Gators Breakdown podcast reaches 1 million listens

When Dave Waters first began recording a University of Florida Gators-themed podcast in 2016, it was just a hobby. He never expected it to explode in popularity -- skyrocketing from 100 listens an episode to 6,000.

Now, nearly three years later, Gators Breakdown has become a top sports podcast on iTunes. This week, Waters reached yet another milestone on his journey by cracking the one-million listens mark.

“It’s still hard to believe that former players I grew up watching, ESPN and SEC Network personalities, reporters … trust what Gators Breakdown is doing and hop on to talk Gators football with me,” Waters said.

Waters, 35, got his start at WJXT in news production in 2006. Soon, he began volunteering to shoot football games. Still, it wasn’t until 10 years later that he parlayed his love of the Gators into a podcast. These days, he's a commercial production manager for WJXT.

Bob Ellis, vice president and general manager of WJXT/WCWJ, said he encourages all employees to pursue their passion, and in Waters' case, that's tracking the latest developments in Gators football.

"There's no substitute for someone who cares about the subject they're covering," Ellis said. "That's been one of the secret ingredients in our station's success over the years. Our team really cares."

As Ellis points out, podcasts like Gators Breakdown are just another way for the station to connect with its community ‑ and a reflection of viewers' and readers' appetite for high-quality sports content.

"Our commitment to local sports content -- high school and college sports especially -- on all of our content platforms is the best it's been in years," Ellis said. "Dave's been a big part of that."

Follow @GatorDave_SEC to stay plugged in, or click one of the following to tune in: Megaphone | iTunes | YouTube | Google Play

Graham Media Group’s podcast division partners with our broadcast television stations to create compelling, original audio content, bringing captivating stories to new audiences and giving listeners more stories to love. Headed by Zak Rosen, our podcasts have gained national attention with the popularity of the true-crime series Shattered, and the series Mismatch, featuring interesting stories about the incompatible, unsuitable and out of step. Learn more at grahammedia.com/podcasts.

WJXT-TV4 wins big in morning, early and late news areas in March

THE Local Station is again Jacksonville’s No. 1 source for local news -- and swept all morning and late news areas with the Jacksonville viewers for the month of March.

Morning News leads the way with News4JAX at 4:30 a.m., more than doubling the nearest competitor’s HH ratings. News4JAX at 5 a.m. is No. 1 in the time period with a 4.4 HH rating, beating the competition combined.

At 5:30 a.m., News4JAX won with a 5.2. News4JAX at 6 a.m. is No. 1 with households in the 6 to 7 a.m. time period, garnering a 6.3 and an impressive 21 share. The Morning Show (7 to 9 a.m.), anchored by Jennifer Waugh, Bruce Hamilton and Richard Nunn, is No. 1 in the time period with a 6.4 HH rating and an 19 share, beating out all other newscasts, including the national broadcasts of NBC’s "Today Show" on WTLV, CBS "This Morning" on WJAX and ABC’s "Good Morning America" on WJXX. At 9 a.m., The Morning Show 2 beats "Today's" third hour with a 4.9 HH rating.

In Evening News, News4JAX at 5 p.m. is most-watched in the time period, with a 5.4 HH rating. News4JAX increases that to a 5.8 HH rating and, again, wins the time period. News4JAX at 6 p.m., anchored by Tom Wills, Mary Baer and John Gaughan, is No. 1 with a 7.2 HH rating and a 14 share.

The story continues in Late News, with wins in The Ten O’Clock News at 10 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. WJXT is No. 1 at 10 p.m. with a 5.6 HH rating and again at 10:30 with a 4.4 HH rating. News4JAX was No. 1 at 11 p.m. with a 4.2 HH rating.

WCWJ continues to see great growth in "Access with Mom" and "Blackish," increasing HH ratings year over year as well as month over month. "Dateline" at 10 p.m. has doubled the rating in the time period from March 2018, and increased its HH rating from the month prior.

