Independent Network News (TV program)

History

The program debuted on June 9, 1980, under its original title Independent Network News. It was produced by Tribune Broadcasting's New York City station WPIX and distributed by Tribune's syndication division as one of the company's first syndicated programs. The on-air news staff of WPIX presided over the broadcast, with a three-anchor team of Pat Harper, Bill Jorgensen, and Steve Bosh. Jerry Girard reported on sports, and Roberto Tirado provided national weather forecasts; Tirado was later replaced by Bob Harris. WPIX's local reporting staff also contributed. Saturday and Sunday editions began in October 1980, initially anchored by Ted O'Brien. INN used reports from its member stations, the Associated Press, United Press International, Visnews, and later CNN. The live feed was transmitted via satellite, initially on Westar 3, at 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time each night. In New York, WPIX aired a replay of the national broadcast at 10 p.m., followed by its local newscast, the Action News Metropolitan Report, at 10:30. The newscast carried three minutes of national advertising and three minutes for local ads. Starting in September 1981, WPIX experimented with a half-hour midday newscast at 12:30 p.m., co-anchored by Marvin Scott and Claire Carter, following the national broadcast at noon. WPIX also offered The Wall Street Journal Report and the Sunday program From the Editor's Desk, hosted by Richard D. Heffner, to stations carrying INN.