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NewsRadio

NewsRadio is an American television sitcom that aired on NBC from 1995 to 1999.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

NewsRadio is an American television sitcom that aired on NBC from 1995 to 1999. Set at the fictional WNYX news radio station in New York City, it focuses on the work lives and relationships of the station’s staff. The series is notable for featuring Canadian actor Dave Foley in the lead role.

Premise

NewsRadio is set inside WNYX, a fictional New York City radio station, and centers on office politics, management conflicts, and personal relationships among the staff.

Cast and characters

The ensemble included Dave Foley, Stephen Root, Phil Hartman, Maura Tierney, Andy Dick, Vicki Lewis, Joe Rogan, and Khandi Alexander, with Jon Lovitz added later in the run. Phil Hartman played one of the show’s best-known characters, Bill McNeal, in his final regular TV role before his death in 1998. Jon Lovitz joined the cast after Hartman’s death.

Broadcast history

The sitcom debuted on NBC on March 21, 1995, and ended on May 4, 1999, spanning five seasons and 97 episodes.

Reception and legacy

The series is remembered as a distinctive 1990s workplace sitcom, and it has continued to be distributed on streaming and home video platforms.

Key facts

  • The series follows the staff of WNYX, a fictional all-news AM station in New York City.
  • It aired on NBC for five seasons and 97 episodes.
  • Dave Foley stars as news director Dave Nelson, who manages an eccentric workplace.
  • Phil Hartman played one of the show’s best-known characters, Bill McNeal, in his final regular TV role before his death in 1998.
  • Jon Lovitz joined the cast after Hartman’s death.
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Canadian context

The series is notable for featuring Canadian actor Dave Foley in the lead role.

Frequently asked questions

What is NewsRadio about?
It follows the staff of WNYX, a fictional New York City news radio station, and the workplace relationships and conflicts around them.
When did NewsRadio air?
It aired on NBC from March 21, 1995, to May 4, 1999.
How many episodes of NewsRadio were made?
There were 97 episodes across 5 seasons.
Who starred in NewsRadio?
The cast included Dave Foley, Stephen Root, Phil Hartman, Maura Tierney, Andy Dick, Vicki Lewis, Joe Rogan, and Khandi Alexander.
Who created NewsRadio?
The series was created by Paul Simms.
Why is Phil Hartman associated with the show?
Hartman played Bill McNeal and NewsRadio was his final regular television role before his death in 1998.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NewsRadio
    Supports: Original run, premise, cast, episode count, setting, and Hartman/Lovitz casting details.
  2. TV Guide — https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/newsradio/1030036134/
    Supports: Premise, cast description, network, and dates.
  3. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/70140420
    Supports: Creator, cast, genre, and general series description.
  4. TV Insider — https://www.tvinsider.com/show/newsradio/
    Supports: Series run, season count, episode count, and general premise.
  5. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/newsradio
    Supports: Network, genre, release date, and production credits.
  6. Throw Back TV (YouTube) — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dv-5osS68j8
    Supports: Pilot synopsis and character roles.
  7. Wikipedia — https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NewsRadio_episodes
    Supports: Total episode count and season count.
  8. Yahoo! Lifestyle — https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/newsradio-turns-20-here-are-20-episodes-that-114098413185.html
    Supports: Hartman's death affecting the series and Lovitz joining the cast.