History of NBC in Timeline
The National Broadcasting Company (NBC) is a prominent American television and radio network. As a flagship property of NBC Entertainment, a division of NBCUniversal (owned by Comcast), NBC has its main headquarters in New York City's Comcast Building and maintains additional offices at Chicago's NBC Tower.
1926: NBC Founded
Formed in 1926 by the Radio Corporation of America (RCA), which was owned by General Electric (GE), Westinghouse, AT&T Corporation, and United Fruit Company, NBC became the first major broadcast network in the United States.
1926: NBC Founded
The National Broadcasting Company (NBC) was founded in 1926 by the Radio Corporation of America (RCA).
1932: GE Divests from RCA and NBC
Due to antitrust violations in 1932, the US Government mandated that GE sell both RCA and NBC.
1947: "Meet the Press" Premieres
NBC launched its news program "Meet the Press" in 1947.
1947: "Howdy Doody" Debuts
On this date, "Howdy Doody", NBC's first major children's series, premiered, becoming a pioneering television program in 1947.
1952: "Today" Show Premieres
The "Today" show, a staple of morning television, debuted on NBC in 1952.
1952: Today Show Premiere
The Today show, a pioneering morning television program, premiered on NBC in 1952.
1953: NBC Becomes Official U.S. Broadcaster of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
NBC became the official U.S. broadcaster of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1953.
1954: National Debut of "The Tonight Show"
In 1954, "The Tonight Show" premiered nationally on NBC.
1954: "Home" Premieres
NBC debuted the daytime talk show "Home" in 1954.
1954: Tonight Starring Steve Allen and Home Debut
NBC launched two significant programs in 1954: "Tonight Starring Steve Allen," the inaugural iteration of the enduring "Tonight Show" franchise, and "Home," a daytime program.
1955: "The Ernie Kovacs Show" Debuts
NBC launched "The Ernie Kovacs Show" in 1955.
1955: WMGM-TV Begins Affiliation with NBC
In 1955, WMGM-TV, based in Atlantic City, became an affiliate of NBC.
1955: Premiere of Wide Wide World and Launch of NBC Monitor
In 1955, NBC premiered "Wide Wide World," a groundbreaking program that expanded the boundaries of television, and "NBC Monitor," a weekend-long radio program that aimed to revitalize the medium.
1956: KUAM-TV Becomes an NBC Affiliate
In 1956, KUAM-TV, based in Hagåtña, Guam, became an affiliate of NBC.
1956: NBC Introduces Peacock Logo
In 1956, NBC introduced its iconic peacock logo to highlight its pioneering efforts in color broadcasting.
1956: "The Price Is Right" Premieres on NBC
The game show "The Price Is Right" debuted on NBC in 1956.
1956: "The Ernie Kovacs Show" Concludes
The talk show "The Ernie Kovacs Show" ended in 1956.
1957: "Home" Ends
The talk show "Home" concluded in 1957.
1958: "Concentration" Premieres
The game show "Concentration" premiered on NBC in 1958.
1962: "The Merv Griffin Show" Premieres
NBC launched "The Merv Griffin Show" in 1962.
1962: "The Match Game" Premieres
The popular game show "The Match Game" debuted on NBC in 1962.
1963: "The Price Is Right" Ends on NBC, "Let's Make a Deal" Debuts
The year 1963 saw the end of "The Price Is Right" and the beginning of "Let's Make a Deal" on NBC's game show lineup.
1963: "The Doctors" Premieres
NBC launched the daytime drama "The Doctors" in 1963.
1963: "The Merv Griffin Show" Ends
The talk show "The Merv Griffin Show" concluded in 1963.
1964: "Jeopardy!" Premieres
The iconic game show "Jeopardy!" made its debut on NBC in 1964.
1964: "Another World" Premieres
NBC introduced the soap opera "Another World" to its daytime lineup in 1964.
1965: "Days of Our Lives" Premieres on NBC
NBC debuted the soap opera "Days of Our Lives" in 1965.
