Former NBC chief Paul Telegdy is getting into the podcast business.
Telegdy, who left the network in August 2020, has teamed up with Access Hollywood host Mario Lopez and The Rookie star Eric Winter, to develop a sci-fi podcast, Zone of Silence.
It marks one of the first projects to be unveiled by Telegdy since he set up The Whole Spiel with his cousin, Stefan Telegdy. In 2022, he was involved in a Falklands war drama series that was being shopped.
Zone of Silence, which is made in Spanish and English, is being produced by The Whole Spiel and Sonoro.
There are plans to develop it as a scripted television series as well as in other mediums.
The podcast will be centered around Mexico’s often mythicized Zone of Silence, a patch of desert in Durango where no radio signals can be received, which according to urban legend is caused by supernatural forces.
Telegdy, who left the network in August 2020, has teamed up with Access Hollywood host Mario Lopez and The Rookie star Eric Winter, to develop a sci-fi podcast, Zone of Silence.
It marks one of the first projects to be unveiled by Telegdy since he set up The Whole Spiel with his cousin, Stefan Telegdy. In 2022, he was involved in a Falklands war drama series that was being shopped.
Zone of Silence, which is made in Spanish and English, is being produced by The Whole Spiel and Sonoro.
There are plans to develop it as a scripted television series as well as in other mediums.
The podcast will be centered around Mexico’s often mythicized Zone of Silence, a patch of desert in Durango where no radio signals can be received, which according to urban legend is caused by supernatural forces.
- 5/9/2024
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
The Whole Spiel — the new company co-founded by former NBC Entertainment chairman Paul Telegdy — and Red Bull’s Terra Mater Studios have teamed up to develop a slate of drama series. The projects include a reimagined “Tarzan” series, wildlife crime investigation “Rogue,” geopolitical drama “A New King” and true history drama “The Executioner.”
In collaboration with Shingle Media and Friendly Fire, the “Tarzan” series will reimagine Edgar Rice Burroughs’ iconic hero for a new generation. The plot will follow Tarzan and Jane defending their home against fortune hunters who come to Africa.
“Rogue,” created and written by National Geographic Explorer Derek Joubert, is a thriller series set in the underground world of illegal wildlife trading. It will follow a multi-billion-dollar global conspiracy in the heart of Africa that shatters lives while fueling the narcotics trade, arms dealing and terrorism. The series will be co-produced with Joubert’s Wildlife Films.
Set inside a wealthy aristocratic family,...
In collaboration with Shingle Media and Friendly Fire, the “Tarzan” series will reimagine Edgar Rice Burroughs’ iconic hero for a new generation. The plot will follow Tarzan and Jane defending their home against fortune hunters who come to Africa.
“Rogue,” created and written by National Geographic Explorer Derek Joubert, is a thriller series set in the underground world of illegal wildlife trading. It will follow a multi-billion-dollar global conspiracy in the heart of Africa that shatters lives while fueling the narcotics trade, arms dealing and terrorism. The series will be co-produced with Joubert’s Wildlife Films.
Set inside a wealthy aristocratic family,...
- 10/13/2023
- by Caroline Brew
- Variety Film + TV
The Americas, an epic natural history series, was first ordered more than three years ago by then-NBC boss Paul Telegdy.
The series is now set to air on the network next year as part of its midseason schedule and will be narrated by Tom Hanks.
It marks the first unscripted entertainment series narrated by the Toy Story star.
The ten-part series comes from Planet Earth producer BBC Studios Natural History Unit in association with Universal Television Alternative Studio.
The Americas will also feature music by two-time Oscar winner Hans Zimmer.
The series will employ revolutionary filmmaking technology that will showcase the wonders, secrets and fragilities of the Americas – Earth’s largest landmass and the only one to stretch between both poles – and reveal extraordinary, untold wildlife stories that deeply connect with millions around the world.
The Americas is executive produced by wildlife producer Mike Gunton (Planet Earth II) for BBC Studios Natural History Unit.
The series is now set to air on the network next year as part of its midseason schedule and will be narrated by Tom Hanks.
It marks the first unscripted entertainment series narrated by the Toy Story star.
The ten-part series comes from Planet Earth producer BBC Studios Natural History Unit in association with Universal Television Alternative Studio.
The Americas will also feature music by two-time Oscar winner Hans Zimmer.
The series will employ revolutionary filmmaking technology that will showcase the wonders, secrets and fragilities of the Americas – Earth’s largest landmass and the only one to stretch between both poles – and reveal extraordinary, untold wildlife stories that deeply connect with millions around the world.
The Americas is executive produced by wildlife producer Mike Gunton (Planet Earth II) for BBC Studios Natural History Unit.
- 5/12/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Rob Wade has been promoted to CEO of Fox Entertainment following the exit of former chief Charlie Collier.
“Since the formation of Fox Entertainment, Rob has been an integral part of the leadership team responsible for delivering on its long-term strategy of creating an independent media company built on broadcast, developing an owned content portfolio and maintaining a disciplined in-house infrastructure,” Fox Corp. executive chief and CEO Lachlan Murdoch said in a statement Thursday. “Given Rob’s sharp creative instincts and proven operational acumen, he is well-suited to lead Fox Entertainment in what promises to be an exciting next chapter in its rich history.”
Insiders noted that although it was a “nailbiter” internally as staff waited to see who might replace Collier, ultimately Wade’s already tight relationship with Murdoch sealed the deal. Wade has been at the forefront of major Fox initiatives in recent years — most notably, the network...
“Since the formation of Fox Entertainment, Rob has been an integral part of the leadership team responsible for delivering on its long-term strategy of creating an independent media company built on broadcast, developing an owned content portfolio and maintaining a disciplined in-house infrastructure,” Fox Corp. executive chief and CEO Lachlan Murdoch said in a statement Thursday. “Given Rob’s sharp creative instincts and proven operational acumen, he is well-suited to lead Fox Entertainment in what promises to be an exciting next chapter in its rich history.”
Insiders noted that although it was a “nailbiter” internally as staff waited to see who might replace Collier, ultimately Wade’s already tight relationship with Murdoch sealed the deal. Wade has been at the forefront of major Fox initiatives in recent years — most notably, the network...
- 10/6/2022
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Fox’s reality supremo Rob Wade has been elevated to CEO of Fox Entertainment.
Wade, previously President, Alternative Entertainment and Specials of Fox Entertainment, has landed the top job vacated by Charlie Collier, who exited last month to join streamer Roku. Wade will report to Lachlan Murdoch, Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Fox Corporation.
In his new role, Wade will oversee Fox Entertainment’s portfolio, which includes animation house Bento Box Entertainment; MarVista Entertainment; TMZ; the in-house unscripted studio Fox Alternative Entertainment, which he launched; Studio Ramsay Global, in whose creation he was deeply involved; scripted content creator Fox Entertainment Studios; Blockchain Creative Labs; and the Fox Entertainment Global content sales unit.
“Since the formation of Fox Entertainment, Rob has been an integral part of the leadership team responsible for delivering on its long-term strategy of creating an independent media company built on broadcast, developing an owned content...
Wade, previously President, Alternative Entertainment and Specials of Fox Entertainment, has landed the top job vacated by Charlie Collier, who exited last month to join streamer Roku. Wade will report to Lachlan Murdoch, Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Fox Corporation.
In his new role, Wade will oversee Fox Entertainment’s portfolio, which includes animation house Bento Box Entertainment; MarVista Entertainment; TMZ; the in-house unscripted studio Fox Alternative Entertainment, which he launched; Studio Ramsay Global, in whose creation he was deeply involved; scripted content creator Fox Entertainment Studios; Blockchain Creative Labs; and the Fox Entertainment Global content sales unit.
“Since the formation of Fox Entertainment, Rob has been an integral part of the leadership team responsible for delivering on its long-term strategy of creating an independent media company built on broadcast, developing an owned content...
- 10/6/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva and Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Jenny Groom, the top executive at NBCUniveral’s unscripted division, is leaving her position at the company, an individual with knowledge of the situation confirmed to TheWrap.
Groom, who got her start as an NBC page, was made EVP of Entertainment Unscripted Content in 2020 after working at the network for nearly two decades. In her role, she headed up reality and competition series for NBC and Peacock under NBCU’s Entertainment Television and Streaming portfolio, which also counts Bravo, E!, Oxygen, Syfy, Universal Kids and USA Network among its ranks. Shows under Groom’s domain included “The Voice,” “America’s Got Talent,” “American Ninja Warrior” and “Temptation Island.”
