Live news and sports are keeping a substantial number of viewers tuned in to traditional TV. But the audience migration to online video has led the news divisions at the “Big Three” broadcast networks to get deeper into the 24-hour news business through free, ad-supported channels that can be accessed on internet-connected TV sets and mobile devices.
The L-A Times reports Walt Disney Co.'s ABC, Paramount Global’s CBS and Comcast’s NBC have all stepped up their investment in their services, giving viewers a destination for their reporting anytime without a pay TV subscription.
The channels — NBC News Now, ABC News Live and CBS News Streaming — were launched over the last decade without much fanfare. But they have quietly built audiences, and the news divisions presidents all say their services are profitable. Each offers a mix of repeats of network TV news broadcasts and original live reporting and documentaries.
Networks have committed their big-name personalities to daily live programs on the channels, such as NBC’s Chuck Todd, Kate Snow and Hallie Jackson; ABC’s Linsey Davis; and John Dickerson of CBS — a sign that they know where the viewers are going.
“By and large every reporter wants their stories to be seen by as many people as possible,” said Neeraj Khemlani, president and co-head of news and stations for CBS. “People feel like they want to be a part of that future.”
Network executives say they are seeing steady growth in their streaming audiences, especially on election nights and after major news events such as the death of Queen Elizabeth II or Hurricane Ian, which devastated parts of Florida in late September.
“The trajectory of growth suggests it will be a phenomenal business in the months and years to come,” said NBC News President Noah Oppenheim, whose network added 200 positions last year to build up the division’s streaming operation. “We’ve been able to monetize advertiser demand because we can deliver eyeballs.”
NBC News says its service is averaging 34 million streaming hours a month in 2022, up 55% over last year, based on data from Comscore and other sources. NBC News Now reached 37 million hours in September. ABC News said ABC News Live had 41 million streaming hours in September, up 73% over last year.
CBS News Streaming added original prime-time shows in January using big-name anchors such as Norah O’Donnell and Gayle King — and has seen its audience grow by 55% as a result. CBS has also added full-time local news streaming channels using content from its stations in 13 markets, including KCBS in Los Angeles.
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