“March was another terrific month with local events on our station that demonstrated our commitment to Jacksonville as the only true local TV station. In addition to our local news, our coverage of the only debate with all qualified mayoral candidates, election night itself, and our exclusive coverage of the Gate River Run were again indicators there’s no other station like Channel 4 in town,” said Bob Ellis, vice president and general manager of WJXT and CW17.

News4Jax team joins executive producer's fight, works to raise money for ALS cure

You never know when life is going to throw you a curve ball.

For Sharon Siegel-Cohen, one of the executive producers on The Morning Show at Channel 4, it started as something quite innocuous.

“I tripped when we were on a family vacation and had trouble with my ankle,” Siegel-Cohen said. "The problem persisted for months and neither I, nor my doctors, could figure out what was wrong."

It took doctors some time, but they eventually figured out what was going on. Siegel-Cohen has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS -- sometimes known as Lou Gehrig's disease, a disorder that affects the function of nerves and muscles that tends to strike people between the ages of 40 and 70.

About 5,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with ALS each year -- that's more than 13 new cases a day. It's estimated there are more than 20,000 Americans living with it at any given time.

"I was in denial at first," Siegel-Cohen said. “But then I decided to use my voice and fight this disease and do what I can to help find a cure.”

Since her diagnosis, raising awareness about ALS has become Siegel-Cohen's mission, and her family on The Morning Show is dedicated to helping her. Now, WJXT-TV would like you to join in on that mission.

On Tuesday night, Bruce, Melanie, Crystal, Richard, Vic and Elizabeth from Channel 4 will be working as celebrity servers at Brucci's Pizza near Beach Boulevard and Hodges, and Siegel-Cohen will be there, too.

All the money the Channel 4 team raises through tips between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. will be donated to the local ALS Society.

The Florida Times-Union, also known as jacksonville.com, also recently featured Siegel-Cohen in a column by Mike Clark.

Clark described how he got to know Siegel-Cohen in 1980, as he reviewed movies for Channel 4.

"Sharon was my producer and helped me adjust to the demands of reading a teleprompter," Clark said. "Saying something meaningful in 90 seconds was a good writing lesson. Trying to appear both authoritative and relaxed was quite a challenge. Sharon, a first-rate talent, took good care. We even did a few standups outside the studio."

Clark also drew attention to Jacksonville’s Walk for A Cure, which will take place Saturday, March 30, at Tinseltown. You can sign up and contribute here.

"Sharon’s Songbirds" is the name of her group. Siegel-Cohen also will be honored May 4, as she's set to receive a Courage Award at a gala to benefit Augie’s Quest, a reference to Augie Nieto, co-founder and CEO of Life Fitness. Augie’s Quest is a nonprofit dedicated to helping find a treatment and cure for ALS.

WJXT-TV4 wins big in morning, early and late news areas in February

THE Local Station is again Jacksonville’s No. 1 source for local news, and swept all morning and late news areas with the Jacksonville viewers for the month of February.

Morning News leads the way with News4JAX at 4:30 a.m. No. 1 nearly tripling the nearest competitor’s HH ratings. News4JAX at 5 a.m. is No. 1 in the time period with a 4.1 HH rating, more than doubling the nearest competitor. At 5:30 a.m., News4JAX won with a 4.9.

News4JAX at 6 a.m. is No. 1 with households in the 6 to 7 a.m. time period garnering a 6.1 and an impressive 21 share. The Morning Show (7-9 a.m.), anchored by Jennifer Waugh, Bruce Hamilton and Richard Nunn, is No. 1 in the time period with a 5.9 HH rating and an 18 share, beating out all other newscasts including the national broadcasts of NBC’s "Today Show" on WTLV, CBS "This Morning" on WJAX and ABC’s "Good Morning America" on WJXX. At 9 a.m., "The Morning Show 2" beats "Today Show" third hour with a 4.1 HH rating.

In Evening News, News4JAX at 5 p.m. is the most watched in the time period with a 5.2 HH rating. News4JAX at 6 p.m., anchored by Mary Baer, Tom Wills and John Gaughan, is No. 1, with a 7.1 HH rating and a 13 share.