A previous SVP of Alternative Programming and Development group, the Texas native launched and developed series like “Little Big Shots,” “Better Late Than Never,” and “The Wall.” In 2017, she was promoted to head of the Alternative department under Paul Telegdy, former boss of...
Groom, who got her start as an NBC page, was made EVP of Entertainment Unscripted Content in 2020 after working at the network for nearly two decades. In her role, she headed up reality and competition series for NBC and Peacock under NBCU’s Entertainment Television and Streaming portfolio, which also counts Bravo, E!, Oxygen, Syfy, Universal Kids and USA Network among its ranks. Shows under Groom’s domain included “The Voice,” “America’s Got Talent,” “American Ninja Warrior” and “Temptation Island.”
A previous SVP of Alternative Programming and Development group, the Texas native launched and developed series like “Little Big Shots,” “Better Late Than Never,” and “The Wall.” In 2017, she was promoted to head of the Alternative department under Paul Telegdy, former boss of...
- 7/26/2022
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
Click here to read the full article.
NBCUniversal is making a change at the top of its reality division.
Jenny Groom, who was tapped in 2020 to oversee reality and game shows for Susan Rovner’s entertainment portfolio, is out at the company. Sources say Rovner wanted to make a change at the division based on the overall performance of Groom’s unscripted shows at NBC, Peacock and the rest of the cable portfolio. Sources say the company is near a deal with a candidate to replace the well-liked executive.
Rovner selected Groom and Rod Aissa to jointly run unscripted. Groom handled reality and talent competition shows and game shows, while Aissa handled docuseries. The structure is expected to remain the same with a new exec taking over Groom’s role, which together with Aissa, consists of more than 200 unscripted shows.
Groom started as a page with NBC in 2003 and became...
NBCUniversal is making a change at the top of its reality division.
Jenny Groom, who was tapped in 2020 to oversee reality and game shows for Susan Rovner’s entertainment portfolio, is out at the company. Sources say Rovner wanted to make a change at the division based on the overall performance of Groom’s unscripted shows at NBC, Peacock and the rest of the cable portfolio. Sources say the company is near a deal with a candidate to replace the well-liked executive.
Rovner selected Groom and Rod Aissa to jointly run unscripted. Groom handled reality and talent competition shows and game shows, while Aissa handled docuseries. The structure is expected to remain the same with a new exec taking over Groom’s role, which together with Aissa, consists of more than 200 unscripted shows.
Groom started as a page with NBC in 2003 and became...
- 7/26/2022
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Whole Spiel and Lone Wolf Pictures are developing a fantasy drama television series based on Anthony Ryan’s “Raven’s Shadow Trilogy” and “Raven’s Blade” duology books.
The series is going under a working title of “Queen of Fire.”
The series will follow the story of five characters “in a shared destiny of another world, divided into warring nations, where the politics are as cut-throat as any own real-world history,” per Lone Wolf Pictures.
“I am thrilled with the production’s fresh, original and expansive vision for adapting my books and stories for global screen audiences and core fans alike,” Ryan said in a statement. “It is an exciting opportunity to collaborate closely with the creative team in bringing my universe and characters to life on screen.”
Also Read:
What Is ‘House of the Dragon’ About? How HBO’s Prequel Series Connects to ‘Game of Thrones’
Lone Wolf...
The series is going under a working title of “Queen of Fire.”
The series will follow the story of five characters “in a shared destiny of another world, divided into warring nations, where the politics are as cut-throat as any own real-world history,” per Lone Wolf Pictures.
“I am thrilled with the production’s fresh, original and expansive vision for adapting my books and stories for global screen audiences and core fans alike,” Ryan said in a statement. “It is an exciting opportunity to collaborate closely with the creative team in bringing my universe and characters to life on screen.”
Also Read:
What Is ‘House of the Dragon’ About? How HBO’s Prequel Series Connects to ‘Game of Thrones’
Lone Wolf...
- 7/8/2022
- by Jolie Lash
- The Wrap
Paul Telegdy’s The Whole Spiel is pacting with Lone Wolf Pictures to develop another project, this one based on the fantasy novel “Queen of Fire” and the other books in the “Raven’s Shadow” and “Raven’s Blade” books.
The adventure drama series, currently with the working title “Queen of Fire,” would follow legends, worlds and characters created by author Anthony Ryan in both the “Raven’s Shadow” trilogy and “Raven’s Blade” duology books, as well as collections of short stories written by The New York Times and international-bestselling storyteller.
Stephen McDonogh, Telegdy and Ryan would executive produce, with showrunners to be named later. With an eye toward turning the franchise into a multi-season fantasy TV series, Lone Wolf Pictures acquired exclusive rights to the Penguin Random House published multi-volume universe.
According to Lone Wolf and The Whole Spiel, the “Raven’s Shadow” books “Blood Song,” “Tower Lord...
The adventure drama series, currently with the working title “Queen of Fire,” would follow legends, worlds and characters created by author Anthony Ryan in both the “Raven’s Shadow” trilogy and “Raven’s Blade” duology books, as well as collections of short stories written by The New York Times and international-bestselling storyteller.
Stephen McDonogh, Telegdy and Ryan would executive produce, with showrunners to be named later. With an eye toward turning the franchise into a multi-season fantasy TV series, Lone Wolf Pictures acquired exclusive rights to the Penguin Random House published multi-volume universe.
According to Lone Wolf and The Whole Spiel, the “Raven’s Shadow” books “Blood Song,” “Tower Lord...
- 7/8/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Stephen McDonogh’s Lone Wolf Pictures has acquired rights to Anthony Ryan’s Raven’s Shadow fantasy book franchise to develop into a television series. Paul Telegdy and Stefan Telegdy’s The Whole Spiel will executive produce the project.
Tentatively titled Queen of Fire, the TV series will feature the legends, worlds and characters of the Raven’s Shadow book trilogy, its sequel, the Raven’s Blade duology, and collections of Raven’s Shadow short stories written by Ryan.
It follows the journeys of five characters in a shared destiny of another world, divided into warring nations, where the politics are as cut-throat as any own real-world history. That includes Lyrna, an enslaved princess who, despite the malign manipulations of her father, rises to lead an empire in uncovering the truth of the forbidden powers of the Dark; Reva, a young woman, born to privilege, stolen from her loving home,...
Tentatively titled Queen of Fire, the TV series will feature the legends, worlds and characters of the Raven’s Shadow book trilogy, its sequel, the Raven’s Blade duology, and collections of Raven’s Shadow short stories written by Ryan.
It follows the journeys of five characters in a shared destiny of another world, divided into warring nations, where the politics are as cut-throat as any own real-world history. That includes Lyrna, an enslaved princess who, despite the malign manipulations of her father, rises to lead an empire in uncovering the truth of the forbidden powers of the Dark; Reva, a young woman, born to privilege, stolen from her loving home,...
- 7/8/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Former NBC Entertainment chairman Paul Telegdy has launched a new shingle with his cousin, Berlin-based advertising exec Stefan Telegdy, and they are pitching their first TV project, a 10-episode series about the Falklands/Malvinas War of 1982.
The Telegdys’ The Whole Spiel production company has partnered with Lone Wolf Pictures and Infinity Hill to produce “The Islands,” which tells the story of that 1982 war, from the perspective of the soldiers and civilians on both sides of the 74-day conflict.
Argentine writer Sebastian Rotstein is writing the screenplay for the show, which will employ writers and directors from both the U.K. and Argentina to tell the full story.
Lone Wolf Prods. has secured rights to several published works about the war to use as source material, and is also working with military and civilian consultants including war correspondent Sir Max Hastings and Sir Simon Jenkins (“The Battle for the Falklands”); Cdr Sharkey Ward Dsc,...
The Telegdys’ The Whole Spiel production company has partnered with Lone Wolf Pictures and Infinity Hill to produce “The Islands,” which tells the story of that 1982 war, from the perspective of the soldiers and civilians on both sides of the 74-day conflict.
Argentine writer Sebastian Rotstein is writing the screenplay for the show, which will employ writers and directors from both the U.K. and Argentina to tell the full story.
