Kentucky Politics Weekly Podcast Goes Video on WDKY-TV Fox 56

After nearly six years as one of Kentucky’s most widely followed political podcasts, Kentucky Politics Weekly is making a major leap into streaming video. In a new partnership with Lexington-based WDKY-TV Fox 56, the podcast will now be available as a full hour-long streaming show, debuting on the station’s FAST streaming channel this Friday, December 5.

The move marks a significant step in Kentucky’s political media landscape, expanding the podcast’s reach while retaining its signature insider commentary.

Table of Contents

From Audio to Video: A Natural Evolution

Since its launch in 2020, Kentucky Politics Weekly has carved out a niche for its in-depth, bipartisan analysis of the Bluegrass State’s political scene.

Founder: Tres Watson, former Communications Director for the Republican Party of Kentucky
Co-hosts:
- Jared Smith, Democratic political strategist
- Abby Piper, political lobbyist (joined in 2024)

The team brings diverse perspectives, balancing commentary across party lines, and has earned a reputation as a trusted source for political news and insider insight.

Monte Costes, General Manager of WDKY-TV, commented:

“Kentucky Politics Weekly has become a must-listen for people who follow Kentucky politics. Tres, Jared, and Abby have become go-to partners for us as guests and occasional fill-in hosts for Bode Brooks’ show Red White and Bluegrass, so when we were looking at broadening our streaming platform, it was a no-brainer to partner with them on this new show.”

What Viewers Can Expect From the Streaming Version

The streaming show will maintain the podcast’s insider approach while offering a fresh visual element. Key features include:

In-depth political analysis – breaking down the latest Kentucky and national political developments.
Guest interviews – lawmakers, strategists, journalists, and political influencers.
Legislative coverage – updates and insights on bills, elections, and public policy.
Historical context – examining Kentucky political history to inform current events.
Pop culture and sports commentary – a signature segment that adds entertainment value to serious discussions.

Watson emphasized the show’s mission:

“For nearly six years we’ve been doing Kentucky Politics Weekly to pull the curtain back on how politics really works, give an insider’s view of state and national campaigns and government, and, most of all, remind people that while we may disagree politically, there’s still far more that unites us than divides us. We’re excited to work with ‘Fox 56’ to bring our unique brand of commentary to a broader audience.”

Podcast to Continue Alongside Streaming

Fans of the original Kentucky Politics Weekly podcast can rest assured: the audio version will continue to release weekly episodes and remain accessible through all major podcast platforms.

This dual-format approach allows the hosts to:

Reach a wider audience via video streaming
Maintain loyal listeners who prefer traditional podcast formats
Offer interactive content through social media and live streaming elements

Why This Partnership Matters

The move reflects larger trends in political media:

Growing demand for video content: Audiences increasingly prefer visual engagement over audio-only formats.
Local TV stations expanding digital presence: FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) channels allow stations like WDKY-TV to reach younger and tech-savvy viewers.
Bipartisan political commentary gaining traction: Kentucky Politics Weekly’s balanced approach appeals to a wide demographic in a politically diverse state.

By combining podcast storytelling with streaming visuals, the show positions itself as a leading platform for Kentucky political news and analysis.

About the Hosts

Tres Watson – Founder and former Republican Party Communications Director. Known for insider knowledge and strategic analysis.
Jared Smith – Democratic political strategist with years of campaign experience and deep connections in state politics.
Abby Piper – Lobbyist and political commentator, bringing an informed perspective on policy and legislation.

Together, they provide a 360-degree view of Kentucky politics, offering both entertainment and education to their growing audience.

How to Watch or Listen

Streaming Video: WDKY-TV Fox 56 FAST channel, starting December 5, 2025
Podcast: Available weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and other platforms

This dual-format approach ensures that Kentucky Politics Weekly continues to lead the conversation in state politics, whether on-the-go or in front of a screen.