The story continues in Late News, with wins in The Ten O’Clock News at 10 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. WJXT is No. 1 at 10 p.m. with a 5.0 HH rating and again at 10:30 p.m. with a 3.6 HH rating. News4JAX was No. 1 at 11 pm with a 3.7 HH rating.

“It is extremely gratifying to see how the people of Jacksonville trust News4JAX above all others for their local news,” said Bob Ellis, vice president and general manager of WJXT and CW17. “The commitment of our staff to tell important stories from all areas of town and make Jacksonville a better place is real. To know month after month viewers count on us as their primary source of news makes us fiercely proud and reinforces our commitment as this city’s only true local television station.”

First Coast Spelling Bee to crown regional champion

WJXT will host the 75th annual First Coast Spelling Bee driven by Jenkins Hyundai of Jacksonville on Tuesday, Feb. 19.

Spellers representing 14 area counties will take the stage at Jacksonville University’s Swisher Theatre to compete for the opportunity to represent the First Coast at the Scripps National Spelling Bee near Washington, DC.

News4JAX Anchor Melanie Lawson again will serve as pronouncer while News4JAX Anchor Bruce Hamilton hosts the broadcast with analysis provided by Jeff Hess, FSCJ Dean of Communication. The First Coast Spelling Bee is free and open to the public. Doors open at 6:45 p.m.

WHAT: First Coast Spelling Bee driven by Jenkins Hyundai of Jacksonville

WHEN: 8 p.m., Tuesday, February 19

WHERE: Jacksonville University’s Swisher Theatre 2800 University Blvd. North Jacksonville

The First Coast Spelling Bee will be broadcast live on WJXT Channel 4 and streamed on News4JAX.com from 8 to 10 p.m.

Participating Spellers in Spelling Order:

1. Ansley Cutshaw of Nassau County
2. Cassie Clay of Suwannee County
3. Jenna Hinson of Madison County
4. Cyanne Carey of Baker County
5. Sarah Welch of Hamilton County
6. Graham Glasheen of Duval County
7. Patrick Narcowich of Union County
8. Armand KÜykendall of Putnam County
9. Brandon Plum of Bradford County
10. Erik Williams of Clay County
11. Addison Davis of Flagler County
12. Nicholas Chowdhury of Columbia County
13. Francheska Melendez of Alachua County
14. Manischa Wijayawardhana of St. Johns County

WJXT announces 'HaLeigh Cummings: Into Thin Air' podcast and News4Jax I-Team special reports

WJXT has announced a new four-episode podcast "HaLeigh Cummings: Into Thin Air," an original true-crime podcast.

Jennifer Waugh sets the scene of a little girl from Putnam County who vanished from bed. She was sleeping right next to her little brother. Hundreds of people searched for her, but she was never found.

“Ten years ago, this story captivated North Florida as details emerged after HaLeigh’s disappearance," WJXT VP and General Manager Bob Ellis said. "A decade later, there’s still more to learn about what happened. Jennifer Waugh was a major part of the coverage for the entire city when this happened ten years ago, and she’s spent the past several months investigating to provide fresh perspective with news stories for all platforms of News4Jax, including a riveting podcast.”

In addition, in the week leading up to the 10th year of HaLeigh’s disappearance, lead investigators broke their silence during a series of special reports. For the first time ever, they reveal their theories about who they believe is responsible for HaLeigh’s disappearance and where they think she is now.

WJXT hopes the "HaLeigh Cummings: Into Thin Air" stories and podcast series will generate new leads. Viewers and podcast listeners can call 888-277-TIPS and could be eligible for a $15,000 reward.

The "HaLeigh Cummings: Into Thin Air" podcast premieres Feb. 11. The entire series will be available for free on preferred podcast listening platforms. The series of special reports airs Feb. 4-8 on WJXT’s The Morning Show, Feb. 7 on News4JAX at 5 p.m., and Feb. 10 on The 10 O’Clock News.

WJXT-TV4 wins every major local news area in November

Once again, THE Local Station is Jacksonville’s No. 1 source for local news, and WJXT has swept all major news areas with the adult 25-54 viewers -- the most coveted demographic for television advertisers.