Lone Wolf Prods. has secured rights to several published works about the war to use as source material, and is also working with military and civilian consultants including war correspondent Sir Max Hastings and Sir Simon Jenkins (“The Battle for the Falklands”); Cdr Sharkey Ward Dsc,...
- 5/19/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
The Islands, a 10-episode drama series, is in the works from BBC alum Stephen McDonogh’s Lone Wolf Pictures, Axel Kuschevatzky, Phin Glynn and Cindy Teperman’s Infinity Hill as well as The Whole Spiel, the company launched last year by former NBC Entertainment Chairman Paul Telegdy and his cousin, Stefan Telegdy.
The series, which is being shopped to networks and streamers, tells the story of the Falklands-Malvinas War of 1982 from the point of view of the people who were there and with the involvement of writers and filmmakers from both UK and Argentina. Writing is already underway, with Argentine film and TV writer Sebastian Rotstein on board.
The Islands is not a story of failed diplomacy or geo-politics — an angle recently explored on The Crown — but rather an epic portrayal of the brutal realities they brought to a group of extraordinary human beings...
The series, which is being shopped to networks and streamers, tells the story of the Falklands-Malvinas War of 1982 from the point of view of the people who were there and with the involvement of writers and filmmakers from both UK and Argentina. Writing is already underway, with Argentine film and TV writer Sebastian Rotstein on board.
The Islands is not a story of failed diplomacy or geo-politics — an angle recently explored on The Crown — but rather an epic portrayal of the brutal realities they brought to a group of extraordinary human beings...
- 5/19/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Debris is done.
NBC has canceled the sci-fi drama after one season. The Jonathan Tucker-led sci-fi drama was picked up and filmed during the pandemic and, while it was an internal favorite of the network’s previous regime, did not cut through with viewers.
A co-production between Legendary Television and Universal TV, the drama from Fringe‘s J.H. Wyman was NBC’s first drama pilot and subsequent series order when the network was overseen by Paul Telegdy. With Susan Rovner and Frances Berwick now overseeing the network as part of a sprawling portfolio at NBCUniversal, the series will now not return ...
NBC has canceled the sci-fi drama after one season. The Jonathan Tucker-led sci-fi drama was picked up and filmed during the pandemic and, while it was an internal favorite of the network’s previous regime, did not cut through with viewers.
A co-production between Legendary Television and Universal TV, the drama from Fringe‘s J.H. Wyman was NBC’s first drama pilot and subsequent series order when the network was overseen by Paul Telegdy. With Susan Rovner and Frances Berwick now overseeing the network as part of a sprawling portfolio at NBCUniversal, the series will now not return ...
- 5/27/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Debris is done.
NBC has canceled the sci-fi drama after one season. The Jonathan Tucker-led sci-fi drama was picked up and filmed during the pandemic and, while it was an internal favorite of the network’s previous regime, did not cut through with viewers.
A co-production between Legendary Television and Universal TV, the drama from Fringe‘s J.H. Wyman was NBC’s first drama pilot and subsequent series order when the network was overseen by Paul Telegdy. With Susan Rovner and Frances Berwick now overseeing the network as part of a sprawling portfolio at NBCUniversal, the series will now not return ...
NBC has canceled the sci-fi drama after one season. The Jonathan Tucker-led sci-fi drama was picked up and filmed during the pandemic and, while it was an internal favorite of the network’s previous regime, did not cut through with viewers.
A co-production between Legendary Television and Universal TV, the drama from Fringe‘s J.H. Wyman was NBC’s first drama pilot and subsequent series order when the network was overseen by Paul Telegdy. With Susan Rovner and Frances Berwick now overseeing the network as part of a sprawling portfolio at NBCUniversal, the series will now not return ...
- 5/27/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Susan Rovner finalized her Entertainment Content executive team on Tuesday, a few months after she joined NBCUniversal to lead its newly formed development unit.
Rovner was hired last year over from Warner Bros. to lead NBCU’s Entertainment Content (i.e. program development) business. That came after a massive reorganization under NBCU CEO Jeff Shell, who restructured the television side of the business into three parts: direct to consumer, entertainment programming and entertainment business. Peacock chief Matt Strauss runs the direct to consumer unit, while Frances Berwick heads up the entertainment business division, where she’ll work closely with Rovner.
As part of Tuesday’s restructure, roughly 50 people will be leaving the company, with the majority coming from inside the division. There were additional cuts in scheduling, acquisitions and marketing.
Here is how the new structure under Rovner is laid out:
Under Lisa Katz, President, Scripted Content: Cara Dellaverson & Alex Sepiol...
Rovner was hired last year over from Warner Bros. to lead NBCU’s Entertainment Content (i.e. program development) business. That came after a massive reorganization under NBCU CEO Jeff Shell, who restructured the television side of the business into three parts: direct to consumer, entertainment programming and entertainment business. Peacock chief Matt Strauss runs the direct to consumer unit, while Frances Berwick heads up the entertainment business division, where she’ll work closely with Rovner.
As part of Tuesday’s restructure, roughly 50 people will be leaving the company, with the majority coming from inside the division. There were additional cuts in scheduling, acquisitions and marketing.
Here is how the new structure under Rovner is laid out:
Under Lisa Katz, President, Scripted Content: Cara Dellaverson & Alex Sepiol...
- 2/2/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Exclusive: BBC Studios has been ambitious and wide-ranging in its search for a new chief executive, but after nearly six months of recruiting, sources say that BBC director general Tim Davie is no closer to landing the big name he desires.
Deadline has spoken to several well-placed sources about why the executive hunt, which began in July last year, is yet to be resolved at a crucial time for the Doctor Who and Top Gear producer, as it grapples with the headwinds of coronavirus and the quickening revolution in streaming.
Running BBC Studios remains one of the most prized jobs in the British industry, overseeing a £1.4 billion ($1.9B) empire of production, distribution, and broadcasting assets. But it has proved to be the wrong job or the wrong time for a number of high-profile candidates approached by Egon Zehnder headhunters.
Deadline understands that Davie, himself the former CEO of BBC Studios,...
Deadline has spoken to several well-placed sources about why the executive hunt, which began in July last year, is yet to be resolved at a crucial time for the Doctor Who and Top Gear producer, as it grapples with the headwinds of coronavirus and the quickening revolution in streaming.
Running BBC Studios remains one of the most prized jobs in the British industry, overseeing a £1.4 billion ($1.9B) empire of production, distribution, and broadcasting assets. But it has proved to be the wrong job or the wrong time for a number of high-profile candidates approached by Egon Zehnder headhunters.
Deadline understands that Davie, himself the former CEO of BBC Studios,...
- 1/15/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Heather Olander, executive vice president of alternative development and programming for NBCUniversal’s USA Network, Syfy and Peacock, is exiting the company after nine years. Separately, Peacock content acquisition and strategy exec Frances Manfredi is departing as part of the greater corporate restructuring of the last few months.
Having first joined NBCU in 2011 as senior vice president of alternative programming for cabler USA Network following stints in original series development and current programming at CBS and MTV, Olander is credited with building USA’s unscripted business from the ground up and expanding the network’s footprint in reality. in 2014, Olander folded in programming duties for sister cable network Syfy; in 2019, Olander began overseeing alternative development for NBCU’s newly launched ad-supported streaming service Peacock.
She had previously reported to longtime NBCU programming exec Bill McGoldrick, who had spent nearly two decades at the company and exited a month ago.
Olander...
Having first joined NBCU in 2011 as senior vice president of alternative programming for cabler USA Network following stints in original series development and current programming at CBS and MTV, Olander is credited with building USA’s unscripted business from the ground up and expanding the network’s footprint in reality. in 2014, Olander folded in programming duties for sister cable network Syfy; in 2019, Olander began overseeing alternative development for NBCU’s newly launched ad-supported streaming service Peacock.
She had previously reported to longtime NBCU programming exec Bill McGoldrick, who had spent nearly two decades at the company and exited a month ago.
Olander...
- 12/17/2020
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
To say that 2020 requires a certain fortitude of the spirit, an ability to roll with the punches, is perhaps an understatement.
Amid the backdrop of the pandemic and the ongoing, years-long digestion of several mega-mergers, from Disney-Fox to ViacomCBS to AT&T’s WarnerMedia, pretty much every legacy entertainment house in town is in the process of maneuvering a massive ship-turning effort to better point their armadas in the direction of streaming.
