NewsNation is expanding its borders.

The Nexstar-backed cable-news outlet has quietly launched a suite of new podcasts, a maneuver that Michael Corn, president of specials and programming, says is only the beginning of a foray into the format, which he believes will help NewsNation reach viewers who are looking for authoritative, non-partisan conversations about a range of different topics.

“It’s a remarkable new frontier,” says the executive, during a recent interview.  “There is so much opportunity there and there’s a vast, vast audience and it’s completely complementary to what we are doing on TV.”

New podcasts include “NewsNation’s Unreported with Meagan Medick,” which explores unconventional topics like AI, paranormal phenomena and ghost hunters. New episodes debut every Wednesday. “Prove It with Batya!” is hosted by Batya Ungar-Sargon, who anchors a 7 p.m. program on NewsNation on Saturday evenings. Her hour-long show focuses on political and cultural debates and allows viewers to interact live with the host.  The program streams live Monday through Thursday.

Jesse Weber, who anchors NewsNation’s 11 p.m. hour, hosts “Hot Take with Jesse Weber,” which streams every Tuesday and Thursday on YouTube. The show views hot topics through the lens of entertainment. “The Scoop with Paula Froelich” is a weekly entertainment podcast hosted by the former New York Post gossip columnist.

These new programs join others that have already debuted, including “Reality Check with Ross Coulthart,” “Bradley on the Border with Ali Bradley,” “Missing with Marni Hughes, “and “Truth of the Matter.” The company considers “Reality Check” a success, noting it was listed as 57^th on YouTube’s list of most popular podcasts for the period of May 11 to May 17. It has in some weeks, won more viewers than podcasts such as “Good Hang with Amy Poehler” and “Call Her Daddy,” among other popular selections.

By adding new podcasts, NewsNation hopes to tap a broader audience than the one that tunes in to cable news. While NewsNation’s linear ratings have risen since the outlet launched in 2020 out of the property once known as WGN America, they remain relatively small compared to rivals like Fox News and MS NOW. But the audience for podcasts is younger than the typical cable-news viewer, says Corn, and is more interested in depth, nuance and longer-form discussion.

“A lot of the audience really seems to be searching for deeper understanding and deeper explainers,” he says.

NewsNation digs into the podcast format as traditional purveyors of news are looking for ways to connect with modern audiences. Magid, one of the most durable media consultancies in the sector, has advised clients to start giving viewers more context, depth and emotional reassurance, rather than relying on breaking news and dozens of star anchors and correspondents. A driving focus should be keeping viewers already acquired watching for longer periods of time, according to its advice, rather than trying to get as many people to watch as possible.

Many of the nation’s big news machines are developing more podcasts, a testament to the increasing popularity of the format and the relatively low production costs that it requires. Rather than hiring dozens of new staffers to helm these properties, the media companies are trying to find areas of expertise already mastered by current employees. At CNN, for example, Anderson Cooper leads a podcast devoted to grief, something he has explored for many years, including within his own family.

“The idea is taking a little care to find out what it is the audience is craving right now and in what areas are our talent uniquely situated to provide real insight,” says Corn.

The executive finds himself in a new area, too. Corn for many years at ABC News supervised top properties including “Good Morning America” and “World News Tonight.” Video podcasts, he says, are “totally different.” Big TV shows “are very structured and designed for lean-back viewing. People develop a habit over the years and a loyalty,” he says. “YouTube is vote-with-your-pointer-finger-right-away. Do you want to watch this or not?”

There are still ways to link the programs back to NewsNation, says the executive. “Our DNA and our mission are transparency, and accuracy and trust,” says Corn. “It’s really important to us that we are viewed as the least partisan and the most fair and honest about who we are.”

The podcasts can be used in several ways, says Corn, including being put on the linear schedule. NewsNation has already built new digital studios in Chicago that can be used for its podcast push, and Corn expects more titles to surface. “The turnaround from inception to new show is not that long,” he says. “When you are standing up a new show on YouTube, it’ s a few weeks to a few months.”

(pictured, above: NewsNation executive Michael Corn)