Spectrum News 1 has announced the launch of a new weekday news program, “The Rush Hour,” hosted by award-winning journalist Giselle Fernandez. Premiering on August 19, the three-hour show will air Monday through Friday from 4-7 p.m., delivering in-depth news coverage on the issues most relevant to Los Angeles residents. In addition to this new program, Kelvin Washington will now host “Your Morning on Spectrum News 1,” while anchor Amrit Singh will transition to “Your Afternoon on Spectrum News 1,” continuing his nightly role on “Inside the Issues.”
Cater Lee, Vice President of Original Programming and On-Air Talent Development, highlighted the significance of “The Rush Hour” as part of Spectrum News 1’s ongoing mission to reshape the LA news landscape. Lee emphasized the program’s focus on breaking news, weather, and community-based storytelling, all delivered by Fernandez, who will lead a team of journalists reporting from the field. “The Rush Hour” represents the next evolution in Spectrum News 1’s efforts to provide objective local news that directly impacts the daily lives of its viewers. The changes for Kelvin and Amrit are designed to bring their unique styles to different segments of the day’s programming.
Research by Spectrum News indicates a growing demand for news programming during the 4-7 p.m. slot, which they refer to as the “new primetime” for viewers. Spectrum News 1 already leads the market as the most-watched three-hour block of local news, and “The Rush Hour” aims to build on this success by offering comprehensive news coverage and in-depth interviews at the close of the workday.
Giselle Fernandez, a nine-time Emmy award-winning journalist, expressed her pride in the work accomplished at Spectrum News 1 over the past six years. Fernandez is known for her deep-dive interviews and reporting on “LA Stories,” where she connects with both local and global leaders. Among her notable interviews are conversations with California’s First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, civil rights activist Dolores Huerta, and actor LeVar Burton. In 2023, Fernandez was honored with the LA Press Club’s President’s Award for her impact in journalism.
Kelvin Washington, a Michigan native and Golden Mike award recipient, has been with Spectrum News 1 since its inception, covering critical issues affecting Southern Californians. He has hosted several documentaries and original programs, including “The Envelope: Emmy Roundtables” and the Emmy-nominated “50 Years of Hip Hop: From the Westside.” Washington is also a regular contributor to “LA Times Today” and co-hosts the Dodgers pre- and post-game shows on Sportsnet LA.
Amrit Singh, an experienced journalist and lawyer, has played a key role at Spectrum News 1 since its launch. As the host of the award-winning political program “Inside the Issues,” Singh offers viewers in-depth political analysis and interviews with influential figures such as U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, former California Governor Gray Davis, former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, and former LAPD Chief Michel Moore.
