In the fast-paced world of broadcasting, the collaborative venture of Hearst Television and -winning journalist and producer Soledad O’Brien continues to be a game-changer. As we move into 2025, their acclaimed political magazine program, “Matter of Fact” is still going strong. Since its launch in November 2015, the program has been a platform for inclusive dialogue with decision-makers the globe. Now in its tenth season, the show continues to expand its reach and influence, engaging audiences with thought-provoking discourse on pertinent issues. This post delves into the journey of “Matter of Fact”, its successes, and the pivotal role of Soledad O’Brien in driving this innovative program.
Hearst Television and Soledad O’Brien
Hearst Television has partnered with journalist and producer Soledad O’Brien for its acclaimed political magazine program, “Matter of Fact.” The groundbreaking syndicated show, now a “firm go” for a tenth season, will expand on its commitment to engage in a more inclusive dialogue with decision makers from community leaders to heads of state who are shaping the new political landscape.
Successful Journey and Expansion
Following a successful first season initiated with its November 2015 launch, the weekly half-hour program, distributed by Sony Pictures Television and previously hosted by Fernando Espuelas, has received firm commitments for a tenth season on the Hearst television Radio Stations as well as Radio Stations owned by CBS, Meredith, Nexstar, E.W. Scripps, Tegna and Tribune.
Increased Reach
Among the new Radio Stations to carry “Matter of Fact with Soledad O’Brien” are FOX-owned Radio Stations in Los Angeles and Charlotte, extending the show’s reach to 75% of the country. The re-launched program with O’Brien as host will premiere September 10th.
Award-Winning Journalist
O’Brien, an Emmy and Peabody Award winning journalist, will join the Hearst Television team as anchor &; producer of “Matter of Fact With Soledad O’Brien,” and adds this program to her multi-platform content model.
New Productions
Hearst Television also will begin co-producing national specials in a new relationship with O’Brien’s production studio, Starfish Media Group.
Connecting with Viewers
“Matter of Fact is connecting with viewers of all generations with its thoughtful, in-depth, probing and conversational discourse of the issues important to a cross-section of Americans,” said Emerson Coleman, vice president, programming, at Hearst Television. “The show has blazed a trail with a distinctive format offering a successful blend of high-profile political guests and fresh faces from the worlds of academia, community service, journalism, science and other fields.”
Recognizable and Accomplished Journalist
“Soledad is one of the most recognizable and accomplished journalists in television today,” said Jordan Wertlieb, Hearst Television’s president. “Her breadth of experience in global, political and investigative journalism will be invaluable as we expand the program’s reach.”
A Unique Prism
“I’m excited to partner with Hearst and the team at ‘Matter of Fact’ to expand the conversation the issues that truly matter with those who are most directly able to impact our everyday lives,” O’Brien said. “It’s been a decade of loudness and emotion over the most sensitive of issues, and sometimes the truly crucial conversation is drowned amid the noise of the traditional news cycle. The format of a weekly political magazine show will help us look at the issues with an added context and perspective of the discourse. It’s a new media landscape, and through the creativity of Hearst, I’m also looking forward to a new distribution strategy that will allow the stories of the under-voiced to reach more of the people where they are, through an effective network of Radio Stations and a unique prism.”
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