WPIX, NewsNation NYC studios evacuated after nearby building buckles

Nexstar Media Group’s WPIX and New York City studios for its NewsNation network have been evacuated after a nearby building began experiencing significant structural issues. 

Just before 8 a.m. local time July 7, 2026, the New York City Fire Department received a call reporting that bricks were falling from the building at 235 East 42nd Street, which is under construction.

WPIX and NewsNation operate out of the News Building across the street at 220 East 42nd Street, which is also known as 11 PIX Plaza.

235 East 42nd Street previously served as headquarters for pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, which moved to Hudson Yards in 2023. There is currently a project under way to convert the building into residential units, a project that includes adding additional floors atop the original 33-story building. That tower is one of two that occupy the site.

According to building plans, the structure was slated to be 38 stories after the updates. 

It was eventually confirmed that Floors 21 through 26 of 235 East 42nd had partially collapsed. 

There have been no reports of any direct issues with the WPIX and NewsNation building at 230 East 42nd, but it, along with several other addresses around it, have been evacuated as a precaution. This includes a nearby school that had about 400 children inside. 

There have been no reports of any injuries related to the structural issue, NewsNation reported. 

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The city has also closed portions of 2nd Avenue, 42nd Street and 43rd Street in the immediate vicinity and further efforts to secure the area are ongoing. 

WPIX converted to anchoring from a nearby street and has been offering live coverage of the story throughout the day. At least some of its earlier newscasts were produced in-studio July 7.

NewsNation deployed New York-based correspondent Jessica Kartalija to the street to cover the story with Kellie Meyer handling anchoring duties from Washington, D.C.

The network normally airs “NewsNation Live with Connell McShane” from New York from 3 to 6 p.m. ET. 

It appears McShane may be out this week, as his show was anchored by Hena Doba from New York on Monday, July 6, 2026. 

Much of NewsNation’s morning and dayside schedule originates from Chicago, where it shares a building with Nexstar-owned WGN. 

It was not clear how soon WPIX and NewsNation might be able to return to the building or how they are handling production needs, but WPIX’s 4 p.m. newscast was being anchored streetside with its full complement of graphics.

Like most broadcasters, WPIX and NewsNation are equipped with technology to handle master and production control operations from alternate locations in the event one of its facilities becomes unusable. It’s not uncommon for control rooms for productions in one city to be located in another city.

NewsNation master control has been in Chicago since the network launched. 

Updated with more details and context about remote production. This is a developing story. Check back later for details.

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