1966: "The Hollywood Squares" Premieres
The game show "The Hollywood Squares" debuted on NBC in 1966.
1968: "Let's Make a Deal" Ends
After a successful run, the game show "Let's Make a Deal" concluded in 1968.
1969: "The Match Game" Ends, "Sale of the Century" Premieres
While "The Match Game" concluded in 1969, NBC welcomed another game show, "Sale of the Century", to its daytime lineup.
1970: "Somerset", Spin-off of "Another World" Premieres
NBC premiered "Somerset", a spin-off of "Another World", in 1970.
1973: "Concentration" and "Sale of the Century" Conclude
Both the game shows "Concentration" and "Sale of the Century" ended their runs on NBC in 1973.
1975: "Saturday Night Live" Premieres
The iconic sketch comedy show "Saturday Night Live" debuted on NBC in 1975.
1975: End of NBC Monitor
After two decades on the air, NBC's weekend-long radio program, "NBC Monitor," concluded its run in 1975.
1975: Assembling the Saturday Night Live Cast
By 1975, Lorne Michaels had brought together a talented ensemble cast for the show that would become "Saturday Night Live," including Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, Laraine Newman, Michael O'Donoghue, Gilda Radner, and George Coe.
1975: "Jeopardy!" Ends, "Wheel of Fortune" Premieres
As "Jeopardy!" ended its run in 1975, NBC introduced another game show, "Wheel of Fortune", to its schedule.
1976: NBC Acquires Rights to "Saturday Night Live" Name
In 1976, NBC secured the rights to the name "Saturday Night Live" from ABC, paving the way for the official renaming of their late-night comedy program.
1976: "Somerset" Concludes
The soap opera "Somerset" ended its run in 1976.
March 26, 1977: Saturday Night Live Officially Adopts Name
On March 26, 1977, NBC's late-night comedy show, originally titled "NBC's Saturday Night," officially changed its name to "Saturday Night Live" after acquiring the rights from ABC.
1978: "Jeopardy!" Returns
NBC brought back the game show "Jeopardy!" in 1978.
1979: Debut of Real People
Under the guidance of Fred Silverman, NBC premiered "Real People" in 1979, marking a pioneering moment in the emergence of reality television.
1979: "Jeopardy!" Ends, "Password Plus" Debuts
The year 1979 marked the end of "Jeopardy!" and the premiere of "Password Plus" on NBC.
1979: Return of the Peacock Logo
In 1979, Fred Silverman reintroduced the iconic peacock as NBC's corporate logo, marking a return to a symbol closely associated with the network's history.
1980: "The Hollywood Squares" Ends
After a successful run, "The Hollywood Squares" came to an end in 1980.
1980: "Texas", Another Spin-off of "Another World" Premieres
NBC launched "Texas", another spin-off of the popular soap opera "Another World", in 1980.
1981: The Smurfs Premieres on NBC
"The Smurfs," an animated series based on the Belgian comic characters, debuted on NBC in 1981.
1982: NBC's Turnaround Under Tartikoff and Tinker
By 1982, Brandon Tartikoff and Grant Tinker, as President of Entertainment and network president, respectively, had begun to turn around NBC's fortunes, setting the stage for a period of success.
1982: "Password Plus" Ends
The game show "Password Plus" concluded in 1982.
1982: "The Doctors" Ends, "Search for Tomorrow" Moves to NBC
While "The Doctors" concluded its run in 1982, NBC picked up "Search for Tomorrow" for its final four and a half years after CBS initially canceled the series.
1983: "Sale of the Century" Returns
NBC brought back the game show "Sale of the Century" in 1983.
1984: "Super Password" and "Scrabble" Premiere
NBC premiered the game shows "Super Password" and "Scrabble" in 1984.
1984: "Santa Barbara" Premieres
NBC launched the soap opera "Santa Barbara" in 1984.
1984: "One to Grow On" PSA Campaign Launches
NBC introduced "One to Grow On," a series of public service announcements, in 1984. These aired after the credits of children's shows.