Morning news leads the way with News4JAX at 4:30 a.m., beating the combined competition’s A25-54 ratings. News4JAX at 5 a.m. is No. 1 in the time period with a 2.5 A25-54 rating, again beating the combined competition of WTLV, WJXX, WJAX and WFOX.

At 5:30 a.m., News4JAX won with a 3.1, more than doubling the nearest competitors' A25-54 rating. News4JAX at 6 a.m. is No. 1 with adults in the 6-7 a.m. time period, garnering a 3.1 A25-54 rating and an impressive 19 share. The Morning Show (7-9 a.m.), anchored by Jennifer Waugh, Bruce Hamilton and Richard Nunn, is No. 1 in the time period with a 2.6 A25-54 rating and a 16 share, beating out all other newscasts, including the national broadcasts of NBC’s "Today" on WTLV, CBS "This Morning" on WJAX and ABC’s "Good Morning America" on WJXX. At 9 a.m., "The Morning Show" beats "Today" with and without Megyn Kelly, with a 1.4 A25-54.

News4JAX at 4 p.m. and "Inside Edition" take the time period with a 1.4 A25-54, beating "Dr. Phil," "Judge Judy" and "Ellen."

In evening news, News4JAX at 5 p.m. is most watched in the time period, with a 2.1 A25-54 rating. News4JAX at 5:30 p.m. is No. 1 in the time period with a 2.1 A25-54 rating. News4JAX at 6 p.m., anchored by Mary Baer, Tom Wills and John Gaughan, is No. 1 with a 2.1 A25-54 rating and an 8 share.

The story continues in late news, with wins in The Ten O’Clock News at 10 and 10:30. WJXT is No. 1 at 10 p.m. with a 2.4 A25-54 rating and again at 10:30 p.m. with a 2.1 rating. News4JAX was No. 1 at 11 p.m. with a 1.8 A25-54, beating both the WJAX and WFOX Action News newscasts, even when added together.

“It is incredibly gratifying to our entire staff to see month after month, year after year, the viewers of Jacksonville choose News4JAX as their number one choice for local news,” Vice President and General Manager Bob Ellis said. “We are so proud to be Jacksonville’s only truly local television station, serving this community and seeing how they respond to our commitment makes us work even harder to make Jacksonville a better place to live.”

WJXT-TV4 wins every major news area in October

Jacksonville, FL -- THE Local Station is again Jacksonville’s No. 1 source for local news and swept all major news areas with viewers between the ages of 25-54.

Morning News leads the way. News4JAX at 4:30 a.m. is No. 1, beating the combined competition’s A25-54 ratings. News4JAX at 5 a.m. is No. 1 in the time period with a 2.6 A25-54 rating, again beating the combined competition of WTLV, WJXX, WJAX and WFOX. At 5:30 a.m., News4JAX won with a 3.0, doubling the nearest competitors' A25‑54 rating. News4JAX at 6 a.m. is No. 1 with adults in the 6-7 a.m. time period, garnering a 3.2 A25-54 rating and a 19 share.

The Morning Show (7-9 a.m.), anchored by Jennifer Waugh, Bruce Hamilton and Richard Nunn, is No. 1 in the time period with a 2.9 A25-54 rating and a 17 share, beating out all other newscasts, including the national broadcasts of NBC’s "Today" on WTLV, CBS "This Morning" on WJAX and ABC’s "Good Morning America" on WJXX. At 9 a.m., The Morning Show 2 beats "Today" with a 1.8 A25-54.

News4JAX at 4 p.m. and "Inside Edition" take the time period with a 1.5 A25-54, topping Dr. Phil, Wendy Williams, Judge Judy and Ellen.

In Evening News, News4JAX at 5 p.m. is most watched in the time period with a 2.3 A25‑54 rating. News4JAX at 5:30 p.m. is No. 1 in the time period with a 2.7 A25-54 rating. News4JAX at 6 p.m. anchored by Mary Baer, Tom Wills and John Gaughan is No. 1 with a 3.0 A25-54 rating and an 11 share. At 6:30 p.m., News4JAX beat out all network news with a 2.6 A25-54.

