NBC's `Nightly News' goes hi-def

NEW YORK --NBC's "Nightly News" will begin broadcasting in high definition on Monday, the first of the three evening newscasts to offer that option, the network said Tuesday.

NBC News special reports and the network's political coverage will also be offered in high-def. There are no similar plans imminent at the "CBS Evening News" and ABC's "World News," according to those networks.

NBC, owned by General Electric Co., hopes the technology can offer an advantage in a suddenly competitive race. "Nightly News" has dropped behind ABC in the ratings four of the past six weeks.

ABC is owned by Walt Disney Co.