1985: Brandon Tartikoff's Impact on NBC's Success
By 1985, Brandon Tartikoff, as President of Entertainment, had played a pivotal role in revitalizing NBC's programming, contributing significantly to the network's resurgence.
1986: "Search for Tomorrow" Ends
After four and a half years on NBC, "Search for Tomorrow" came to an end in 1986.
1986: NBC's Peacock Logo Debut
In 1986, NBC unveiled its now-iconic peacock logo, a stylized design that has since become synonymous with the network's brand.
1986: GE Reacquires RCA
In a significant turn of events in 1986, GE repurchased RCA for $6.4 billion, regaining control of NBC. GE, however, opted to shut down or sell off most of RCA's other divisions and assets.
1987: "Classic Concentration" Premieres
NBC revived the game show "Concentration" as "Classic Concentration" in 1987.
1988: NBC Secures Summer Olympics Broadcasting Rights
NBC became the American broadcaster for the Summer Olympic Games starting with the 1988 games.
1989: "Wheel of Fortune" Ends, "Sale of the Century" Concludes
The year 1989 witnessed the conclusion of both "Wheel of Fortune" and "Sale of the Century" on NBC.
1989: "Generations" Premieres
The soap opera "Generations" premiered on NBC in 1989.
1989: NBC Launches "The More You Know" Public Service Campaign
NBC initiated "The More You Know" in 1989 as a series of public service campaigns. The campaign would later lend its name to an NBC children's programming block.
1989: CNBC Launches
NBC expanded into cable news in 1989 with the launch of CNBC, a channel dedicated to business news.
1989: End of The Smurfs
In 1989, "The Smurfs" animated series, which had been airing on NBC, came to an end.
1989: End of "One to Grow On" PSA Campaign
After a successful run, NBC's "One to Grow On" public service announcement campaign concluded in 1989.
1989: "Saved by the Bell" Premieres on NBC
Despite receiving poor reviews initially, the teen sitcom "Saved by the Bell", which originated on The Disney Channel as "Good Morning, Miss Bliss", debuted on NBC in 1989 and went on to achieve immense popularity.
1990: "Let's Make a Deal" Returns
NBC brought back the game show "Let's Make a Deal" in 1990.
February 1991: Johnny Carson Announces Retirement
In February 1991, Johnny Carson, the longtime host of "The Tonight Show," privately informed Brandon Tartikoff and Bob Wright of his decision to retire.
1991: "Classic Concentration" and "Let's Make a Deal" Conclude
Both "Classic Concentration" and "Let's Make a Deal" ended on NBC in 1991.
1991: "Generations" Ends
The soap opera "Generations" concluded in 1991.
August 1992: NBC Launches TNBC, a Live-Action Block, and a Saturday Edition of "Today"
August 1992 marked the debut of TNBC, NBC's new live-action block replacing animated series on Saturday mornings. It featured teen-oriented programming and a Saturday edition of "Today."
1992: NBC Shifts From Animated to Live-Action Children's Programming
In 1992, NBC discontinued the majority of its animated children's programming in favor of live-action shows.
1993: "Santa Barbara" Concludes
The soap opera "Santa Barbara" came to an end in 1993.
1993: Canal de Noticias NBC Launch
In 1993, NBC expanded its reach into Latin America with the launch of Canal de Noticias NBC, a 24-hour Spanish-language news channel. Notably, it was the second news channel to serve the region and the first to offer round-the-clock broadcasts.
1993: "Scrabble" Returns for a Short Run
The game show "Scrabble" made a brief return to NBC in 1993.
1993: NBC Super Channel Launch
In 1993, NBC's parent company, General Electric, made a significant move in the European market by acquiring Super Channel, a Pan-European cable network. Following the acquisition, the network was relaunched as NBC Super Channel.
January 1994: "Caesars Challenge" Ends, Marking the End of Daytime Game Shows on NBC
The short-lived game show "Caesars Challenge" concluded in January 1994, marking the last time a game show aired as part of NBC's daytime schedule.