The story continues in late news, with wins in The Ten O’Clock News at 10 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. WJXT is No. 1 at 10 p.m. with a 3.0 A25-54 rating and again at 10:30 p.m. with a 2.4 rating. News4JAX was No. 1 at 11 p.m. with a 2.0 A25-54, nearly beating both the WJAX and WFOX Action Newscasts added together.

'High Rise – The Flood and Fury of Hurricane Irma' presented by GMG's WJXT Films

We're proud to announce that High Rise – The Flood and Fury of Hurricane Irma premieres at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 29 on WJXT. The First Coast is no stranger to hurricanes, however, during Hurricane Irma, Jacksonville experienced record-shattering inland flooding.

Narrated by News4JAX anchor Mary Baer, the hour-long documentary artfully weaves together stories from those who withstood Irma’s devastating effects. The compelling and raw recounting of events features never-before-seen footage, including the heartstopping moments as people react to the sheer magnitude of Irma’s force.

With $50 billion in damage, Irma was coined one of the costliest and most damaging storms. It made landfall seven times, four of which were as a Category 5 hurricane. Despite such staggering numbers, almost everyone survived.

“The storm surge was nothing like we’d seen before. We watched as water surrounded the station, knowing our reporters and photographers were out there relentlessly covering viewers’ resiliency,” WJXT Vice President and General Manager Bob Ellis said. “Our coverage and even life-saving actions were a true testament to the amount of pride we take in being The Local Station.”

In combination with The Weather Authority’s Chief Meteorologist John Gaughan and Richard Nunn, as well as News4JAX anchors, reporters and photographers, the gripping documentary reveals the jaw-dropping moments that changed the community.

High Rise explores the cost of economic progression in a city prone to rising waters. As the natural disaster unfolds before viewers’ eyes, they are left with a powerful call-to-action about the necessity of preparedness.

Equally riveting as it is emotional, High Rise – The Flood and Fury of Hurricane Irma, is not to be missed.

WJXT Team Takes Part In Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

The morning on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the sound of power tools filled the air at Jacksonville's Lake Forest Elementary as volunteers teamed up to build a new playground for the students.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary, the civil rights pioneer's namesake, also received a facelift. That included a fresh coat of paint in the cafeteria, in addition to some new landscaping out front.

The efforts were part of the 2018 Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, an annual event that brings together hundreds of people from across the city to spruce up schools and neighborhoods.

Members of the WJXT's News4Jax team got in on the action, too. The Morning Show crew grabbed some brushes and buckets to help paint a mural downtown.

Not to be outdone, the night shift crew helped stuff backpacks with books and school supplies, then gave them away to children in need in Northwest Jacksonville.

"It makes me feel proud," said Walter Williams, who pitched in at Lake Forest. "Not only seeing the playground come to life, but seeing the community come out and everybody putting their helping hand in together."

Williams wasn't alone. He had help from people of all ages, and from all walks of life, who turned out to lend their help with a variety of community projects.

"When they come to school and see this new playground we built, they're going to be really surprised," said Isaac Fagundes, a 12-year-old who pitched in at Lake Forest.

'Kicks for the Kids' shoe giveaway helps families put best foot forward

Hundreds of kids now get the chance to take a step in the right direction heading into the new school year thanks to Sunday’s “Kicks for Kids” event.  The charitable event held at the Regency Square Mall was a success thanks to the folks who donated more the 1,500 pairs of shoes.

A grandmother of seven, Loretta Grant was first in line. Her family needed help now, more than ever. The father of her grandchildren suddenly passed away in his sleep.

“He died on Christmas night,” Grant said. “He went to sleep on Christmas night and we woke up the next morning and he was dead. He died in his sleep, 34 years old, and he left behind seven kids.”

Jayden Stratton was also in line with his family. Jayden’s going into the fifth grad and was really hoping for “Jordan's, or Nikes.”  Jayden said he was just excited to get out here and meet new friends. He said he can’t wait to go back to school because he has goals to accomplish.  “Good grades mostly,” Jayden said. “Good attendance and trying to be the best I can be.”

