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NBC Plans Local News Channel In New York

The New York Times, Thursday, May 8, 2008 10:30 AM

NBC Universal will start a 24-hour local news channel in November similar to cable's New York One and will position it as part of a larger local media effort. John Wallace, NBC president of local media, says if the channel works out in New York, NBC will take the same approach with its stations in Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia and other cities.

The move comes as audiences for local stations are "eroding and aging," and local stations average only 1% to 3% annual revenue growth, says Wallace. Also, with upcoming expansion of digital capacity for local broadcasters, stations will soon be able to add several new channels. For instance, NBC is considering a separate channel for local lifestyle coverage, such as restaurant reviews.

Read the whole story at The New York Times »

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