1994: NBC Asia Launch
In 1994, NBC launched NBC Asia, expanding its reach into the Asian market. The network, which featured a blend of NBC's news programs and popular shows like "The Tonight Show," "Late Night," and "Saturday Night Live," was distributed to various countries, including India, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Pakistan, and the Philippines.
1994: "Leeza" Premieres
NBC debuted the talk show "Leeza" in 1994.
1996: NBC Europe Launch
In 1996, NBC Super Channel underwent a name change, becoming NBC Europe, though it was often referred to simply as "NBC" on-air. This rebranding further solidified NBC's presence in the European market.
1996: MSNBC is Founded
Initially a joint venture with Microsoft, MSNBC was founded in 1996. It has since evolved to feature a mix of general news and political commentary with a liberal perspective.
February 2, 1997: Meet the Press Airs First High-Definition Broadcast
On February 2, 1997, Meet the Press became the first regular series on a major television network to produce a high-definition broadcast.
1997: "Sunset Beach" Debuts
NBC launched the soap opera "Sunset Beach" in 1997.
July 1998: NBC Asia Replaced by National Geographic Channel
In July 1998, NBC Asia was replaced by a regional version of the National Geographic Channel.
April 26, 1999: The Tonight Show Becomes First Regularly Scheduled American Network Program in HD
On April 26, 1999, The Tonight Show became the first HD program to air on the NBC network as well as the first regularly scheduled American network program to be produced and transmitted in high definition.
1999: "Another World" Ends
After a successful run, the soap opera "Another World" ended in 1999.
1999: Canal de Noticias NBC Closure
Canal de Noticias NBC, NBC's venture into the Latin American market with a 24-hour Spanish-language news channel, ceased operations in 1999. The closure was attributed to challenges in generating sustainable advertising revenue.
1999: NBC Launches NBCi
NBC launched its online venture NBCi in 1999, a heavily advertised online venture serving as an attempt to launch a web portal.
1999: "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" Premieres
The popular crime drama series "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" made its debut on NBC in 1999.
1999: "Leeza" and "Later Today" Debut
The year 1999 saw both the conclusion of the talk show "Leeza" and the premiere of "Later Today" on NBC.
1999: NBC Europe Transformation
1999 marked a turning point for NBC Europe. The network ceased broadcasting in most of Europe, with the exception of Germany, where it underwent a significant transformation, relaunching as a German-language technology channel targeting a younger audience. This shift in focus was marked by the introduction of NBC GIGA, a new flagship program.
April 2000: NBC Purchases GlobalBrain
In April 2000, NBC purchased GlobalBrain, a company specializing in search engines, for $32 million.
2000: "Later Today" Ends
The talk show "Later Today" concluded in 2000.
2002: "NBA Inside Stuff" Moves to ABC
In 2002, "NBA Inside Stuff" switched networks from NBC to ABC after ABC secured the NBA broadcasting rights.
2002: NBC Acquires Bravo from Rainbow Media
In 2002, NBC acquired the cable channel Bravo from Rainbow Media, expanding the network's portfolio.
2002: NBC Begins Conversion to High Definition
NBC officially began its conversion to high definition with the launch of its simulcast feed, NBC HD, in 2002.
2002: NBC Partners with Discovery Communications for "Discovery Kids on NBC" Block
NBC partnered with Discovery Communications in 2002 to introduce the "Discovery Kids on NBC" block featuring educational children's programming from the Discovery Kids cable channel.
2002: NBC Obtains Winter Olympics Broadcasting Rights
Starting with the 2002 games, NBC secured the broadcasting rights for the Winter Olympic Games in the United States.
2003: Short-lived Prime-time Revival of "Let's Make a Deal"
NBC aired a brief prime-time revival of the game show "Let's Make a Deal" in 2003.
2003: Release of "Elf" Movie
The live-action film "Elf" was released in 2003. Later, in 2014, NBC premiered a stop-motion animated Christmas special inspired by this movie titled "Elf: Buddy's Musical Christmas".
