Verizon last week launched a new local TV channel for subscribers to its FiOS TV service in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.
FiOS1 is the company's first owned-and-operated TV channel in the country. Verizon expects to launch similar channels in other markets this year. Michelle Webb, a former ABC News producer, is heading up FiOS1 as executive producer and general manager.
WUSA, the Gannett-owned CBS affiliate in Washington, D.C., will provide news content, and the Associated Press will provide news headlines for on-screen info-bars.
The info-bars, located at the top and bottom of the screen, will have designated areas for the latest traffic, weather, news and community information.
FiOS1 will telecast 20 hours of sports programming a week, including some high school and college games. Verizon is an official partner of Georgetown University Athletics and has secured the rights to air certain George Mason University sporting events.