As a cost-saving strategy that reflects the shifting TV landscape, NBC is in early discussions to reduce its primetime programming from 10 to 11 p.m.
If the idea is implemented, it might happen as soon as fall 2023.
Each night, NBC's 200+ local affiliate stations would take over programming management and receive all of the ad money during that hour.
While NBC owns 12 local stations, including those in important cities like New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., the majority are held by a number of different businesses.
The plan is still being discussed, claims Source, and has not yet been formally brought up to the affiliate board of the business.
An NBC representative added, "We are always looking at techniques to make sure that our broadcast business is as robust as possible.
Our competitive advantage as a company is our ability to offer audiences their favourite programming on broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms.
The corporation would experience a variety of effects from programming decisions to the loss of a primetime hour.