KSHB-TV 41 is on a hiring spree as it prepares to become Kansas City's new National Broadcasting Co. Inc. network affiliate.

Station execs say they're searching for 50 to 55 reporters, anchors, producers and other news personnel as they get ready to air more local news.

KSHB's new lineup on NBC will include half-hour newscasts at 6 a.m., noon, 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. Currently, the station's 20-person newsroom puts on one 30-minute newscast at 9 p.m.

"We're doing it show by show," said Mark Olinger, KSHB's news director. "We're looking for the best people we can find."

The station, which is owned by Cincinnati-based Scripps Howard Inc., won't say how much it's spending on the campaign for new talent. People familiar with the operation say that station officials involved in hiring are looking for employees with all levels of experience.

Other local stations don't seem to be worried about the possibility of their staff making the switch to KSHB, the one-time independent that became a Fox...