WHYY to End ‘Delaware Tonight’ Broadcast

Stephanie Aldrich has anchored the "Delaware Tonight" broadcast since 2008.

After 46 years of weeknight news, WHYY is pulling the plug on its ‘Delaware Tonight’ newscast. The final broadcast will air July 17.

WHYY plans to replace the nightly newscast with an expanded web-based news service, combined with a new weekly public affairs television program focused on Delaware. They plan for the new service will begin in August.

“The media environment has changed dramatically in the last year, and viewers have much higher expectations for the quality and quantity of news available on the Web,” said WHYY President and CEO William J. Marrazzo.

“WHYY is committed to serving the needs of all the residents of Delaware, and will continue our role as the place to turn for intelligent discussions of issues in the state.”

Some, such as Gov. Jack Markell, aren’t completely convinced of that level of commitment.

“WHYY’s decision to leave the daily airwaves leaves a critical hole for viewers and raises significant questions about their commitment to Delaware, which is where their FCC license is granted,” Markell said.

According to the Delaware Business Ledger, the Philadelphia-based station was granted the Channel 12 frequency on the condition that it would serve the state. In addition, they claim their has been criticism that the station made little effort to secure funding for the newscast.

“I am disappointed in WHYY’s decision to essentially abandon Delaware,” said Sen. Ted Kaufman (D-DE). “Given the fact that they’re licensed in Wilmington, one would think they would do more to honor their obligation to serve the people of Wilmington. WHYY is a public broadcasting station, but it’s hard to find their commitment to the community in this action.”

In addition to pulling ‘Delaware Tonight’ from the air, WHYY also plans to move from its current facility at 625 Orange Street in Wilmington. The station is looking at other sites in Wilmington to house a Delaware news bureau. WHYY will also close its Dover bureau and move assets to other locations to support the new model for Delaware news.

According to WHYY, thirteen full-time and three part-time employees are involved in the production of ‘Delaware Tonight.’ They expect to transition a majority of staff to existing and new multi-media public affairs positions in the organization.

No word yet on whether the Joint Finance Committee will change the amount of money Delaware gives in support to WHYY. Reports have place the amount between $400,000 to $500,000 annually.

UPDATE: The Grant in Aid bill for the current budget year has Delaware giving $500,000 in support to WHYY. The Governor is reviewing WHYY’s decision, and has proposed an overall 15 percent cut to Grant in Aid funding.