This digital-first weltanschauung is itself unsurprising; that writing has been on the wall for years. But it has prompted realignments that are still trickling through corporate hierarchies as we approach the new year — as evidenced by the semi-monthly assortment of restructuring and layoff announcements — and slowly spelling out what it means to be a Hollywood executive in the new era.
With the Walt Disney Company’s latest reorganization of its television business under Disney TV entertainment chief Dana Walden,...
Amid the backdrop of the pandemic and the ongoing, years-long digestion of several mega-mergers, from Disney-Fox to ViacomCBS to AT&T’s WarnerMedia, pretty much every legacy entertainment house in town is in the process of maneuvering a massive ship-turning effort to better point their armadas in the direction of streaming.
This digital-first weltanschauung is itself unsurprising; that writing has been on the wall for years. But it has prompted realignments that are still trickling through corporate hierarchies as we approach the new year — as evidenced by the semi-monthly assortment of restructuring and layoff announcements — and slowly spelling out what it means to be a Hollywood executive in the new era.
With the Walt Disney Company’s latest reorganization of its television business under Disney TV entertainment chief Dana Walden,...
- 12/2/2020
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
Amid the ongoing NBCUniversal restructuring, additional layoffs are being enacted across the television and streaming division’s entertainment networks business. The cuts, being implemented today, impact fewer than 5% of employees in the division helmed by Frances Berwick, according to a source familiar with the matter.
And more job cuts are likely to occur in early 2021 on the content side of the business, which is now under the purview of new TV and streaming programming chief Susan Rovner, who joined the company last month.
The personnel reduction is part of the planned changes that NBCUniversal, and comes on the heels of several rounds of leadership reshuffling at the entertainment giant, which has included the exits of execs such as USA Network and Syfy boss Chris McCumber and longtime programming exec Bill McGoldrick, who had most recently served as head of programming for NBCU’s streaming service Peacock. NBC Entertainment chief Paul Telegdy...
And more job cuts are likely to occur in early 2021 on the content side of the business, which is now under the purview of new TV and streaming programming chief Susan Rovner, who joined the company last month.
The personnel reduction is part of the planned changes that NBCUniversal, and comes on the heels of several rounds of leadership reshuffling at the entertainment giant, which has included the exits of execs such as USA Network and Syfy boss Chris McCumber and longtime programming exec Bill McGoldrick, who had most recently served as head of programming for NBCU’s streaming service Peacock. NBC Entertainment chief Paul Telegdy...
- 11/18/2020
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
Five weeks after joining NBCUniversal, Susan Rovner has put her stamp on the company’s TV and streaming division by setting her programming leadership team.
The main takeaways from the reshuffle, which Rovner shared via an internal memo, are Lisa Katz becoming President of Scripted Content and Rovner splitting the unscripted portfolio between reality shows and competition formats/game shows.
Interestingly, five of the six execs named to the leadership are women.
The latest reshuffle, which follows the restructure by Television and Streaming chairman Mark Lazarus, has led to the departure of Bill McGoldrick, President of Original Content at NBCUniversal Entertainment Networks and Direct-to-Consumer.
McGoldrick, who most recently oversaw original content for Peacock and scripted series across its cable group, is the latest top exec to exit NBCUni. On Monday, it was revealed that NBC’s Co-President of Scripted Programming Tracey Pakosta was moving to Netflix to become Head of Comedy,...
The main takeaways from the reshuffle, which Rovner shared via an internal memo, are Lisa Katz becoming President of Scripted Content and Rovner splitting the unscripted portfolio between reality shows and competition formats/game shows.
Interestingly, five of the six execs named to the leadership are women.
The latest reshuffle, which follows the restructure by Television and Streaming chairman Mark Lazarus, has led to the departure of Bill McGoldrick, President of Original Content at NBCUniversal Entertainment Networks and Direct-to-Consumer.
McGoldrick, who most recently oversaw original content for Peacock and scripted series across its cable group, is the latest top exec to exit NBCUni. On Monday, it was revealed that NBC’s Co-President of Scripted Programming Tracey Pakosta was moving to Netflix to become Head of Comedy,...
- 11/17/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Bill McGoldrick is departing his post as President, Original Content, NBCUniversal Entertainment Networks and Direct-to-Consumer. He just informed his staff of his exit in an email.
“As we all know, the industry is changing rapidly and our company is transforming in ways that will undoubtedly allow it to continue to thrive, grow and succeed,” he wrote. “That said, it has become clear that there simply isn’t an appropriate role for me in the new structure.” (You can read the full letter below).
McGoldrick, a well liked executive within and outside NBCU, is the latest top-level veteran NBCU TV executive to leave in the last couple of months as the company’s Television and Streaming division, run by Mark Lazarus, underwent a reorganization.
The first announcement in August, in which Lazarus unveiled the new centralized structure, included the exit of NBC Entertainment Chairman Paul Telegdy as all NBCU English-language linear...
“As we all know, the industry is changing rapidly and our company is transforming in ways that will undoubtedly allow it to continue to thrive, grow and succeed,” he wrote. “That said, it has become clear that there simply isn’t an appropriate role for me in the new structure.” (You can read the full letter below).
McGoldrick, a well liked executive within and outside NBCU, is the latest top-level veteran NBCU TV executive to leave in the last couple of months as the company’s Television and Streaming division, run by Mark Lazarus, underwent a reorganization.
The first announcement in August, in which Lazarus unveiled the new centralized structure, included the exit of NBC Entertainment Chairman Paul Telegdy as all NBCU English-language linear...
- 11/17/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Universal Content Productions, otherwise known as Ucp, has tapped Hulu head of originals Beatrice Springborn to lead the Universal Studio Group-owned division. The move comes just two months after the elevation of Pearlena Igbokwe to Universal Studio Group chairman amid a broader shakeup within NBCUniversal top brass.
“If you want to build a winning team, you have to draft all-star players,” said Igbokwe. “Beatrice has broad industry experience and is one of the town’s most respected executives. The distinctive series that she has championed throughout her career speak to her creative instincts and I’m confident that she is the right person to grow the Ucp brand while continuing to position the studio as one of the industry’s leading suppliers of premium television.”
Springborn, who has been with Hulu since 2014 as vice president of content development, will oversee all of Ucp’s slate, from Netflix’s “The Umbrella Academy...
“If you want to build a winning team, you have to draft all-star players,” said Igbokwe. “Beatrice has broad industry experience and is one of the town’s most respected executives. The distinctive series that she has championed throughout her career speak to her creative instincts and I’m confident that she is the right person to grow the Ucp brand while continuing to position the studio as one of the industry’s leading suppliers of premium television.”
Springborn, who has been with Hulu since 2014 as vice president of content development, will oversee all of Ucp’s slate, from Netflix’s “The Umbrella Academy...
- 11/16/2020
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
NBC Co-President of Scripted Programming Tracey Pakosta is leaving the broadcast network to join Netflix as head of comedy, reporting to Global TV head Bela Bajaria.
Pakosta will oversee both development and current programming for Netflix’s slate of scripted comedy series including adult animation and live-action family comedies. Pakosta will also oversee the stand-up and comedy formats team.
Pakosta emerged as the leading candidate for the job when it became vacant last month following the exit of Jane Wiseman. That is because she is a veteran comedy executive and has worked for Bajaria. Additionally, there has been uncertainty at NBC following the recent restructuring that included the exit of NBC Entertainment chairman Paul Telegdy and the...
Pakosta will oversee both development and current programming for Netflix’s slate of scripted comedy series including adult animation and live-action family comedies. Pakosta will also oversee the stand-up and comedy formats team.
Pakosta emerged as the leading candidate for the job when it became vacant last month following the exit of Jane Wiseman. That is because she is a veteran comedy executive and has worked for Bajaria. Additionally, there has been uncertainty at NBC following the recent restructuring that included the exit of NBC Entertainment chairman Paul Telegdy and the...
- 11/16/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Comcast reported third-quarter 2020 earnings Thursday, revealing a 37% decline in profit due to heavy losses at the box office and theme parks but a 49% increase in home entertainment revenue with the on-demand release of “Trolls World Tour,” which skipped theaters in March due to Covid-19.
The media giant’s theatrical arm was hit hard — as it has been across the board for companies amid the pandemic — with box office revenue falling 94.75%.
Revenue at Comcast’s Universal theme parks fell 81% in the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2020, the company said on Thursday, due to Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Japan operating at limited capacity, while Universal Studios Hollywood remains closed as a result of Covid-19.
