When CNN launches The Story Is with Elex Michaelson at 9 p.m. PT/midnight ET on Monday, it will be going up against main cable rivals’ reruns and, perhaps more importantly, will be one of the few news network shows based in Los Angeles.

Michaelson, who departed Fox’s Los Angeles affiliate last summer, makes the case for a west coast-centric show.

“As a proud Californian, I will say that it often leads the world when it comes to technology, entertainment, agriculture,” Michaelson said. “California not only has outsized importance to the country, but to the world.”

In the Los Angeles market, Michaelson having established himself as a leading personality covering politics and public affairs in California, as an anchor, reporter and the host of KTTV Fox 11’s The Issue Is with Elex Mi

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