Comcast Corp.'s NBC News is considering launching a stand-alone streaming service, Variety reported March 14.
"We want to do this and I think we've got to open that door," NBC News Chairman Andy Lack said. While Lack did not give a time frame for a launch, he suggested the service could roll out in 2018. The company is also deciding whether the product would be free or subscription-based.
The streaming service would operate alongside NBC News distribution channels such as NBC (US), MSNBC (US) and Snapchat.
NBC News has been ramping up its digital offerings, including the daily news show "Stay Tuned" on Snapchat. In March 2017, NBCUniversal Media LLC confirmed it invested $500 million in Snapchat parent Snap Inc. as part of the latter's IPO.
