helen frierson

I am a staunch, long time admirer and watcher of The Newshour. However, I was jolted yesterday by the introduction of a new segment, "Newshour West," after the Headlines at the top of the program. I found this insert into the programming jarring: it is superficial, it does not comport with the Newshour's attempt to deliver news in depth, and breaks the continuity of the regular program and its in depth reporting. Breaking news is provided on other stations. One can never keep up with the 'latest' breaking news and it is folly to try to keep abreast of it. The program's content is current enough as the program goes on the air at 6 p.m. Eastern. On what was this decision based? PLEASE DISCONTINUE THIS STEP BACKWARDS.