Meanwhile, Comcast said signups for its Peacock streaming service are nearing 22 million since it launched nationwide in July. In September, the company reported the streaming service had topped 15 million signups to date, exactly two months after its full rollout.
The media giant’s theatrical arm was hit hard — as it has been across the board for companies amid the pandemic — with box office revenue falling 94.75%.
Revenue at Comcast’s Universal theme parks fell 81% in the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2020, the company said on Thursday, due to Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Japan operating at limited capacity, while Universal Studios Hollywood remains closed as a result of Covid-19.
Meanwhile, Comcast said signups for its Peacock streaming service are nearing 22 million since it launched nationwide in July. In September, the company reported the streaming service had topped 15 million signups to date, exactly two months after its full rollout.
- 10/29/2020
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Jeff Wachtel has exited NBCUniversal after almost 20 years with the company, most recently serving as president of NBCUniversal International Studios, according to Deadline.
The longtime NBCU exec is leaving amid issues about respect in the workplace and just a few days after the exit of unscripted TV chief Meredith Ahr following an investigation into her and former NBC Entertainment chairman Paul Telegdy’s workplace behavior.
Telegdy and Ahr were both accused by multiple employees of fostering a toxic workplace environment. Telegdy was let go in August amid a larger NBCU shakeup.
In a bombshell report on July 31 by The Hollywood Reporter, Telegdy was accused of numerous transgressions including mocking gay executives to their faces, using homophobic and misogynistic slurs and making disparaging comments about others’ physical appearance. Telegdy and Ahr were both accused of creating a “terrible, even traumatizing experience” in the reality division.
Per Deadline, sources say there were...
The longtime NBCU exec is leaving amid issues about respect in the workplace and just a few days after the exit of unscripted TV chief Meredith Ahr following an investigation into her and former NBC Entertainment chairman Paul Telegdy’s workplace behavior.
Telegdy and Ahr were both accused by multiple employees of fostering a toxic workplace environment. Telegdy was let go in August amid a larger NBCU shakeup.
In a bombshell report on July 31 by The Hollywood Reporter, Telegdy was accused of numerous transgressions including mocking gay executives to their faces, using homophobic and misogynistic slurs and making disparaging comments about others’ physical appearance. Telegdy and Ahr were both accused of creating a “terrible, even traumatizing experience” in the reality division.
Per Deadline, sources say there were...
- 10/16/2020
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
There’s another shake-up at NBCUniversal.
NBC International Studios president Jeff Wachtel is out after a nearly 20-year run. Sources say there were discussions over concerns that were raised regarding respect in the workplace that prompted his immediate exit from the company. A search is under way for a replacement.
Wachtel’s departure comes days after Meredith Ahr, NBC’s top unscripted exec, was dismissed following an investigation into claims that she and former NBC entertainment president Paul Telegdy fostered a toxic culture at the network. The inquiry sprang from a Hollywood Reporter report on allegations of homophobic, misogynistic and racist behavior, especially within ...
NBC International Studios president Jeff Wachtel is out after a nearly 20-year run. Sources say there were discussions over concerns that were raised regarding respect in the workplace that prompted his immediate exit from the company. A search is under way for a replacement.
Wachtel’s departure comes days after Meredith Ahr, NBC’s top unscripted exec, was dismissed following an investigation into claims that she and former NBC entertainment president Paul Telegdy fostered a toxic culture at the network. The inquiry sprang from a Hollywood Reporter report on allegations of homophobic, misogynistic and racist behavior, especially within ...
- 10/16/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
There’s another shake-up at NBCUniversal.
NBC International Studios president Jeff Wachtel is out after a nearly 20-year run. Sources say there were discussions over concerns that were raised regarding respect in the workplace that prompted his immediate exit from the company. A search is under way for a replacement.
Wachtel’s departure comes days after Meredith Ahr, NBC’s top unscripted exec, was dismissed following an investigation into claims that she and former NBC entertainment president Paul Telegdy fostered a toxic culture at the network. The inquiry sprang from a Hollywood Reporter report on allegations of homophobic, misogynistic and racist behavior, especially within ...
NBC International Studios president Jeff Wachtel is out after a nearly 20-year run. Sources say there were discussions over concerns that were raised regarding respect in the workplace that prompted his immediate exit from the company. A search is under way for a replacement.
Wachtel’s departure comes days after Meredith Ahr, NBC’s top unscripted exec, was dismissed following an investigation into claims that she and former NBC entertainment president Paul Telegdy fostered a toxic culture at the network. The inquiry sprang from a Hollywood Reporter report on allegations of homophobic, misogynistic and racist behavior, especially within ...
- 10/16/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
After outlining her exec team, recently appointed Universal Studio Group chief Pearlena Igbokwe is adding another studio to that group.
Igbokwe has announced, via a letter obtained by Variety, that the Universal Television Alternative Studios is being incorporated into Universal Studio Group. As part of the move, Utas president Toby Gorman is joining Igbokwe’s leadership team and will continue to oversee the studio’s biggest shows, including “Making It,” “The Wall,” “The Titan Games,” “Songland” and “World of Dance.”
Utas was previously overseen Meredith Ahr, who left NBC earlier this week. Her exit came little over two months after NBC Entertainment head Paul Telegdy left the company over accusations of racist, sexist and homophobic behavior.
The transition is the latest sign of the seismic corporate restructure happening at the top of NBCU. Igbokwe took over the NBCU TV reins from Bonnie Hammer last month, as the latter into the...
Igbokwe has announced, via a letter obtained by Variety, that the Universal Television Alternative Studios is being incorporated into Universal Studio Group. As part of the move, Utas president Toby Gorman is joining Igbokwe’s leadership team and will continue to oversee the studio’s biggest shows, including “Making It,” “The Wall,” “The Titan Games,” “Songland” and “World of Dance.”
Utas was previously overseen Meredith Ahr, who left NBC earlier this week. Her exit came little over two months after NBC Entertainment head Paul Telegdy left the company over accusations of racist, sexist and homophobic behavior.
The transition is the latest sign of the seismic corporate restructure happening at the top of NBCU. Igbokwe took over the NBCU TV reins from Bonnie Hammer last month, as the latter into the...
- 10/15/2020
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
NBCUniversal is moving Universal Television Alternative Studio under Pearlena Igbokwe and the Universal Studio Group, which covers all aspects of TV production.
Utas president Toby Gorman will remain on and join Igbokwe’s leadership team. Gorman will continue to oversee development, domestic sales strategy and creative affairs for the studio.
The decision follows the ouster of top unscripted executive Meredith Ahr, who had oversight of the Alternative Studio. Ahr was fired following an investigation into her and former NBC Entertainment chairman Paul Telegdy’s workplace behavior. Telegdy and Ahr were both accused by multiple employees of fostering a toxic workplace environment. Telegdy was let go in August amid a larger NBCU shakeup.
Ahr had led the unscripted TV division since 2018, where she oversaw all facets of the division including syndicated series like “Access Hollywood” and “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” Before that, she was president of Universal Television Alternative Studio. Ahr...
Utas president Toby Gorman will remain on and join Igbokwe’s leadership team. Gorman will continue to oversee development, domestic sales strategy and creative affairs for the studio.
The decision follows the ouster of top unscripted executive Meredith Ahr, who had oversight of the Alternative Studio. Ahr was fired following an investigation into her and former NBC Entertainment chairman Paul Telegdy’s workplace behavior. Telegdy and Ahr were both accused by multiple employees of fostering a toxic workplace environment. Telegdy was let go in August amid a larger NBCU shakeup.
Ahr had led the unscripted TV division since 2018, where she oversaw all facets of the division including syndicated series like “Access Hollywood” and “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” Before that, she was president of Universal Television Alternative Studio. Ahr...
- 10/15/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Meredith Ahr is leaving NBCUniversal.
Ahr, who was President of NBC Entertainment’s Alternative and Reality Group, is departing after her former boss Paul Telegdy also left recently.
Her last day is today.
Her departure comes after an internal investigation into allegations of professional misconduct by Telegdy, who previously oversaw the reality group, and another separate complaint over alleged misconduct on and off the set of America’s Got Talent.
It also comes as the company’s latest restructure saw the appointment of Susan Rovner as Chairman, Entertainment Content for NBCUniversal’s Television and Streaming division.
