WFLA News Channel 8 is launching a new Spanish-language local newscast, focusing in the area’s Hispanic community.
Noticias Tampa Hoy kicks off today, April 5.
The newscast, which will air weeknights at 9 pm on WTTA Great38, taps already existing station journalists, as well as NEXSTAR correspondents for the new project.
Jennifer Peñate, currently co-anchor of WFLA’s 8 pm newscast, will be the solo anchor for Noticias Tampa Hoy.
WFLA News Channel 8 reporters Brianda Villegas and Marco Villareal will also file stories for the Spanish-language newscast.
Heather Melendez, initially hired to cover weather for digital platform tampahoy.com, launched in April 2020, will be the show’s weather anchor. Sadiel Castro, executive producer of tampahoy.com, will be an on-air contributor to Noticias Tampa Hoy.
The station hired MMJ Vladimir Kislinger to specifically work on the Spanish-language newscast.
NEXTAR Washington DC Bureau Correspondent Alexandra Limón and Puerto Rico Bureau Correspondent Lexamarie Matos will also contribute to the show.
Noticias Tampa Hoy will air right after News Channel 8. After the Spanish-language newscast block, the station’s lineup returns to English-language programming.