Following in the footsteps of New York Nonstop in 2009 (WNBC-DT2), Chicago (WMAQ-DT2), Philadelphia (WCAU-DT2) and Washington (WRC-DT2) in October 2010, NBC’s three Local Media stations in California, NBC4 LA (KNBC) NBC Bay Area (KNTV) and NBC San Diego (KNSD), have teamed to launch (5/3) NBC California Nonstop, a 24/7 digital multicast channel offering local and regional news, information and lifestyle content. The respective stations’ digital channels are (LA: 4.2, BAY: 11.2, SAN DIEGO: 39.2).
This new platform will take advantage of the combined resources and expertise of the three stations and increase the local content offered to each market. Shows and segments will focus on the news, information, entertainment and lifestyle programming of interest to those living in the three individual television markets and to California as a whole.
Programming for California Nonstop will feature a mix of shows produced specifically for the channel by the three California stations, along with programs produced by NBC Local Media. Additional local programming will be added over time.
New weekday shows include an hour-long newscast produced by each station that will air in their respective markets at 7PM. “Nonstop News LA,” “NBC Bay Area News at 7PM” and “NBC San Diego News at 7PM” will all begin airing on May 3rd. Colleen Williams will anchor the LA Newscast, which will include an examination of top issues impacting SoCal. The Bay Area newscast will be anchored by Brent Cannon and provides a thorough summary of the day’s news and in-depth local stories at a time that is convenient for late commuters. Mark Mullen and Catherine Garcia will anchor “NBC San Diego News at 7PM,” which will provide a comprehensive wrap-up of the day’s local news.
“Morning Mix” is an hour-long compilation of the most interesting segments culled from the three stations’ early-morning newscasts and other news reports, and “The Rundown” is a half-hour show spotlighting a lively blend of topics appealing to Californians, introduced in an informal and conversational way.
The weekly shows include “California Nonstop Foodies,” a 30-minute journey of unique California culinary experiences, from diverse food and cooking trends to the restaurants and chefs that have made the state a center for cuisine.
“Nonstop Scene in California” is a half-hour show illuminating the people, places and things that make California distinctive. “The Filter with Fred Roggin” is a rapid-fire, half-hour news and commentary program offering perspective on the week’s hot topics.
In addition to California Nonstop, the NBC stations in Dallas and Miami will also be launching Nonstop Channels in their respective markets the week of May 2nd.
California Nonstop is available on every major cable system in California.
RBR-TVBR observation: These hyper-local multicast channels allow NBC stations to super-serve their local audiences and create a variety of content and revenue opportunities as well—we’re not talking infomercials here. In a way, it allows television to get back to its roots while covering the entire market, not just those who are hooked up to stream video. If you have a TV receiving OTA or cable, you will get these channels. Satellite, so far, is not carrying them.