Ahr was promoted in 2018 to the role of President, Alternative and Reality Group, NBC Entertainment.
The NBC vet oversaw all aspects of unscripted programming at the network, Universal Television Alternative Studio and first-run syndication, which includes Access Hollywood and The Kelly Clarkson Show.
Before that, she was President of Universal Television Alternative Studio, a role...
Ahr, who was President of NBC Entertainment’s Alternative and Reality Group, is departing after her former boss Paul Telegdy also left recently.
Her last day is today.
Her departure comes after an internal investigation into allegations of professional misconduct by Telegdy, who previously oversaw the reality group, and another separate complaint over alleged misconduct on and off the set of America’s Got Talent.
It also comes as the company’s latest restructure saw the appointment of Susan Rovner as Chairman, Entertainment Content for NBCUniversal’s Television and Streaming division.
Ahr was promoted in 2018 to the role of President, Alternative and Reality Group, NBC Entertainment.
The NBC vet oversaw all aspects of unscripted programming at the network, Universal Television Alternative Studio and first-run syndication, which includes Access Hollywood and The Kelly Clarkson Show.
Before that, she was President of Universal Television Alternative Studio, a role...
- 10/12/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Meredith Ahr, NBCUniversal’s top unscripted TV executive, is out at the company following an investigation into her and former NBC Entertainment chairman Paul Telegdy’s workplace behavior, an individual with knowledge of the decision told TheWrap. Telegdy and Ahr were both accused by multiple employees of fostering a toxic workplace environment. Telegdy was let go in August amid a larger NBCU shakeup. In a bombshell report on July 31 by The Hollywood Reporter, Telegdy was accused of numerous transgressions including mocking gay executives to their faces, using homophobic and misogynistic slurs and making disparaging comments about others’ physical appearance. Telegdy and Ahr were both accused of creating a “terrible, even traumatizing experience” in the reality division. Also Read: Susan Rovner Named Chairman of NBCU Entertainment Programming Ahr has led the unscripted TV division since 2018, where she oversaw all facets of the division including syndicated series like “Access Hollywood” and “The Kelly Clarkson Show.
- 10/12/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Meredith Ahr is out as president of NBC Entertainment’s Alternative and Reality Group, Variety has confirmed.
Ahr’s exit comes a little over two months after the exit of NBC Entertainment head Paul Telegdy over accusations of racist, sexist and homophobic behavior. Ahr and Telegdy were known to work closely together at NBC, with Ahr accused of going along withor even encouraging Telegdy as he engaged in those behaviors.
Mark Lazarus, NBCUniversal’s chairman of television and streaming, promised staffers that the company would engage in an investigation into the allegations as well as undergo a “broader cultural assessment” through their fair employment unit going forward.
Ahr was named president of the Alternative and Reality Group back in 2018. In that role, she oversaw all aspects of unscripted programming at the broadcast network, Universal Television Alternative Studio, and first-run syndication. She became president of Universal Television Alternative Studio in 2016 to launch and build the studio.
Ahr’s exit comes a little over two months after the exit of NBC Entertainment head Paul Telegdy over accusations of racist, sexist and homophobic behavior. Ahr and Telegdy were known to work closely together at NBC, with Ahr accused of going along withor even encouraging Telegdy as he engaged in those behaviors.
Mark Lazarus, NBCUniversal’s chairman of television and streaming, promised staffers that the company would engage in an investigation into the allegations as well as undergo a “broader cultural assessment” through their fair employment unit going forward.
Ahr was named president of the Alternative and Reality Group back in 2018. In that role, she oversaw all aspects of unscripted programming at the broadcast network, Universal Television Alternative Studio, and first-run syndication. She became president of Universal Television Alternative Studio in 2016 to launch and build the studio.
- 10/12/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Top unscripted executive Meredith Ahr is out at NBC following an investigation into claims that she and former NBC entertainment president Paul Telegdy fostered a toxic culture at the network. The inquiry sprang from a Hollywood Reporter report on allegations of homophobic, misogynistic and racist behavior, especially within the network’s reality division.
Sources say the investigator interviewed more than 60 current and former network employees and found that both Telegdy and Ahr’s behavior was not in line with standards the company expects, especially from its senior leaders. Ahr’s last day is today.
That inquiry was separate from a broader culture ...
Sources say the investigator interviewed more than 60 current and former network employees and found that both Telegdy and Ahr’s behavior was not in line with standards the company expects, especially from its senior leaders. Ahr’s last day is today.
That inquiry was separate from a broader culture ...
- 10/12/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Top unscripted executive Meredith Ahr is out at NBC following an investigation into claims that she and former NBC entertainment president Paul Telegdy fostered a toxic culture at the network. The inquiry sprang from a Hollywood Reporter report on allegations of homophobic, misogynistic and racist behavior, especially within the network’s reality division.
Sources say the investigator interviewed more than 60 current and former network employees and found that both Telegdy and Ahr’s behavior was not in line with standards the company expects, especially from its senior leaders. Ahr’s last day is today.
That inquiry was separate from a broader culture ...
Sources say the investigator interviewed more than 60 current and former network employees and found that both Telegdy and Ahr’s behavior was not in line with standards the company expects, especially from its senior leaders. Ahr’s last day is today.
That inquiry was separate from a broader culture ...
- 10/12/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Susan Rovner has officially started her new role as Chairman, Entertainment Content for NBCUniversal’s Television and Streaming division.
The exec, whose last day as President of Warner Bros Television was Friday, takes over today in charge of creative strategy across all of NBCU’s broadcast, cable and streaming platforms as well as first-run syndication.
Working alongside Frances Berwick, who was promoted to Chairman, Entertainment Networks, in the company’s recent reshuffle that also led to the departure of Paul Telegdy, she will report to Television and Streaming Chairman Mark Lazarus.
Rovner will be in charge of programming across NBC, Bravo, E!, Oxygen, Syfy, Universal Kids, USA and Peacock and will oversee the teams in charge of development and current programming for scripted, unscripted, late night and specials as well as the first-run syndication unit, which produces seven programs including The Kelly Clarkson Show.
In the head-of-content role, she is...
The exec, whose last day as President of Warner Bros Television was Friday, takes over today in charge of creative strategy across all of NBCU’s broadcast, cable and streaming platforms as well as first-run syndication.
Working alongside Frances Berwick, who was promoted to Chairman, Entertainment Networks, in the company’s recent reshuffle that also led to the departure of Paul Telegdy, she will report to Television and Streaming Chairman Mark Lazarus.
Rovner will be in charge of programming across NBC, Bravo, E!, Oxygen, Syfy, Universal Kids, USA and Peacock and will oversee the teams in charge of development and current programming for scripted, unscripted, late night and specials as well as the first-run syndication unit, which produces seven programs including The Kelly Clarkson Show.
In the head-of-content role, she is...
- 10/5/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Susan Rovner is officially taking the reins as chairman of NBCUniversal television and streaming’s entertainment content, leading creative strategy for original content across NBC, Bravo, E!, Oxygen, Syfy, Universal Kids, USA and streaming service Peacock.
The longtime Warner Bros. Television exec, who was most recently co-president of the studio, will work closely with NBCU’s chairman of entertainment networks Frances Berwick and report to TV and streaming chairman Mark Lazarus. In addition to leading the teams that cover development and current programming for scripted, unscripted, late night and specials, Rovner will also oversee first-run syndication and manage relationships with studio partners, showrunners, producers and creative talent.
“Susan is the bold creative force we need as we rethink the future of our business,” said Lazarus. “Throughout this process I have been consistently impressed by her strong perspective, track record of success and passion for content. Susan joins a great team...
The longtime Warner Bros. Television exec, who was most recently co-president of the studio, will work closely with NBCU’s chairman of entertainment networks Frances Berwick and report to TV and streaming chairman Mark Lazarus. In addition to leading the teams that cover development and current programming for scripted, unscripted, late night and specials, Rovner will also oversee first-run syndication and manage relationships with studio partners, showrunners, producers and creative talent.
“Susan is the bold creative force we need as we rethink the future of our business,” said Lazarus. “Throughout this process I have been consistently impressed by her strong perspective, track record of success and passion for content. Susan joins a great team...
- 10/5/2020
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
Former America’s Got Talent judge Gabrielle Union has reached a settlement with NBC, following her claims in 2019 that AGT fostered a toxic work environment.
