NBCUniversal to Launch International News Streaming Service

NBCUniversal still plans to launch an international news service pulling on resources from both NBC News and Sky News, the company said Thursday.

NBCUniversal said during its investor presentation to unveil Peacock, the company’s new streaming platform, that the service, which management had previously shared was in the planning stages with an expected 2019 launch date, would stream on Peacock. The network is also expected to be available via other means, including linear broadcast.

The name, launch date and programming details were not immediately available, but the launch is now expected this year. More information is expected to be revealed over the coming weeks and months.

NBCUniversal acquired Sky last year in a $39 billion takeover. The U.K. and European telecom giant also controls Sky News, one of the largest TV news operations.

NBC News launched a U.S.-focused streaming service, NBC News Now, last year. Both ABC News and CBS News have free streaming services as well, with ABC’s offering focusing on live event coverage and CBSN serving as a cable news alternative, utilizing CBS News’ existing resources.

With its global focus, the new NBC News/Sky News service is trying to carve out a different niche than its domestic competitors.

Peacock will also include programming from NBC News, MSNBC and Telemundo, including an expansion of the Meet the Press franchise.