Peacock expands its service with 24/7 local news

By Ryan McNeal January 21, 2022

Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, has expanded its current offerings with 24/7 local news channels from a handful of major cities. Available now, viewers have free access to coverage from NBC 5 Chicago (WMAQ), NBC 10 Philadelphia (WCAU), NBC 10 Boston (WBTS) and New England Cable Network (NECN), and NBC 6 Miami (WTVJ). These affiliate stations can be found under their respective new channels titled NBC Chicago News, NBC Philadelphia News, NBC Boston News, and NBC South Florida News.

South Florida channel on Peacock. — Phil Nickinson/Digital Trends

These won’t be the only local news stations Peacock viewers can access, however. NBCUniversal also plans on adding NBC 4 New York (WNBC) and NBC 4 Los Angeles (KNBC) to its lineup in the coming months. Each channel will feature simulcast and encore news programming, along with breaking news and original content. The channels won’t be geo-targeted, either, meaning users will be able to watch all these channels regardless of where they are located.

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“We’re thrilled to add the incredible reporting of our NBC owned television stations to Peacock’s unique programming slate that both informs and entertains,” Jen Brown, SVP of Program Planning for Peacock, said in a press release. “We know the importance of local news to our subscribers and this further distinguishes the Peacock experience where you can stream everything from award-winning news content to original scripted shows, premium movies, live sports and more all on our platform.”

In a competitive space where streaming services are constantly fighting to be the top dog, we continue to see platforms like Peacock, attempt to separate themselves from the rest of the pack by providing unique offerings. While Peacock isn’t the only streaming service to offer live local news, the addition of these channels will build upon its existing live and on-demand news programs like NBC News NOW and Dateline 24/7. Although its initial collection of local new channels is limited compared to services like Paramount+ and Hulu With Live TV, that could change if NBCUniversal continues on its course to expand Peacock’s offerings.

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