The US news service launched on Sky last Monday. It’s now been confirmed the channel is also coming to Virgin Media’s TV services after securing a second distribution deal in the UK.
NBC News Now will be offered “at no extra cost” to subscribers – although non-Sky and Virgin Media users can still access a free-to-view stream through various online platforms in the UK, including the NBC News app.
Following NBC News Now’s launch on Sky channel 525 in the UK, NBC Universal issued a press release confirming its channel’s arrival in what it described as “key” European market. NBC was unable to confirm a launch date for Virgin Media at this stage, nor a channel number.
Launched in 2019 as a free streaming service to viewers in the USA, the channel is being operated as an ad-supported channel to UK viewers. Its satellite signal is encrypted.
The channel’s presence has grown over the past fortnight, bringing viewers the latest developments from Ukraine. Anchor Tom Llamas is currently presenting the primetime newscast Top Story from the country. During major breaking news during US off-peak hours and at the weekend, NBC News Now switches to NBC News Special Reports and MSNBC.
Satpal Brainch, NBCU News Group chief commercial officer commented:
“We are proud of the immense success and audience growth we’ve had with NBC News Now in the US and are excited to bring the world-class reporting representing the best of NBC News to more international audiences.”
NBC News Now – typical schedule (UK time*)
10:00 Early Today (r*)
12:00 Morning News Now
16:00 NBC News Now with Aaron Gilchrist and Morgan Radford
20:00 NBC News Now with Alison Morris
22:00 Hallie Jackson NOW
23:00 Hallie Jackson NOW (r)
00:00 Top Story with Tom Llamas
01:00 NOW Tonight with Joshua Jackson
02:00 Top Story with Tom Llamas (r)
03:00 NBC Nightly News (r*)
03:30 NBC Nightly News (r*)
04:00 NOW Tonight with Joshua Jackson (r)
- * For two weeks commencing 14/3, the above programmes will be on an hour earlier, due to the USA switching to summer time (daylight saving) a fortnight before the UK.
- (r) replay (r*) replay from other NBC services, which show the programme earlier. In the UK, NBC Nightly News is shown live on CNBC at 23:30 UK (an hour earlier for two weeks mid-March).