NBC News has decided to stop airing original programming during primetime hours on its NBC News Now streaming service. This temporary measure is part of an ongoing review of the network's resources. The decision results in the cancellation of Stay Tuned, a show that previously aired live from the West Coast at 8 p.m. The network has also eliminated a small number of positions within the NBCUniversal news unit.
Gadi Schwartz, the correspondent who anchored Stay Tuned, will continue his role with the news division. Producers who worked on the canceled show have been given the opportunity to apply for nearly 50 open positions currently available at NBC News. Many of these roles are located within the Dateline team or the news specials department. There is hope among those familiar with the matter that many of the affected staff members will secure these new positions.
According to sources, the number of employees affected by the position eliminations is small, representing less than 1% of the overall NBC News staff. The changes are intended to streamline operations while maintaining core news functions.
NBC News confirmed that the broadcast of Stay Tuned on Wednesday was the final episode of the series. The network declined to make executives available for comment regarding the specific details of the realignment. Going forward, the primetime schedule on NBC News Now is expected to be filled with re-airs of previous streaming content. The service already includes evening repeats of Tom Llamas' show, Top Story, in its programming lineup.
The move by NBC News reflects a wider trend in the television news industry, where divisions are closely examining staffing levels during a challenging period for media companies. Skydance, the owner of both CNN and CBS News, has recently offered buyouts to staff across its organizations. This initiative is part of a strategy to achieve $6 billion in cost cuts following the significant debt incurred during the combination of Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount. Both CBS News and CNN have conducted rounds of layoffs in recent months.
Despite the cancellation of Stay Tuned, the decision is not viewed as a reduction in commitment to free, ad-supported streaming. The streaming outlet has seen significant growth, with viewing numbers tripling between 2020 and 2025. The service features several prominent anchors, including Savannah Sellers, Tom Fryer, Christine Romans, and Hallie Jackson.
Recent data highlights the competitive strength of NBC News Now in specific demographics. According to a news release from NBC, the audience of viewers aged 25 to 54 who watched the service during the primetime coverage of Election Night was larger than the number of viewers in that same category who watched CBS News' primetime coverage. This performance underscores the continued relevance of the streaming platform despite the programming adjustments.
The realignment aims to optimize the use of resources while keeping the streaming service active and engaging for its audience. By filling the primetime slot with reruns, the network ensures continuous availability of content while it evaluates future original programming options.
Employees within the news division are adapting to the changes, with many looking toward the open roles in Dateline and news specials. The process highlights the ongoing adjustments that news organizations are making to remain financially viable in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
As the industry continues to shift, NBC News remains focused on delivering high-quality journalism through its various platforms. The temporary pause in original primetime streaming allows the network to reassess its strategy and ensure that its resources are aligned with its long-term goals.