Kara Strayer said she’s grateful her son, who’s going into the third grade, was able to get a pair of shoes for the new year.  “He's an awesome, outgoing kid and he loves to play and ride his bike outside, so he definitely goes through his fair pair of shoes,” Strayer said.

WJXT Event Helps Provide Thousands With Free Dental Care

WJXT's Positively Jax partnership with the Florida Dental Association Foundation helped provide nearly 3,000 people with urgently needed dental care at no cost to the patients.  The Florida Mission of Mercy, a two day free dental clinic, offered free dental examinations, fillings, tooth extractions, root canal treatment, children's dentistry, temporary partial dentures and dental cleanings.  The dental care donated is valued at over $2.7 million.

People in need of dental work began lining up Thursday morning for the April 22-23 event, which brought together hundreds of dental and non-dental professionals to fix the smiles of Jacksonville-area residents who could not otherwise afford it.

"The genuine appreciation of the people who took advantage of this event was overwhelming," said WJXT Vice President and General Manager Bob Ellis.  "The smiles said it all.  We are so proud to serve our community and will look for more opportunities to use our voice as Jacksonville's true local TV station to make our community a better place to live," he continued.

"I've waited for this all my life.  Oh my God, I can't believe it," said Wanda George after getting out of Dr. Richard Caven's dental chair.  When first evaluated, the mother of four who had not seen a dentist in years, was told her teeth were probably too far gone to save.  But Craven said that hearing Wanda George was about to get married in three months, worked to save her teeth.  "That definitely makes me say, 'Yeah, we've got to get this one right,'" Craven said.  "That's when we know we have success...when the patient is happy with the way it looks."  News4JAX plans to follow up on Ms. George's story during her wedding in July.

Said Dr. Zack Kalarickal, DDS, "It was wonderful to partner with WJXT Channel 4 for the 2016 Florida Mission of Mercy.  Having WJXT on our team helped us truly help Jacksonville!"

Dr. Roger Robinson, DMD, one of the event's organizers, said "The ability of WJXT to get the word out and reach the dentally underserved was absolutely astonishing as witnessed by the tremendous turnout of dental patients on both days."

To make sure as many people were treated as possible, more than 2,400 volunteers were at the Prime Osborn Convention Center.  Robinson said there was no shortage of volunteers and many of them came from all over the state and even paid for their own travel and accommodations because this is something they truly believe in.

Every person News4JAX spoke with had a compelling story or need—and gratitude.  "I totally appreciate the opportunity," said Saprina Cooks.  "I'm totally grateful."

Positively Jax is an annual campaign dedicated to celebrating what's uniquely wonderful about Jacksonville by highlighting the people and things that make living here special.  Each month WJXT Channel 4 and our partner, Memorial Hospital, sponsors a Community Outreach Event and presents a Positively Jax award recognizing people or organizations making a difference in the community.

WJXT Presents: "Challenger: A Rush to Launch"

The one hour WJXT documentary marks the 30th anniversary of the historical shuttle disaster.

January 28, 1986, was a day that shook America to its core.  WJXT marks the 30th anniversary of the disaster with Challenger: A Rush to Launch.  The hour long documentary takes an investigative look into what brought the shuttle down through the voices of those directly affected by the tragedy then and now.  This documentary produced by WJXT Films crew, aims to answer questions form 30 years ago that still remain on everyone’s mind.

WJXT wins big at Suncoast Emmy Awards

WJXT took home several awards at the Suncoast Chapter of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences annual Emmy Awards Ceremony in December of 2016.  Including wins in the spot news category In the Spot News Category, executive producers Josh Beauchamp and Stacey Readout, producers Robert Brown and Tiffany Anthony along with anchor of The Morning Show, Bruce Hamilton, won for our coverage of the FSU shooting.

Reporters Vic Micolucci and Heather Leigh, Managing Editor of Special Projects Jodi Mohrmann and News4Jax crime & safety analyst Gil Smith were awarded an Emmy for a special series of reports titled Shoot, Don't Shoot.

