In a significant move reflecting the changing media landscape, NBC News executives are developing a new subscription TV service tailored for mobile device users. This ambitious plan was unveiled by NBCUniversal News Group chairman Cesar Condé at a Semafor conference in Washington D.C. The service will feature approximately two dozen live streams in both English and Spanish, supplemented by on-demand content from flagship programs such as Meet the Press, Today, Nightly News, and Dateline.
This initiative builds upon NBC News' existing digital offerings, including the FAST channels NBC News Now and Today All Day—a staggered version of the renowned morning show. The move underscores the challenges faced by news channels in a climate of dwindling traditional TV audiences. This strategy reflects a broader industry trend. Last month, David Rhodes, Executive Chairman, Sky News Group (also part of Comcast, like NBC News), announced plans to revamp its digital service over the next five years to attract paying subscribers.
The news follows a similar announcement from CNN CEO Mark Thompson, who revealed plans for a new global streaming service. NBCUniversal’s venture is a calculated risk, a bet on the future of news consumption and the willingness of viewers to pay for mobile-first access to premium news content.