NBCU Preparing ‘Mobile-First' News Service for Q4 Launch
NBCUniversal is working on what its top news executive called a 'mobile-first' news outlet that it expects to launch in the fourth quarter of this year.
Speaking at an event organized by Semafor, Cesar Conde, chairman of NBCUniversal's news operations, said the service might serve up short-form and long-form video from NBC News anchors and correspondents. Its debut would mark the latest in a series of products the organization has created since Conde took his current role in 2020, and is likely aimed at a new generation of viewers who get more information from video services such as TikTok or YouTube.
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Executives see the new service as a 'premium' offering, according to a person familiar with the matter. It will offer nearly two dozen live streams in English and Spanish, including programming tied to lifestyle topics, true crime and international. It will feature original video content from NBC News talent around the world, as well as on-demand access to top programs such as 'Today' and 'Meet the Press' as well as access to a library of NBC News podcasts.
The new service would add to a recent series of subscription products from NBCU news properties. In recent weeks, CNBC launched a subscription-based streaming outlet that delivers its various feeds from broadcasts around the world. And 'Today' debuted an app that offers content tied to fitness and nutrition. Conde said he has encouraged employees to think about audio, commerce and broadband
The service is being readied as a younger generation gets more information from digital sources. About 52% of of TikTok users — a figure that is equivalent to 17% of all U.S. adults — say they regularly get news on the platform, according to Pew Research Center. What is more, about one in five Americans, and 37% of adults under 30, indicated they regularly get news from influencers on social media, according to a 2024 Pew survey. These influencers are most likely to be found on X, but also on Instagram or YouTube.
NBC News has launched an array of different offerings in recent years, many of them tied to new behaviors from younger audiences. There is a streaming outlet devoted entire to the morning-mainstay 'Today' program, and a live-streaming service called 'NBC News Now.'
Still, the field is getting crowded. CBS News, ABC News and Fox News all offer news via streaming properties, and continue to invest in talent and programming. CNN, meanwhile, is expected to launch a series of digital products in weeks to come in a bid to make the Warner Bros. Discovery outlet more relevant to broadband users and global followers.
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Motor 1
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CNBC
2 hours ago
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China's grueling ‘996' work culture is being debated by European startups — 7 founders and VCs on why they are resisting
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