WRAL apps available for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, YouTube TV and Android TV

A leader in new and innovative technologies, WRAL added to its portfolio of over-the-top apps with the launch of a content-rich app for Android TV as well as availability of WRAL and NBC programming on so-called "skinny TV bundles" such as Google TV and DirecTV NOW.

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"We're pleased to be able to offer both longtime and new WRAL viewers a richer user experience with our new OTT apps, and plans are well under way for adding even more video content," said John Conway, general manager of CBC New Media's digital platforms, which includes WRAL.com.

Jake Seaton, WRAL.com's digital product manager, pointed out that unlike traditional television, OTT apps give users "complete control" of their viewing experience, and is not bound by broadcast viewing regions.

"This is such an exciting, untapped ecosystem," Seaton said. "OTT goes several steps further than the on-demand offerings of cable and satellite providers by giving users complete control of what they want to watch and when. Not to mention cord cutters are no longer bound by the strength of a transmitter tower, because these apps are available nationwide."

A recent comScore report shows OTT devices as the fourth most common Internet access points behind desktops, smartphones and tablets. The same report reveals Roku as the dominant device in American homes, accounting for nearly half of the OTT devices in use.

With full integration with Google's DoubleClick for Publishers to allow for video ads to be served locally and targeted to specific types of content, WRAL's OTT apps offer local advertisers unprecedented access to this emerging market.

"The apps ... provide unique opportunities for local advertisers to take advantage of the rapid growth in ownership of OTT devices and usage," Conway said.

The WRAL app's launch on Android TV gives WRAL a presence on the top OTT platforms based on household penetration numbers released by comScore. WRAL videos already can be viewed via Chromecast from the recently updated WRAL News app.

WRAL expects to be added to other popular TV streaming services such as Sling and Play Station Vue in the coming months.