WAND to launch new streaming show 'Sunrise and Sips'

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - In another Central Illinois first, WAND TV will launch a new streaming only show on its free WAND Now platform this December.

Sunrise and Sips will debut December 8 on WAND Now, the station's 24/7 streaming platform. New episodes will drop every weekday at 7 a.m. If you can't watch it live, it will be available on-demand.

The show, anchored by Wake Up anchors Deron Molen and Lacey Spence, will focus less on news and more on things that make viewers smile or maybe even laugh out loud.

The 30-minute program will feature lots of hysterical laughing, coffee-spitting jokes, and the chance to hang out with friends (there is even a chance viewers will invite friends over for a watch party.)

The show will feature funny and trending videos, debate topics like, "ranch dressing is better with chicken wings than blue cheese dressing." It will also dive into things to do, shows and movies to watch, or address critical issues like, "should Deron stop telling the story about his wife's toothbrush?"

"Sunrise and Sips is something really different from WAND and we think our viewers will enjoy a different approach with people they watch every day on the news," said WAND News Director Rod Hissong. "We cover a lot of news, broadcast a lot of hours, and share a lot of stories online. Sunrise and Sips gets away from the heavy news of the day and is a chance to just let loose in a free-flowing, mostly unscripted format."

Sunrise and Sips will still have a few news headlines of the day, plus a weather forecast.

WAND News Wake Up airs from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. weekdays on WAND TV. Sunrise and Sips will air immediately following Wake Up, but only on the streaming platform. It will not be available on traditional television.

WHAT IS WAND NOW

WAND TV was the first in central Illinois to launch its own free streaming platform WAND Now in 2023. The app, available on Roku, Fire, and Apple TV devices, features WAND News live and on-demand, news video clips, exclusive video weather forecasts, and more.

In 2024, WAND News was the first to launch a streaming sports show in central Illinois. Frenzy 15 is an extension of the Original Friday Frenzy that airs on TV during WAND News @ 10. WAND Now can be viewed on smart TVs and mobile devices, including tablets.

WAND Now is available for viewers who may "cut the cord," don't have an antenna, or don't subscribe to pay TV options.

Click here for more information about how to download the app.

MEET THE TEAM

Deron Molen joined WAND News in 2017. Deron has spent the last eight years in central Illinois telling many stories. A decorated and award-winning journalist, Deron is an adventure seeker, often sharing with viewers his travels, including mountain climbing and hiking. Deron and his wife Adrianna live in Decatur with their two dogs, Boomer and Reggie.

Catch up with Deron on Facebook by clicking here.

Lacey Spence returned to WAND News in 2025. Lacey is from Oakland, Illinois, and a proud EIU grad. She loves to bake, read books, and explore new places with her husband. She's active at her church in Sullivan. Lacey's first stint at WAND was on the anchor desk of the weekend morning newscast.

You can find Lacey on Facebook by clicking here.