From the NBC Tower studios of WMAQ-Channel 5 a 24/7 local news streaming channel branded as NBC Chicago News premieres today on Peacock.
Available free to users of the streaming service, the new channel will provide Chicago news, weather, sports, investigative reporting, lifestyle content and storytelling, according to the company. It will feature simulcast and encore news programming, along with breaking news and original content produced by NBC 5.
The simultaneous rollout of streaming news channels in Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston and Miami today marks a major expansion for the NBC-owned stations, with similar launches planned for New York and Los Angeles in the coming months.
“It’s pivotal today to make sure we engage and serve our viewers wherever they are with our local news programming," Kevin Cross, president and general manager of NBC Universal Local Chicago, said in a statement.
"The addition of NBC Chicago News to the Peacock channel lineup gives us the access we need to consumers as they continue to diversify their preferences of platforms and media."
Jen Brown, senior vice president of program planning for Peacock, said: "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.”