2003: NBC Begins Airing "The Biggest Loser"
In 2003, NBC added the reality series "The Biggest Loser," produced by J.D. Roth's 3-Ball Productions, to its lineup.
2003: NBC Acquires Rights to Miss Universe and Miss USA Pageants
In 2003, NBC acquired the broadcasting rights to the Miss Universe and Miss USA pageants, marking the beginning of its association with the Miss Universe Organization.
2003: Formation of NBCUniversal
A major media merger took place in 2003 as French company Vivendi combined its entertainment assets with GE, leading to the creation of NBCUniversal.
May 2004: Zucker Becomes President of NBC Universal Television Group
Following NBC's merger with Vivendi Universal, Jeff Zucker was promoted to president of the newly formed NBC Universal Television Group in May 2004.
2004: NBC Programming Expands to the U.S. Virgin Islands
In 2004, NBC programming became accessible in the U.S. Virgin Islands through WVGN-LD, a Charlotte Amalie-based station owned by LKK Group. This expansion broadened the network's reach in the Caribbean region.
2005: Some Holiday Specials Remastered for HD Broadcast
Certain holiday specials produced prior to 2005 have been remastered for HD broadcast.
2005: KKHJ-LP Becomes an NBC Affiliate
In 2005, KKHJ-LP in Pago Pago, American Samoa, became an affiliate of NBC.
2005: Das Vierte Launch
In 2005, NBC Europe underwent another transformation, relaunching as the free-to-air movie channel Das Vierte. This marked a departure from its previous technology focus and aimed to capture a broader audience.
May 2006: NBC Announces Qubo Children's Block
In May 2006, NBC revealed its plan to launch a new Saturday morning children's block under the Qubo brand in partnership with other companies.
September 9, 2006: "Qubo on NBC" Block Debuts
NBC's "Qubo on NBC" block premiered on September 9, 2006, featuring shows like "VeggieTales", "Dragon", and "Babar".
September 2006: Launch of the Qubo Brand
The Qubo brand launched in September 2006, encompassing blocks on NBC, Telemundo, and Ion Television, as well as digital platforms and a website.
February 2007: Reilly Signs New Contract with NBC
Kevin Reilly, then president of NBC Entertainment, signed a new three-year contract with the network in February 2007.
May 2007: Reilly Leaves NBC, Joins Fox
Despite signing a new contract earlier in the year, Kevin Reilly was terminated from his position as president of NBC Entertainment in late May 2007. Shortly after, he joined Fox as its President of Entertainment.
October 29, 2007: Hulu Launches in Private Beta
On October 29, 2007, Hulu, a streaming service partially owned by NBCUniversal, launched in private beta testing.
2007: "Passions" Ends
After nearly a decade on air, the soap opera "Passions" concluded in 2007.
2007: NBC Acquires Rights to the National Dog Show
In 2007, NBC secured the rights to broadcast the National Dog Show, which airs annually after the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
2007: NBCi.com Transformation
In 2007, NBCi.com transitioned from its previous iteration as a portal for NBC-branded content to mirror the main NBC.com website.
2007: NBC Stops Broadcasting Miss Teen USA
NBC chose not to renew its contract for Miss Teen USA in 2007, ending the televised broadcasts of the pageant.
2008: Knight Rider Reboot Released
A reboot of the classic show Knight Rider was released in 2008.
2008: NBC Acquires The Weather Channel
In 2008, NBC acquired The Weather Channel in a joint purchase with Blackstone Group and Bain Capital.
2009: Impact of Digital Television Transition on NBC in Canada
The digital television transition in 2009 brought changes to NBC's signal coverage in Canada. The lower radiated power required for digital signals led to a reduction in coverage area for some U.S.-based affiliates receivable over the air in southern Canada.
2009: NBC Starts Same-Day Rebroadcast of Macy's Parade
NBC began airing a same-day rebroadcast of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade telecast in 2009, replacing its usual Thanksgiving afternoon airing of "Miracle on 34th Street."
