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In a deal that covers programming and promotional efforts for both partners, WNBC-TV, NBC's flagship station, and pubcaster WNET will work together on news, public affairs programming and community outreach activities in the metropolitan marketplace.

WNBC and WNET are expected to announce the deal this evening.

It's believed to be the first time two stations in the marketplace have joined on such a wide-ranging project.

'Total partnership'

According to a source, the year deal is a "total partnership." WNET will alternately air WNBC's locally produced community affairs programs "Visiones" and "Positively Black" Saturday mornings at 11:30. WNBC will continue to air those programs Sunday at 6:30 a.m. on a rotating basis. The program exchange is to start in early April.

In addition, WNBC will help support WNET's annual fund drives, although exactly how that aspect of the deal will work is unclear. A year ago, Tribune-owned WPIX assisted the pubcasting outlet by running a public service spot touting the benefits of public broadcasting and offering WNET membership.

Both stations have agreed to support educational and cultural events throughout the community.

In the past both WNET and WNBC have been criticized by local groups for a lack of minority-oriented public service programming. This deal may be one way to quell such criticism.

It is unclear if the cost of producing "Visiones" and "Positively Black" will be split.

The management, promotion and organizational talent of both stations are expected to work on the projects jointly. Other programming and promotional efforts are expected.