entrepreneur. He has collaborated with the social media news brand GAFollowers and appeared on the reality series “Chrisley Knows Best.” His presence on the program reflects MediaCo’s aim to merge entertainment with news coverage in a conversational, culturally attuned format.
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