2009: NBC and Seven Network Use "Like it Like That" Promo
In 2009, both NBC and the Seven Network in Australia used the Guy Sebastian song "Like it Like That" for their respective summer schedule promotions.
2009: GIGA Television Closure
GIGA Television, which was spun off as a separate digital channel following the transformation of NBC Europe, ceased operations as a TV station in 2009.
2009: "The Jay Leno Show" Broadcast on Solar TV in the Philippines
From 2009 to 2010, Solar TV in the Philippines broadcast "The Jay Leno Show," marking a period when the late-night talk show found an audience in the Southeast Asian nation.
May 2, 2010: Meet the Press Converts to HD
On May 2, 2010, Meet the Press, became the last NBC News program to convert to HD.
2010: NBCi.com Redirection
By 2010, NBCi.com completed its redirection to the NBC.com domain, solidifying the company's online presence under a single, unified brand.
2010: "The Jay Leno Show" Ends Broadcast on Solar TV in the Philippines
Solar TV's run of broadcasting "The Jay Leno Show" came to an end in 2010.
July 2011: Netflix Loses Rights to Carry Current Seasons of NBC Programs
In July 2011, Netflix lost the right to carry newer episodes of NBC programs during their current seasons.
2011: Comcast Takes Control of NBCUniversal
Comcast gained a controlling stake in NBCUniversal in 2011.
March 28, 2012: NBC Announces "NBC Kids" Block Programmed by Sprout
NBC announced on March 28, 2012, that it would launch "NBC Kids," a new Saturday morning preschool block with programming from Sprout, replacing the "Qubo on NBC" block.
July 7, 2012: "NBC Kids" Block Premieres
"NBC Kids", NBC's new Saturday morning preschool block, premiered on July 7, 2012, taking over from the "Qubo on NBC" block.
September 2012: NBC Completes Conversion to High Definition
NBC completed its conversion to high definition in September 2012 with the launch of NBC Kids.
2012: KKHJ-LP Ends Affiliation with NBC
In 2012, KKHJ-LP in Pago Pago, American Samoa, ended its affiliation with NBC.
2012: Macy's Reroutes Parade to Avoid CBS Cameras
In 2012, Macy's altered the parade route to exclude CBS's cameras from capturing the event, despite CBS's unauthorized coverage.
2013: Comcast Acquires Remaining Stake in NBCUniversal
By 2013, Comcast completed its acquisition of NBCUniversal by purchasing the remaining stake from General Electric.
2013: Das Vierte Closure
Das Vierte, the free-to-air movie channel that succeeded NBC Europe, ceased broadcasting in 2013. The channel was acquired by Disney, which replaced it with a German iteration of Disney Channel.
2013: Ion Media Networks Acquires Full Ownership of Qubo
Ion Media Networks became the sole owner of the Qubo venture in 2013 after acquiring the shares of its partners, including NBCUniversal, Scholastic, Classic Media, and Nelvana.
2013: NBC Begins Airing Live Musical Adaptations
NBC began airing live musical adaptations in 2013, a move that would prove to be a ratings success and a nostalgic nod to the golden age of television.
2014: End of NBC's Run with Miss Universe and Miss USA
NBC's run as the broadcaster of the Miss Universe and Miss USA pageants concluded in 2014.
2014: VSB-TV Ends Operations
VSB-TV, which had been a carrier of NBC's entire program lineup, ceased operations in 2014.
2014: NBC Debuts "How Murray Saved Christmas" and "Elf: Buddy's Musical Christmas"
NBC premiered two new Christmas specials in 2014: "How Murray Saved Christmas", an animated musical, and "Elf: Buddy's Musical Christmas", a stop-motion animation based on the 2003 film "Elf".
2014: WMGM-TV Ends Affiliation with NBC
In 2014, WMGM-TV, based in Atlantic City, ended its affiliation with NBC.
February 18, 2015: NBC Begins Providing Live Programming Streams of Local Stations
On February 18, 2015, NBC began providing live programming streams of local NBC stations in select markets, available to authenticated subscribers of participating pay television providers.
