ATLANTA (December 23, 2025) – MediaCo Holding Inc. (Nasdaq: MDIA), today announced the launch of HOT 97 News, a daily live national TV show created at the intersection of journalism, hip hop, conversation, and culture. HOT 97 is entering the news space for the first time with a bold new format in January 2026.
HOT 97, the legendary hip-hop brand born in New York City and synonymous with culture-shifting conversations, is expanding its voice beyond radio to redefine how news is delivered across America. The TV show will 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 wants context, conversation, and authenticity, not just headlines. Leading the new news format will be Lana Harris, Ronndell Smith, and Million Connally-Cooper, breaking down every topic, elevating community voices, and giving people the context they need to move smarter every day.
HOT 97 News will broadcast and stream nationally across all HOT 97 TV and digital streaming platforms beginning January 2026. In addition, HOT 97 TV is also expanding its local footprint with HOT 97 News – Atlanta, a daily one-hour live news show focused exclusively on the Atlanta metro area. The local edition will spotlight Atlanta-area news,music, entertainment, and community conversations, reflecting the pace, perspective, and voice of the city. HOT 97 News – Atlanta will air on WHOT-TV 66 in Atlanta and stream across major platforms, giving local audiences access both on television and digitally.
Meet the Voices of HOT 97 News and HOT 97 News – Atlanta!
Leading the conversation is Lana Harris, a metro Atlanta native with more than a decade of experience across broadcast, digital, and social media. A Lovejoy High School graduate and University of Georgia alum, Lana has worked as a reporter, correspondent, anchor, and digital creator at stations across the Southeast, including Atlanta News First, WCNC-TV in Charlotte, First Coast News in Jacksonville, and WLTX-TV in Columbia, SC. Most recently, she’s built a strong following through sharp news breakdowns, commentary, and lifestyle content across social media.Follow Lana on all platforms @lanajharris.
Joining Lana is Ronndell Smith, an Atlanta-based comedian, host, and creative entrepreneur whose voice is deeply rooted in the city’s culture. Raised on Atlanta’s Southside, Ronndell brings 15 years of stand-up experience, a background in television and film, and a unique perspective shaped by his work with popular social media news brand GAFollowers, and appearances on Chrisley Knows Best. His storytelling is real, unfiltered, and unmistakably Atlanta. Follow Ronndell on all platforms @ronndell_smith.
Million Connally-Cooper joins the team as the Producer, but this isn’t a typical behind-the-scenes role. He’s part of the conversation every day. An Atlanta-based media personality and interviewer on a lifelong mission to complete one million interviews, Million brings street-level dialogue, debate-driven segments, and cultural curiosity straight to your screen. His mantra says it all: “Keep it Amilli.” Follow Million on all platforms @mynamesmillion.
Visit HOT97Atlanta.com for the latests from Team ATL
Leave a Reply