NBC channel now live on PCs, devices in 10 markets

NEW YORK — Television viewers in 10 U.S. markets are now able to watch their local NBC stations live on computers and mobile devices — as long as they are paying customers.

Although the stations are available for free with an antenna, NBC is limiting its free online streaming to cable and satellite TV subscribers. Viewers will need to sign in with their provider’s account information, akin to an approach ABC has taken. CBS doesn’t require a cable or satellite subscription, but it charges $6 a month for its CBS All Access service.

The 10 NBC markets cover New York, Los Angeles and other regions where NBC owns the local station. NBC affiliates, which carry NBC programs but are owned by others, are expected to be added throughout the year. Portland’s KGW is not among the first wave of markets offering streaming.

Wednesday’s announcement comes as television channels look for ways to reach audiences on additional screens. Many cable channels have been offering live and on-demand streaming on personal computers, smartphones and tablets, typically with a cable or satellite TV subscription required.

In requiring a pay-TV subscription, NBC is making it difficult for viewers to drop their cable or satellite service. A few channels, including HBO, Nickelodeon and Showtime, plan to make content available as stand-alone subscriptions. But most channels are taking the same approach as NBC in making viewers pay as part of a broader subscription package.