“We’ve reached an amicable resolution,” NBC and Union’s spokespeople said in a joint statement on Tuesday. “NBC Entertainment appreciates the important concerns raised by Gabrielle Union and remains committed to ensuring an inclusive and supportive working environment where people of all backgrounds can be treated with respect.”
More from TVLineNBC Entertainment Boss Paul Telegdy Out Amid Allegations of Toxic BehaviorGabrielle Union Moving to Sue NBC, America's Got Talent's Simon Cowell for Alleged...
“We’ve reached an amicable resolution,” NBC and Union’s spokespeople said in a joint statement on Tuesday. “NBC Entertainment appreciates the important concerns raised by Gabrielle Union and remains committed to ensuring an inclusive and supportive working environment where people of all backgrounds can be treated with respect.”
More from TVLineNBC Entertainment Boss Paul Telegdy Out Amid Allegations of Toxic BehaviorGabrielle Union Moving to Sue NBC, America's Got Talent's Simon Cowell for Alleged...
- 9/29/2020
- by Rebecca Iannucci
- TVLine.com
NBC has reached a settlement with former “America’s Got Talent” judge Gabrielle Union, following her explosive accusations of rampant workplace toxicity on the talent competition series.
“We’ve reached an amicable resolution. NBC Entertainment appreciates the important concerns raised by Gabrielle Union and remains committed to ensuring an inclusive and supportive working environment where people of all backgrounds can be treated with respect,” NBC and Union’s spokespeople said in a joint statement.
Reported at length by Variety, Union was ousted as a judge on the Simon Cowell-produced show after complaining of racism, health violations in the form of Cowell’s on-set smoking, and her labelling as difficult in advocating for a functioning and dignified work environment.
In an internal investigation that was never formally completed, distributor NBC and producer FremantleMedia found no evidence of systemic racism but made significant changes to the human resources reporting process for employees...
“We’ve reached an amicable resolution. NBC Entertainment appreciates the important concerns raised by Gabrielle Union and remains committed to ensuring an inclusive and supportive working environment where people of all backgrounds can be treated with respect,” NBC and Union’s spokespeople said in a joint statement.
Reported at length by Variety, Union was ousted as a judge on the Simon Cowell-produced show after complaining of racism, health violations in the form of Cowell’s on-set smoking, and her labelling as difficult in advocating for a functioning and dignified work environment.
In an internal investigation that was never formally completed, distributor NBC and producer FremantleMedia found no evidence of systemic racism but made significant changes to the human resources reporting process for employees...
- 9/29/2020
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Almost a year after Gabrielle Union was fired as a judge from America’s Got Talent after just one season, she and NBC have come to a deal over her claims of misconduct and racial discrimination on the show and at the Comcast-owned network.
“We’ve reached an amicable resolution,” said NBC and Union in a concise joint statement this morning. “NBC Entertainment appreciates the important concerns raised by Gabrielle Union and remains committed to ensuring an inclusive and supportive working environment where people of all backgrounds can be treated with respect.”
Although neither party are saying more publicly, Deadline has learned that Union received “significant” compensation from the network, as one source put it. Also, having seen Paul Telegdy exit as NBC Entertainment chairman in early August, this is clearly another victory for CAA-repped Union in her battle to shine a spotlight on the behind-the-scenes workings at AGT and NBC.
“We’ve reached an amicable resolution,” said NBC and Union in a concise joint statement this morning. “NBC Entertainment appreciates the important concerns raised by Gabrielle Union and remains committed to ensuring an inclusive and supportive working environment where people of all backgrounds can be treated with respect.”
Although neither party are saying more publicly, Deadline has learned that Union received “significant” compensation from the network, as one source put it. Also, having seen Paul Telegdy exit as NBC Entertainment chairman in early August, this is clearly another victory for CAA-repped Union in her battle to shine a spotlight on the behind-the-scenes workings at AGT and NBC.
- 9/29/2020
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
NBC Entertainment and Gabrielle Union have “reached an amicable resolution” following the former “America’s Got Talent” judge’s complaint about the workplace’s culture, according to a Tuesday joint statement.
NBC and “AGT” producer Syco, owned by Simon Cowell, conducted an investigation into Union’s dismissal. One of Union’s complaints was about Cowell smoking cigarettes indoors. Union also accused guest judge Jay Leno of making a racist joke, and producers for deeming one of her hairstyles to be “too Black” for the show.
Here is the joint statement by NBC and Union: “We’ve reached an amicable resolution. NBC Entertainment appreciates the important concerns raised by Gabrielle Union and remains committed to ensuring an inclusive and supportive working environment where people of all backgrounds can be treated with respect.”
That vague statement was all the sides would say.
On May 27, Fremantle, Syco and NBC announced their outside investigation...
NBC and “AGT” producer Syco, owned by Simon Cowell, conducted an investigation into Union’s dismissal. One of Union’s complaints was about Cowell smoking cigarettes indoors. Union also accused guest judge Jay Leno of making a racist joke, and producers for deeming one of her hairstyles to be “too Black” for the show.
Here is the joint statement by NBC and Union: “We’ve reached an amicable resolution. NBC Entertainment appreciates the important concerns raised by Gabrielle Union and remains committed to ensuring an inclusive and supportive working environment where people of all backgrounds can be treated with respect.”
That vague statement was all the sides would say.
On May 27, Fremantle, Syco and NBC announced their outside investigation...
- 9/29/2020
- by Tony Maglio and Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Veteran cable executive Chris McCumber is leaving NBCUniversal.
The exec, who announced his departure in a memo to staff in Wednesday, played a key role in USA Network’s success during the aughts “blue sky” era and later developed and launched that channel’s most prestigious hit, “Mr. Robot.” Most recently he oversaw USA and sibling channel Syfy as president of entertainment networks for NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment.
Also exiting the company is NBC Entertainment marketing and digital president Len Fogge, who had been with the network since August 2011. Prior to that, Fogge was EVP of creative, marketing, research and digital media at Showtime Networks — where he worked with Bob Greenblatt, who then moved over to the Peacock and recruited Fogge to join him.
McCumber and Fogge are among exits that have now been made official amid a massive restructuring of NBCUniversal’s television operations. Also departing after a period of...
The exec, who announced his departure in a memo to staff in Wednesday, played a key role in USA Network’s success during the aughts “blue sky” era and later developed and launched that channel’s most prestigious hit, “Mr. Robot.” Most recently he oversaw USA and sibling channel Syfy as president of entertainment networks for NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment.
Also exiting the company is NBC Entertainment marketing and digital president Len Fogge, who had been with the network since August 2011. Prior to that, Fogge was EVP of creative, marketing, research and digital media at Showtime Networks — where he worked with Bob Greenblatt, who then moved over to the Peacock and recruited Fogge to join him.
McCumber and Fogge are among exits that have now been made official amid a massive restructuring of NBCUniversal’s television operations. Also departing after a period of...
- 9/16/2020
- by Daniel Holloway
- Variety Film + TV
Frances Berwick has revealed the senior leadership team that will work under her as part of NBCUniversal’s Entertainment Business division.
The former Lifestyle Networks president took on the larger role within the company as part of a restructure that saw Paul Telegdy exit his post as NBC Entertainment Chairman.
This comes as Chris McCumber, President, Entertainment Networks, USA Network & Syfy, is leaving NBCUniversal after 19 years at the company’s flagship entertainment cable networks.
NBCU consolidated all of its English-language linear networks into one group, overseen by Berwick on the business side. Berwick will have operational oversight of all networks and dayparts and be responsible for commissioning and acquiring content to be optimized across these platforms. Additionally, Berwick’s team will implement windowing and scheduling strategies across the NBC broadcast network and the cable entertainment networks.
Susan Rovner, who Warner Bros confirmed was leaving her role as President of Warner Bros Television,...
The former Lifestyle Networks president took on the larger role within the company as part of a restructure that saw Paul Telegdy exit his post as NBC Entertainment Chairman.
This comes as Chris McCumber, President, Entertainment Networks, USA Network & Syfy, is leaving NBCUniversal after 19 years at the company’s flagship entertainment cable networks.
NBCU consolidated all of its English-language linear networks into one group, overseen by Berwick on the business side. Berwick will have operational oversight of all networks and dayparts and be responsible for commissioning and acquiring content to be optimized across these platforms. Additionally, Berwick’s team will implement windowing and scheduling strategies across the NBC broadcast network and the cable entertainment networks.
