NBC News is venturing into the world of sports coverage with a new digital hub on NBCNews.com. As NBC Sports gears up for the Kentucky Derby this weekend, NBC News is launching a sports hub that will feature content from NBC Sports, access to their free ad-supported streaming channel, and coverage from a dedicated sports team. This move marks a significant shift for NBC News, as sports coverage has traditionally been the domain of the network’s sports division.
Rebecca Blumenstein, president of editorial for NBC News, expressed excitement about the collaboration between NBC Sports and NBC News. She stated, “We are combining NBC Sports’ deep expertise and exclusive content with the editorial strengths and wide reach of NBC News to establish a destination on NBCNews.com for smart, accessible sports coverage for a broad audience.”
In the past, sports coverage has typically been limited to sports networks like ESPN or dedicated segments on local news stations. However, with the growing influence of sports on American culture, NBC News sees an opportunity to expand their coverage and reach a broader audience. The new sports hub will not only provide news and analysis but also feature explainers from renowned political analyst Steve Kornacki.
NBC’s decision to delve into sports coverage comes at a time when sports programming is increasingly vital to traditional media outlets. With NBC already devoting Sunday nights to NFL football and adding basketball games thanks to a new rights deal with the NBA, sports have become a cornerstone of their programming lineup. Additionally, NBC will feature extensive coverage of the Winter Olympics and the Super Bowl in the coming months.
Other NBC News outlets, such as “Today” and CNBC, have also been incorporating more sports content into their programming. “Today” co-anchors Craig Melvin and Savannah Guthrie have been actively involved in Olympics coverage, while CNBC has launched a vertical dedicated to the business of sports.
To support their sports coverage efforts, NBC News has assembled a dedicated editorial team with experience in sports journalism. With seasoned reporters and editors on board, NBC News is poised to provide comprehensive sports coverage for events like the Preakness Stakes on May 17.
Overall, NBC News’ foray into sports coverage represents a significant shift in their editorial strategy. By combining the expertise of NBC Sports with the editorial strength of NBC News, the network aims to create a comprehensive sports destination for a wide audience on NBCNews.com. With a growing interest in sports across the nation, NBC News is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend and deliver engaging sports content to their viewers.
