There’s a new source for healthcare IT news. The HIMSS TV network will debut next month at HIMSS18, the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society’s annual conference in Las Vegas.

“HIMSS is a global voice, advisor, and thought leader of health transformation through information and technology,” said HIMSS Media Executive Vice President John Whelan. “HIMSS TV gives us a powerful, broad platform to connect and engage our audience of global leaders, stakeholders, and influencers.”

The network will kick off with three hours of live coverage from the HIMSS TV News Desk at the conference, which will then be rebroadcast three times throughout the day. Former Bloomberg anchor Adam Johnson will host and provide viewers with conference news, as well as interviews, highlights from keynote speakers, and behind-the-scenes footage. Segment topics will include cybersecurity, health tech innovation, and telehealth.

HIMSS estimates the “programming will result in 300,000-plus impressions, reaching conference attendees and healthcare technology professionals tuning in remotely on all monitors throughout the conference, hotel TV channels, HIMSS websites, [and] social channels.”

After the conference is over, the network will continue to broadcast breaking industry news and other relevant content. HIMSS TV network content will also be global—providing comprehensive reports on significant healthcare IT developments and insights around the world.

HIMSS TV network is an answer to a problem—a “rapidly growing demand” for HIMSS content, said Director of Product Marketing Stephanie Hedlund. The road to solving it started last summer when planning began. HIMSS then partnered with video platform INXPO to help with the broadcasting technology.

“As our ever-connected digital lives merge, we, as individuals, are demanding content in the format we want, at the time that works for us, on any device,” said Hedlund. “Our audience is no different.”

In addition, the network’s reach will go beyond what some would consider HIMSS expected audience. It will be available to the public through HIMSS’ social channels, and anyone with a smart TV or a streaming device like Roku can watch it.

While HIMSS is excited for the network to debut, it already has plans for what’s next. “After the HIMSS global conference, we will be taking HIMSS TV on the road as we cover other HIMSS events, as well as key industry happenings, news, and special events,” said Hedlund. “Our content will be ongoing, and we plan to launch specific topic-based channels within HIMSS TV.”

(slidezero_com/iStock/Getty Images Plus)