Streaming news service NBC News Now is on the verge of making a linear TV launch in the UK via Sky.
The channel - launched almost three years ago - comes from Sky owner Comcast and offers live programming and reruns of NBC current affairs shows such as Dateline NBC and Meet The Press.
A linear launch in the UK appears to be a savvy move from Comcast as Sky News faces increased competition from GB News and the soon-to-launch TalkTV from ex-Sky owner Rupert Murdoch.
Ofcom granted NBC News Now a licence to broadcast in the UK in December and in recent days it has begun test broadcasts via Sky off the EPG.
A precise launch date onto the EPG has yet to be confirmed, nor is there confirmation of the EPG placing - although the most likely slot is 525, which is the next available position in the news section. A less likely option would be for NBC News Now to usurp Comcast-owned business channel CNBC Europe from the plum 505 slot.
A launch of NBC News Now on other services such as Virgin Media and BT TV seems unlikely in the short-term future, although availability through the new Sky Glass product is almost certain.
The move comes 18 months after a proposed new joint-venture news channel, NBC Sky World News, was dropped by Comcast due to the financial implications of the coronavirus pandemic.
Should Comcast wish to further add to the competition in the news section of the EPG then it also has the option of launching left-leaning US network MSNBC in the UK, although there are no indications of any such plans at present.
NBC has been approached for comment.
> See also: How to watch NBC News Now's test transmissions
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