June 29, 2015: NBC Severs Ties with Miss Universe Organization
NBCUniversal ended its business relationship with the Miss Universe Organization, including the Miss Universe and Miss USA pageants, on June 29, 2015. This decision was made in response to controversial statements about Mexican immigrants made by then-owner Donald Trump.
February 2016: WRAL-TV Rejoins NBC
WRAL-TV in Raleigh, North Carolina rejoined NBC in February 2016.
February 24, 2016: NBC Announces "The More You Know" Children's Block
On February 24, 2016, NBC announced a new Saturday morning block called "The More You Know", programmed by Litton Entertainment and inspired by NBC's public service campaigns.
October 1, 2016: Postponement of "The More You Know" Block Premiere
The debut of "The More You Know" block, originally scheduled for October 1, 2016, was delayed due to NBC's coverage of the 2016 Ryder Cup.
October 8, 2016: "The More You Know" Block Premieres
Following a slight postponement, NBC's "The More You Know" block premiered on October 8, 2016, replacing the "NBC Kids" block.
October 8, 2016: Litton Entertainment Takes Over Weekend Morning Children's Programming
Starting October 8, 2016, Litton Entertainment assumed control of NBC's weekend morning children's programming slot through a time-lease agreement. Targeting teenagers aged 14-16, this three-hour block is branded as "The More You Know."
2016: Donald Trump Launches Presidential Campaign
Donald Trump announced his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016. His controversial remarks during this time led NBC to cut ties with him and the Miss Universe Organization.
2017: NBC Affiliates Pulled from Central America
In 2017, NBC affiliates ceased broadcasting in Nicaragua and other parts of Central America. The decision, driven by concerns over broadcasting rights outside their designated local coverage areas, coincided with similar moves by ABC and CBS affiliates.
2018: WRAL-EX Goes Off Air
The experimental station WRAL-EX went off-air in 2018 as part of the FCC's repacking process.
2018: NFL Games Allowed on Network Websites and Apps
A change to the NFL's mobile rights agreement in the 2018 season allowed games to be streamed through network websites and apps.
2018: NBC Purchases Nashua Station
NBC purchased the Nashua station, formerly known as WYCN-CD, in early 2018 following the FCC spectrum auction.
April 2019: NBC Accused of Wikipedia Manipulation
In April 2019, reports emerged accusing NBC of hiring a firm to influence the content of Wikipedia articles about the network, Nextdoor, and other entities.
August 2019: NBC Invests in The News Broadcasting Corporation of India
In August 2019, NBC made a strategic move in the Indian media landscape by acquiring a minority stake in The News Broadcasting Corporation of India. This investment focused on regional online news properties operating in various local languages, including Hindi, Punjabi, Malayalam, Tamil, Bengali, and Marathi.
2019: NBC Relocates WYCN-LD to Providence
In 2019, NBC purchased the Nashua station (formerly WYCN-CD) and relocated WYCN-LD to Providence, Rhode Island to serve as a Telemundo station for that market.
January 24, 2022: NBC Becomes the Only Major Network with an Affiliate in Every Designated Market Area
On January 24, 2022, when CBS affiliate WBKB-TV in Alpena, Michigan affiliated its DT2 subchannel with NBC, NBC became the only major network with an in-market affiliate in every designated market area in the United States.
July 2022: NBC Announces Closure of Olympic Channel
In July 2022, NBC announced its decision to shut down the Olympic Channel on September 30, promising to reveal plans for future Olympic content later that year.
2022: NBC Provides 87 Hours of Weekly Programming
By 2022, NBC provided 87 hours of regularly scheduled network programming each week.
2022: "Days of Our Lives" Moves to Peacock Streaming Service
Marking the end of an era, "Days of Our Lives" aired its final episode on NBC in 2022 and transitioned to the Peacock streaming service.
January 2024: "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" Reaches 25 Seasons
Debuting in 1999, "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" began its 25th season in January 2024, marking it as the longest-running live-action series in American prime-time television history.