NBCUniversal Local is B+C’s Multiplatform Broadcaster of 2021 thanks to the group’s relentless strategy in putting the group’s local content in front of users on the move. That includes stations’ over-the-top newscasts, local outlets working with streamer Peacock, and young-skewing network NBCLX.
Between NBC and Telemundo stations, 20 have launched over-the-top newscasts, and the number is growing. WNBC New York, for one, premiered a 10-minute daily digital newscast, News 4 Now, in April. Users access it on WNBC’s Roku and Apple TV channels and the station app.
Local TV Awards: Celebrating 2021’s Station Standouts
Broadcaster of the Year: Diane Kniowski, Chief Local Media Officer, Univision Communications
Station Group of the Year: E.W. Scripps
GM of the Year, Markets 1-25: Chad Matthews, WABC New York
GM of the Year, Markets 21-50: Collin Gaston, WBRC Birmingham, Alabama
GM of the Year, Markets 51-Plus: Bruce Cummings, KIII Corpus Christi, Texas
News Director of the Year: Allison McGinley, WKMG Orlando
Local TV Anchor of the Year: Robert Hadlock, KXAN Austin
Meteorologist of the Year: Tom Messner, WPTZ Burlington
Also in 2021, owned stations’ content became available on Peacock via what the group calls “playlists,” available through Peacock’s News tab.
The year began with NBC’s regional sports networks, including ones in Chicago, Philadelphia and Washington, joining the Local group. Increased collaboration with their station partners allows the group to super-serve audiences in these markets, often in multiple languages. TV content aside, the RSNs offer users 20 sports podcasts.
“We are collaborating in a way that is critical to our future,” said Lora Dennis, NBCUniversal Local executive VP, “and brings out the best in what our stations can do.”
In July, NBCUniversal Local redesigned its NBC- and Telemundo-station mobile apps, adding Fire TV. A “smart radar” weather feature automatically presents the closest radar source. Live radar is available on the apps throughout the country. “You have better weather information if you have live radar,” said Valari Dobson Staab, NBCU Local president.
Diginet NBCLX grew its daily live hours from four to six, and added Xumo and Samsung TV. Matt Goldberg, NBCLX VP of content strategy, spoke of “reinventing the idea of what a newscast is.” Hosts don’t wear ties or sit at desks, and speak in conversational tones. “The whole idea is to bring the viewer into the space and make them feel a part of the conversation,” he said.
Revenue at OTT sales platform NBC Spot On tripled this year. “All our digital products feed into Spot On,” said Staab. “It gives advertisers an easy way to buy them.”
