Local talk show to replace national programming in the Ozarks

Springfield, MO—Citing a need to improve ratings for local late-night news, KY3 has announced that The Mystery Hour will replace The Tonight Show following the Winter Olympics.

Sources say the “Leno effect” played havoc with many of NBC‘s more than 200 affiliates, where Leno’s weaker “lead-in” is undermining audiences of 10 p.m. newscasts. News programs are crucial for local stations, which draw upon them for a third of their revenue.

KY3 station management released a statement Tuesday saying that they were forced to consider their own program alternative for the 10 p.m. hour. It went on to state that local news should be complimented with a local talk show, not some bickering suits at NBC who can’t decide which over paid comedian should be entertaining the Ozarks.

“Jay Leno, Conan O’Brien and Jimmy Fallon are great entertainers, but I’m really looking forward to The Mystery Hour every night. Jeff understand us and I like watching him,” said Megan Still.

Houghton worked as an intern under legendary host David Letterman (scenes here) on the Late Show with David Letterman and started his own late night talk show in 2006 at the Skinny Improv Comedy Theatre. The Mystery Hour features guest interviews, musical guests and comes replete with an opening monologue, sketches and a sidekick, Dan Clair.