Fade to Black: Michigan-Owned NEWSNet Suddenly Pulls the Plug

In a surprising turn of events, NewsNet, the Farmington Hills-based 24-hour news outlet owned by the creator of 5-hour Energy, has abruptly ceased operations after just two years on the air.

Metro Detroit businessman Manoj Bhargava, the owner of the popular 5-Hour Energy, was at the helm of the 24-hour news channel available through traditional broadcasting networks and on streaming services 2 years ago. The premise was a unique approach to delivering unbiased, fact-based news, hoping to be a breath of fresh air in the often tumultuous world of media.

According to Crain's Detroit, Bhargava states pulling the plug in Michigan is due to a lack of a dedicated audience.

“We believed people would want to watch a clean, non-bias news network, but we were wrong,” Bhargava, owner of parent company Bridge Media, said in a statement sent to Crain’s. “Without a large audience, we just couldn’t continue to lose money. We hired the best people and talent, and we appreciate their hard work and effort. But we just couldn’t continue.”

Word quickly spread on Friday through social media that the announcement came without notice to some 80 employees. The majority of the 'breaking news' came from the blindsided employees including on-air anchors.

"I’m sure most of you have heard the news. NEWSnet is shut down, leaving about 80+ people out of work, including me. My heart hurts for my colleagues. They are a resilient group of amazing individuals- I am angry for them. They did not deserve this", Ruby Shane shared. 

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