Jacksonville Viewers make News4JAX dominant #1 again in all News Areas

The Local Station is again the most watched news in Jacksonville for the November 2015 Nielsen ratings period in the Jacksonville television market, winning in local and national news time periods for the month in key demographics.  Outside of news, WJXT was #1 in key demos in the 10am-11am time period with Dr. Oz.  At 930pm, WJXT also beat out the NBC, ABC and FOX M-F Primetime averages with Big Bang Theory for key 25-54 demos and People 18-49.

River City Live Launches on WJXT Channel 4

WJXT Channel 4 premieres a new daytime lifestyle and entertainment show called River City Live.  River City Live will showcase the energetic lifestyle of Jacksonville and surrounding areas. From 11am – 12pm weekdays, River City Live will highlight everything from live music, unique LOCAL stories, amazing restaurants & recipes, to steals and deals, fashion, fun contests, and anything in between.

River City Live will be driven daily by hosts Eden Kendall and Mark Payton. Viewers will recognize Eden as the long-time host of the morning show on 99.9 Gator Country. Mark is new to Jacksonville, but not new to television. He has held positions in local news, entertainment shows, and recently co-hosted the national morning show The Daily Buzz. “There are so many inimitable and wonderful things happening in the Jacksonville area,” said Vice President and General Manager Bob Ellis. “The First Coast is re-defining itself and who better than The Local Station to connect viewers to this great vibe and incredible local stories in a fun and entertaining way,” he continued.

River City Live will not be your typical studio broadcast. The show is live on location every day at its new home inside Unity Plaza.  This area, in the heart of Jacksonville’s Brooklyn neighborhood, is quickly becoming the epicenter of all things new & exciting in our city. “Unity Plaza was designed to encourage the celebration of the people and causes that make our city great,” said Unity Plaza Executive Director, Jennifer Jones.  

In addition to co-hosts Mark and Eden, reporters Elizabeth Campbell and Rance Adams will be helping to tell great stories from our area. Elizabeth started her career at The Local Station and was most recently a reporter for The Morning Show on Channel 4. Rance Adams comes to Jacksonville from Charlotte, North Carolina where he most recently hosted the primetime talk show “The Edge”.

“River City Live is up for anything and we hope you join us for what’s sure to be an exciting ride” said River City Live Executive Producer Stuart Boslow. “From life hacks, to ‘It’s Made Here’ this show will be truly local.”  

WJXT-TV HONORED WITH NATIONAL EDWARD R. MURROW AWARD FOR BEST NEWS WEBSITE

WJXT Channel 4 has been honored with a national and regional Edward R. Murrow Award for best news-affiliated website.  The award recognizes News4JAX.com as best overall website  providing timely news and information to its core audience. News4JAX.com is the online companion to WJXT, reaching users when they're away from television, and providing additional resources while watching newscasts.

 "News4JAX has done an incredible job of serving the Jacksonville market through its on-line and mobile sites as well as it's many apps created specifically for this vibrant, growing community," said Emily Barr, President & CEO of Graham Media Group.  "I am enormously proud of the efforts of everyone at WJXT who have put countless hours into the on-air and on-line delivery of news, weather and information designed to keep people safe, aware and informed whether they watch television or access our sites and apps on the go."

News4JAX.com is the most visited website in the Jacksonville market, drawing more local users and page views than the local daily newspaper or any other local broadcaster. 

"Our news department has worked extremely hard to extend our news4JAX brand to all our platforms -- TV, online and mobile," said Bob Ellis Vice President & General Manager of WJXT. "We care about our viewers. So our team has worked relentlessly to serve our community 24/7.  To be recognized nationally for this is extremely gratifying."

WJXT wins web audience with breaking news coverage, enterprise stories, weather, sports, community events, consumer news, politics and online-only database content for the web, smartphones and tablets such as Restaurant Report Card, Sexual Offenders and Adopt-A-Pet.

The Radio Television Digital News Association has been honoring outstanding achievements in electronic journalism with the Edward R. Murrow Awards since 1971. Award recipients demonstrate the spirit of excellence that Murrow set as a standard for the profession of electronic journalism.