NBCUniversal to launch digital programme initiative

NBCUniversal is making a push into “original, digital-first” programming, which it plans to broadcast across its different digital platforms – including NBC.com and the jointly-owned Hulu.

Among the shows due to debut online is an online Heroes spin-off called Heroes Reborn: Digital Series, as well as show about super-fans who wait in line for Saturday Night Live, called Saturday NightLine.

Other shows reportedly being lined up by Universal Cable Productions are: comedy series Tesla and Twain, which will be loosely based on the friendship between inventor Nikola Tesla and writer Mark Twain, but transported to modern-day California; and coming-of age show Last Single Girl.

“This original, digital-first programming, scaled with the unmatched resources of our company and our production partners, underscores the unparalleled opportunities we can create,” said NBCUniversal’s president of advertising sales, Linda Yaccarino (pictured).

“The combination of digital video alongside television content is extremely powerful and becoming an increasingly important part of the connection advertisers make with consumers.”