Phoenix’s KPNX to debut streetside studio

KPNX-TV, the Gannett-owned NBC affiliate in Phoenix, will debut a new studio on the ground floor of the Arizona Republic Building Wednesday.

The station and The Arizona Republic, a daily newspaper also owned by Gannett, have been partners in the news site azcentral.com for many years. Due to FCC rules prohibiting common ownership of a TV station and newspaper in the same market, Gannett has operated the two properties under a “permanent” waiver since the merger in 2000.

The new studio debuts Wednesday at 4:30 a.m. The station is planning a wide variety of special events in conjunction with the debut, some of which, including a visit from Al Roker, have been modified due to the Tuscon shootings and winter storm coverage.