WWNY is announcing plans for a 5 p.m. newscast "First at 5," which will debut in early 2018.

"First at 5" will air live weekdays from 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and will be produced and anchored by veteran newsman John Moore.

"Our news expansion demonstrates our commitment not only to true localism, but to covering the issues most important to our viewers in all areas of Northern New York," WWNYTV general manager Ed Bassler said in a news release. "John's wealth of knowledge as a highly respected newsman and native of St. Lawrence County gives us a tremendous advantage with the launch of this newscast.”

''With the addition of a 5 PM news, 7 News will be presenting more than 27 hours of local news a week. That's a big, expensive commitment for a small TV station, but it's one we're proud to make. “Many of our employees- including John - are North Country natives, and we value how deep our ties are to the community. Our new newscast is just another way of deepening those ties," Scott Atkinson, news director for WWNY-TV said in the release.

Moore holds a degree in journalism from SUNY Morrisville and a degree in political science from SUNY Buffalo. He has over 37 years of journalistic experience, including more than seven years as a reporter and anchor at 7 News.

In May of this year, Moore was recognized by the NY Associated Press as best reporter, and earlier in the year he was awarded The Bill Carey Award for Excellence in Journalism by the Syracuse Press Club.

"First at 5" will be followed by Jeopardy 2 at 5:30 p.m. and then 7 News This Evening with Jeff Cole.