NBC’s “Today” show gradually expanded from two hours to four. Now competitor “Good Morning America” is stretching – if only online.

ABC said Thursday it will launch a 15-minute “GMA Live” program online that will “bring everyone backstage” right after the television show ends at 9 a.m. Josh Elliott, Lara Spencer, Sam Champion and Amy Robach will be the hosts, talking about the day’s hot topics in a more conversational manner.

The show will stream on the “Good Morning America” and ABC News websites.

Metallica gives OK to stream on Spotify

Metallica is bringing its all-out assault to Spotify.

The company announced the move Thursday during a presentation to debut new features in New York.

Metallica had previously declined to stream its music. Fans can now access 30 years of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band’s recordings.

The move is significant for the band. Metallica was among several acts who sued Napster in 2000, eventually forcing a settlement that required Napster to evolve into a pay-for-use service that became something of a model for today’s streaming companies.

CBS to debut drama in prime-time slot

CBS is giving a special platform to a new cop drama that it will premiere in February.

The drama, “Golden Boy,” features Theo James as the youngest police commissioner in New York City, examining what he needs to do to get the opportunity.

The series is debuting on Tuesday night, Feb. 26, taking advantage of the network’s big audience that night with “NCIS.” It will air on Tuesday the next week, too, before being moved to its regular time slot on Friday nights.

CBS will also bring back the comedy “Rules of Engagement” on Feb. 4. It replaces the now-canceled sitcom “Partners.”

95 to be layed off as Oscar-maker bought

The Chicago company that makes the familiar gold-plated Oscar statues is laying off almost 100 employees as it is bought by a Canadian firm. But some workers could be rehired.

R.S. Owens & Co. Inc. said this week in a notice to the Illinois Department of Commerce that it will lay off 95 workers Dec. 17, when it is purchased by St. Regis Crystal of Canada. The business-data website Hoovers says R.S. Owens has about 250 employees.

R.S. Owens President Scott Siegel said many employees have applied to work for the new company but he isn’t sure how many will be hired.

Oscar and Emmy statues will still be made in Chicago.