NBC News Appoints Kevin Delaney as Digital Chief
The former editor in chief of the San Francisco Standard joins the network to oversee digital content and subscription products.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in People
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NBC News has selected media veteran Kevin Delaney to serve as the new head of digital content and subscription. This appointment comes as the network seeks to expand its suite of digital and streaming products.
Why it matters
The leadership change is part of a broader strategy at NBC News to accelerate the development of its digital media offerings. Delaney brings extensive industry experience to help guide the network through its ongoing expansion into streaming.
Kevin Delaney will oversee NBC News digital content and subscription units starting November 16, 2026. He reports directly to executives Catherine Kim and Sat Brainch.
The players
Kevin Delaney
He is the former editor in chief of the San Francisco Standard and a co-founder of the news site Quartz.
Chris Berend
He is the former digital chief of NBC News who is being succeeded by Delaney.
Catherine Kim
She serves as a senior executive at NBC News to whom Delaney will report.
Sat Brainch
He serves as a senior executive at NBC News to whom Delaney will report.
The details
Delaney is a veteran media executive who previously co-founded Quartz and the media company Charter. His career has also included editorial leadership roles at The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and The Information.
Timeline
Kevin Delaney begins his new role on November 16, 2026.
Market Landscape
This move extends the digital-first philosophy Delaney established during the 2012 launch of the news site Quartz into a major broadcast network environment. It positions NBC News to compete more aggressively with other legacy media companies shifting toward subscription-based streaming.
Viewers can expect changes to how digital content is delivered as the network builds out new streaming products. These updates may eventually lead to new subscription tiers or access models for the network's digital library.
The takeaway
The hiring of a founder-level media executive suggests that legacy broadcasters are prioritizing digital innovation to secure future revenue streams. Readers who rely on digital news may see more subscription-based features from traditional networks in the coming year.
Further reading
For more on industry leadership changes, visit our People section.
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