Mon Jan 19 17:40:00 UTC 2026: ### Headline: FOX 11 to Air Women’s College Basketball Tripleheader on Monday

The Story:

On Monday, January 19, 2026, WLUK FOX 11 will deviate from its regular daytime programming to broadcast a tripleheader of women’s college basketball games. The broadcast will begin at 11 a.m. with Ohio State facing TCU, followed by Michigan versus Vanderbilt at 1:30 p.m., and concluding with Notre Dame playing UConn at 4 p.m. Regular programming, including “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune,” will resume after the games.

The FOX 11 News at Five broadcast will be preempted to accommodate the sports programming. However, FOX 11 News at Nine will air at its usual time, following scheduled broadcasts of “Hell’s Kitchen” and “Doc.”

Key Points:

  • FOX 11 will air three women’s college basketball games on Monday, January 19, 2026.
  • The game lineup includes Ohio State vs. TCU (11 a.m.), Michigan vs. Vanderbilt (1:30 p.m.), and Notre Dame vs. UConn (4 p.m.).
  • “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune” will air following the basketball games.
  • FOX 11 News at Five is canceled; FOX 11 News at Nine airs at its usual time.

Critical Analysis:

The decision by FOX 11 to dedicate a significant portion of its broadcast day to women’s college basketball suggests a calculated move to capitalize on potentially high viewership. Given the historical context, which includes other college basketball games being played on the same day, as well as new initiatives focused on college students (sexuality education, midday meal scheme), it’s possible FOX 11 is aiming to reach a demographic of college students and sports enthusiasts. The network may be strategically responding to a growing interest in women’s sports or recognizing an underserved audience segment.

Key Takeaways:

  1. FOX 11 is prioritizing women’s college basketball with a day-long broadcast.
  2. The network anticipates sufficient viewership to justify the preemption of regular daytime programming.
  3. FOX 11 is possibly targeting college students and sports fans.

Impact Analysis:

The decision by FOX 11 could have several long-term implications:

  • Increased Visibility for Women’s Sports: Devoting substantial airtime to women’s college basketball can boost the sport’s visibility and popularity.
  • Potential Shift in Broadcasting Strategy: If the tripleheader proves successful in terms of ratings and advertising revenue, FOX 11 might consider similar sports-focused programming in the future.
  • Influence on Viewership Trends: The broadcast could influence viewership trends and demonstrate a growing demand for women’s sports, potentially encouraging other networks to invest in similar programming.

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