WNBC Adds A.M. Half Hour

O&O gets earlier start

By Michael Malone -- Broadcasting & Cable, 2/3/2010 10:39:43 AM

WNBC New York will start its Today in New York program a half-hour earlier starting March 1, when it will kick off at 4:30 a.m. "The extended half hour will focus primarily on the day's top headlines, weather and traffic, giving viewers an even earlier jump start on their day," WNBC said in a statement.

The program will air 4:30 to 7 a.m. and features the talent crew of Michael Gargiulo, Darlene Rodriguez, Chris Cimino and Megan Meany.

"We know that viewers are waking up earlier, and we want to be there with the latest local news and information to help them start their day," said WNBC VP of News Susan Sullivan. "Expanding Today in NY to 4:30 allows us to respond to the changing dynamics of our audience and ensure we remain their source for local morning news."

Sullivan came on board the NBC O&O in August.

In September, WNBC launched the lifestyle show LX New York in place of its 5 p.m. news. Last March, the station launched the digital channel New York Nonstop.