Will Fox Channel 32 start early evening newscast?

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Rumors swirled Wednesday about a big new project in the works in the news department at Fox-owned WFLD-Channel 32. One possibile project that could finally be gaining some momentum is an early evening newscast that could compete with similar newscasts on every other major local TV news outlet.

WFLD has been focused for the past 18 months on trying to improve ratings for its flagship 9 p.m. newscast, which remains solidly in last place.

WFLD general manager Michael Renda said a year ago an early evening news product was a definite possiblity at the station, but at the time he said he was putting all his effort into rebuilding the 9 p.m. news hour. That rebuilding obviously is going to take a while longer, by all accounts.

A WFLD spokeswoman, however, said she knew of no early evening newscast in the offing at this time.