NBC News is creating a new video content unit specifically targeted for social-media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
NBC Left Field is a digital video journalism unit that will
make short, creative documentaries and features. Content creators will come from a number of international journalists, filmmakers, designers and programmers.
Initially, audiences will see
various stories, such as one on refugee "squats" in the Netherlands; debates over wild horses in Colorado; coal mining in Kentucky; military youth camps in Ukraine; and the opening of an unusual
museum in Sweden.
NBC says NBC Left Field will develop audience engagement “experiments” to draw attention back to the video stories. Some of this may appear on Facebook Lives or
on Left Field's Field Phone.
Media consumers can call the Field Phone (315-LF-FIELD) to hear behind-the-scenes audio reports from Left Field's journalists and cinematographers. The phone line
will allow consumers to hear different audio versions of stories. People can also leave story ideas/tips for the reporters.
Former BBC News video journalist Matt Danzico will lead the dozen
staffers. He has reportedly said one goal is to reach millennial and young viewers “who might not already get their news from 'Today' or MSNBC.”