Stephen Arnold Music (SAM), the world leader in sonic branding, has created original sonic branding for two new NewsNation primetime programs: Katie Pavlich Tonight and Jesse Weber Live. The work includes each show’s main theme along with custom modular music packages designed to support on-air graphics, transitions, and segment branding.
The projects continue SAM’s longstanding collaboration with NewsNation’s creative team and expand the studio’s growing body of work for the network. Most recently, SAM delivered 10+ new or refreshed themes for NewsNation Live, the network’s morning and afternoon live news programming.
Katie Pavlich Tonight will air weekdays at 10 p.m. ET, debuting in early 2026. Hosted by multiplatform journalist and political analyst Katie Pavlich, the program will focus on the day’s biggest political news stories, featuring spirited debates, dynamic panel discussions, and in-depth conversations with key newsmakers. Topics include free speech, culture, immigration, national security, and foreign policy.
NewsNation’s creative team asked SAM to develop a theme that was upbeat and energetic while complementing Pavlich’s style as a host and analyst.
“We wanted the theme to feel lively and forward-moving,” says Jonathan Killian, VP Creative Marketing and Brand Standards, Nexstar Networks. “The sound is very percussive. Percussion carries the energy, while the strings provide lift, so the whole piece has a lively and spirited quality. The music also complements the show’s graphic design and color palette of red, white, silver, and a touch of blue.”
Jesse Weber Live will air weeknights at 11 p.m. ET and debut in late January 2026 as part of NewsNation’s expanded evening lineup. Hosted by Jesse Weber, the program will examine the day’s most important news developments through the lens of legal analysis, while also spotlighting one compelling guest or story each night. Weber will continue to contribute legal commentary across NewsNation’s daytime and primetime programming.
For Jesse Weber Live, SAM focused on a score that captured a sense of balance, expertise, and compelling analysis.
“The theme needed to reflect the sensibility of a live news show while also nodding to Jesse’s background as a legal analyst,” explains Chad Cook, SAM President and Creative Director. “We arrived at a sound that suggests importance and immediacy suitable for a late-evening time slot, but without being too urgent or frenetic. A driving drum and string arrangement lead the charge.”
Both projects feature longform, modular compositions that allow NewsNation’s production teams to build cohesive shows while maintaining flexibility across segments.
“We wrote extended pieces with modular structures that include both full-bodied sections as well as more subtle underscore sections,” Cook says. “That gives each show a toolkit for teases, rejoins, bumps, and promos elements, while retaining a consistent sonic DNA.”
Reflecting on the broader collaboration, Cook adds, “We continue to evolve NewsNation’s sonic identity while staying true to aspects of the brand that the audience already recognizes. It’s been a productive and creative partnership, and we’re proud to help support the network’s expanding programming slate.”
About Stephen Arnold Music:
Often referred to as the most-heard, least-known composers in the world, Stephen Arnold Music’s creativity is experienced every day in more than 500 million homes worldwide. Based in Dallas, Texas, The World Leader In Sonic Branding® has 30 years of success delivering impactful, brand-defining music that makes a difference for today’s top content creators, networks, cable channels, television stations, digital media outlets, experiential, film, production companies, corporations and advertising agencies. With multiple Emmys, Promax Gold, ADDY and MUSE awards to their credit, Stephen Arnold Music’s specialized approach and commitment to the power of sonic branding, research, state-of-the-art production and unparalleled customer service is at the core of its promise. Stephen Arnold Music continues to set the creative bar in a highly competitive content landscape. For more information, please visit http://www.stephenarnoldmusic.com
