NBC Local Media is starting a 24-hour local news channel in New York, and rebranding WNBC as a “content center,” according to the NY Times.
NBC’s plan calls for rebuilding Channel 4’s newsroom and melding its content closely with the coming news channel, the existing local Web site, and out-of-home video displayed in locations like gas pumps and back seats of taxicabs. NBC will even take WNBC’s name off its local news Web site, simply calling it NBC New York.
The report says John Wallace, president of local media, says there will be no layoffs because of the new strategy, but that’s doesn’t mean there won’t be major changes for employees:
Among other things, Mr. Wallace planned to tell the employees that the moves NBC was initiating would not entail layoffs but would mean many producers and other staff members would have to undergo extensive retraining, and would likely be working different shifts.
“We look at our content and we believe it’s relevant content,†Mr. Wallace told the Times. “It’s just not convenient because of the way people’s lives have changed with technology.â€
Wallace told TVWeek ‘that In order to remain successful, local stations must put the appropriate weight on the additional platforms beyond their core television station. Consumers are demanding relevant content, round-the-clock, on the platform of their choice.’