MediaCo is building on its expansion into video with its January 2026 launch of “Hot 97 News,” which will be available as a one-hour daily live show broadcasting and streaming nationally across all “Hot 97” TV and digital streaming platforms, and in a version focused exclusively on the Atlanta metro area.

“Hot 97” WQHT, MediaCo’s legendary hip-hop station in New York, made its first move into television in May by adding “Hot 97 TV,” a 24-hour network serving as a non-stop source for hip-hop and Afro culture, to MediaCo’s lineup of FAST, or Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV, channels. More recently, “Hot 97” debuted its WHOT-TV 66 channel in Atlanta.

According to MediaCo’s news release, the entry into the news space by “Hot 97” aims to bring “a raw, unedited blend of breaking hip-hop and music news, entertainment, and unfiltered discussion, engaging the audience with stories through the cultural lens that has defined the ‘Hot 97’ brand for decades. ‘Hot 97 News’ is created for a modern audience who want context, conversation, and authenticity, not just headlines.”

“Hot 97 News – Atlanta,” which will spotlight local news, music, entertainment and community conversations, will air on WHOT-TV 66 and stream across major platforms. Both programs will feature hosts Lana Harris and Ronndell Smith, and producer Million Connally-Cooper.