WOOD TV8 launches eightWest

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Two WOOD TV8 personalities who know the ins and outs of West Michigan are set to hit the air waves together for a new, energizing show about life.

Rachael Ruiz, until last month the anchor of 24 Hour News 8 at Noon, and Storm Team 8 meteorologist Terri DeBoer have been selected to co-host “eightWest”, a vibrant one-hour destination for everything West Michigan. 

“eightWest is a great way for women in West Michigan to learn about what is out there for women,” said WOOD/WOTV/WXSP General Manager Diane Kniowski. “Viewers can sit in their living rooms and take a journey to many destinations. This show is about what West Michigan has to offer and believe me, it’s a lot!”

eightWest will take viewers to places they’ve never been, show them what’s happening in their community and introduce them to resources that will improve their lives. The show will explore topics on family, technology, food, finances, health and more. Viewers can expect to see fresh, fun, local content that includes:

WEST VIBE: all that is entertainment in West Michigan. Concerts, festivals and more!
FAB FINDS: everything style… for EVERYONE in your family.
OFF LIMITS: taking you where you can’t go - sneak peeks into million-dollar homes, private jets and exclusive events.
WHAT’S WEST: finding the hidden gems that make West Michigan fun and unique!

Ruiz and DeBoer are long-time residents of West Michigan. DeBoer is a mother of three and lives in suburban Grand Rapids while Ruiz is a new mother with an urban lifestyle.

“As part of eightWest, I’ll be able to continue doing what I love – telling people’s stories. Only now, the subject matter will be different. It’s hip. It’s modern. It’s what people are talking about. All the stories on eightWest contain information to help my friends, my family, and our viewers live their lives better,” said Ruiz.

Their personal perspectives and combined television experience make them a dynamic team and the perfect choice to co-host eightWest.

“I understand the challenges and stresses that come from raising children, balancing a career, and helping to care for aging parents,” said DeBoer. “eightWest will be an energetic and informative platform where we will explore all of the issues facing members of today’s 'sandwich generation', like me.”   

eightWest will make its debut on Monday, October 5, 2009 and will air weekdays at 11 a.m. on WOOD TV8.

The Bonnie Hunt Show will move from its current time slot to 9 a.m. on WOTV 4.