NBC starting the day 'Early'
Ayem big on business and financial news
"Early Today," produced by NBC cable sibling CNBC, will replace the network's "NBC News at Sunrise."
About 90% of NBC's stations have cleared the show. Many NBC stations already air syndicated programs such as "This Morning's Business" from 4:30 a.m. to 5 a.m. instead of "Sunrise," though most of these stations will make room for "Early Today."
Ayem expansion
Morning is one of the few network time periods that is growing in both viewership and ad sales, and "Early Today" is designed to provide a lead-in to NBC stations' early morning local newscasts.
Broadcast from CNBC's Fort Lee, N.J., studios, "Early Today" will feature a heavy dose of business and financial news along with reports on the morning's biggest general news stories.
"A daily program oriented toward business has never been done before on a network level," said David Friend, executive producer for "Early Today."
Nanette Hansen will serve as the show's principal anchor and Stephen Majors will be senior producer.
In addition to domestic breaking news, "Early Today" will feature a daily live report from CNBC's London bureau to monitor the European markets.
Overseas coverage
Reports from CNBC's correspondents in Asia and Europe also will appear frequently. Joe Witte, CNBC meteorologist, will give weather reports each morning.
"This will be perfect for people who wake up and want to get the top general news and the top business news stories," Friend said.