Susan Rovner, who Warner Bros confirmed was leaving her role as President of Warner Bros Television,...
- 9/16/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
As the Covid-19 pandemic drags on, the virus’s effect on Hollywood is becoming more pronounced.
Television development has slowed considerably across broadcast, cable and streaming in recent months. The reason: With production still largely shut down, why would networks and studios buy more projects to develop when they’re unable to produce the shows they are already working on?
The result is something of a logjam that will likely persist until production can safely resume on the majority of shows. One agency source says they don’t expect to begin shopping new projects until later this fall, unless the project is based on well-known IP or has big names attached to it.
Further complicating things for sellers is all the reorganizing that has hit major media companies in recent months. NBCUniversal
and WarnerMedia saw high-level executives such as Paul Telegdy, Kevin Reilly and Bob Greenblatt fired; Disney Plus...
Television development has slowed considerably across broadcast, cable and streaming in recent months. The reason: With production still largely shut down, why would networks and studios buy more projects to develop when they’re unable to produce the shows they are already working on?
The result is something of a logjam that will likely persist until production can safely resume on the majority of shows. One agency source says they don’t expect to begin shopping new projects until later this fall, unless the project is based on well-known IP or has big names attached to it.
Further complicating things for sellers is all the reorganizing that has hit major media companies in recent months. NBCUniversal
and WarnerMedia saw high-level executives such as Paul Telegdy, Kevin Reilly and Bob Greenblatt fired; Disney Plus...
- 9/9/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Longtime Warner Bros. TV executive Susan Rovner has emerged as a top candidate for the job at NBCUniversal overseeing programming for NBC, USA Network, fledgling streamer Peacock and the rest of the company’s entertainment cable networks.
Sources close to the situation say that as of Wednesday Rovner had not engaged in formal negotiations with NBCU and that she is one of several people under consideration by NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell and Mark Lazarus, chairman of NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. But there is no doubt Rovner is in the mix, which means the veteran studio executive may soon face the choice of moving to a new senior post in the Comcast universe or staying at Warner Bros. where it is an open secret that she is the studio’s choice to eventually succeed Peter Roth as the leader of all TV operations.
Warner Bros. and NBCUniversal declined comment. Rovner did...
Sources close to the situation say that as of Wednesday Rovner had not engaged in formal negotiations with NBCU and that she is one of several people under consideration by NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell and Mark Lazarus, chairman of NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. But there is no doubt Rovner is in the mix, which means the veteran studio executive may soon face the choice of moving to a new senior post in the Comcast universe or staying at Warner Bros. where it is an open secret that she is the studio’s choice to eventually succeed Peter Roth as the leader of all TV operations.
Warner Bros. and NBCUniversal declined comment. Rovner did...
- 8/27/2020
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Ron Meyer is stepping down as vice chairman of NBCUniversal after disclosing that he reached a private settlement with a woman who tried to extort him after they engaged in an extramarital affair.
It’s an embarrassing end to Meyer’s more than two-decade-long run at the entertainment giant. Meyer, a founder of CAA, rose to power at the studio and held onto it for far longer than most executives keep a grip on the reins in large part because of his deep relationships with A-list actors, filmmakers, and industry movers and shakers. News of his ouster has left many employees at the Burbank-based film and television studio deeply shaken and upset.
In a statement, NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell said Meyer had behaved “in a manner which we believe is not consistent with our company policies or values.”
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce my departure from NBCUniversal,...
It’s an embarrassing end to Meyer’s more than two-decade-long run at the entertainment giant. Meyer, a founder of CAA, rose to power at the studio and held onto it for far longer than most executives keep a grip on the reins in large part because of his deep relationships with A-list actors, filmmakers, and industry movers and shakers. News of his ouster has left many employees at the Burbank-based film and television studio deeply shaken and upset.
In a statement, NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell said Meyer had behaved “in a manner which we believe is not consistent with our company policies or values.”
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce my departure from NBCUniversal,...
- 8/18/2020
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Updated with more details: The town is absorbing the shocking news about the abrupt exit of NBCUniversal vice chairman Ron Meyer because of an admitted extramarital affair, a settlement, and a disclosure to higher-ups that an alleged extortion attempt was made.
Meyer had always been considered a “mensch,” a former Marine who could be tough when he had to be when he, Mike Ovitz and a few others built CAA into a powerhouse that swung the pendulum in favor of actors and filmmakers before moving to Universal, but also one of the nicer and more supportive upper echelon agent/executives in a town not known for that.
It was known in town that Meyer had his vices, women and gambling some who know him told Deadline. “That’s just Ronny,” said one who was lamenting today that Meyer has to have this event blot a great career and that the...
Meyer had always been considered a “mensch,” a former Marine who could be tough when he had to be when he, Mike Ovitz and a few others built CAA into a powerhouse that swung the pendulum in favor of actors and filmmakers before moving to Universal, but also one of the nicer and more supportive upper echelon agent/executives in a town not known for that.
It was known in town that Meyer had his vices, women and gambling some who know him told Deadline. “That’s just Ronny,” said one who was lamenting today that Meyer has to have this event blot a great career and that the...
- 8/18/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Ron Meyer is stepping down as vice chairman of NBCUniversal after he disclosed that an unnamed individual tried to “extort” him and “falsely implicate” NBCUniversal in the wake of a “consensual” extramarital affair with a woman eight years ago.
According to multiple individuals with knowledge of the situation, Meyer had a relationship with British actress Charlotte Kirk — whose later affair with Warner Bros. CEO Kevin Tsujihara between 2013 and 2014 led to his own ouster last year.
Meyer had reached a financial settlement with Kirk for an undisclosed an amount, but an insider told TheWrap that a third party was trying to extort Meyer and force him to disclose the settlement to NBCUniversal. In his own statement, Meyer said, “Other parties learned of the settlement and have continuously attempted to extort me into paying them money or else they intended to falsely implicate NBCUniversal, which had nothing to do with this matter.
According to multiple individuals with knowledge of the situation, Meyer had a relationship with British actress Charlotte Kirk — whose later affair with Warner Bros. CEO Kevin Tsujihara between 2013 and 2014 led to his own ouster last year.
Meyer had reached a financial settlement with Kirk for an undisclosed an amount, but an insider told TheWrap that a third party was trying to extort Meyer and force him to disclose the settlement to NBCUniversal. In his own statement, Meyer said, “Other parties learned of the settlement and have continuously attempted to extort me into paying them money or else they intended to falsely implicate NBCUniversal, which had nothing to do with this matter.
- 8/18/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
There are no smiling faces in Hollywood. The industry’s power pyramid last week underwent further upheavals, turning former CEOs and network presidents into job hunters. They will surely be followed shortly by scores of acolytes.
At the same time, virtually every public event surrounding the Oscar and Emmy seasons has now been canceled, thus pulling the red carpet out from under the town’s social life. And then there’s the pandemic.
Normally we would be approaching that time of year when the stars would be sharpening their pitches for the festival and awards circuits, but suddenly they, like the fallen CEOs, have time on their hands. The Motion Picture Academy’s cancellation of screenings and other forms of campaigning for the year will drastically inhibit motion picture promotion in addition to destroying the ecosystems of caterers, stylists and fashion designers among others.
Suddenly, the Academy’s sprawling new...
At the same time, virtually every public event surrounding the Oscar and Emmy seasons has now been canceled, thus pulling the red carpet out from under the town’s social life. And then there’s the pandemic.
Normally we would be approaching that time of year when the stars would be sharpening their pitches for the festival and awards circuits, but suddenly they, like the fallen CEOs, have time on their hands. The Motion Picture Academy’s cancellation of screenings and other forms of campaigning for the year will drastically inhibit motion picture promotion in addition to destroying the ecosystems of caterers, stylists and fashion designers among others.
Suddenly, the Academy’s sprawling new...
- 8/10/2020
- by Peter Bart
- Deadline Film + TV
Rarely has a high-level TV-exec job opening been announced quite so loudly.
When NBCUniversal pulled the trigger on a massive reorganization of its television business last week, the company made clear that one key position in the new structure had yet to be filled — a new head of entertainment programming who would oversee creative decisions for NBC, cable channels including USA and Bravo, and fledgling streaming service Peacock. A version of that role had, as Variety reported prior to the reorg, been offered to Netflix local-language originals chief Bela Bajaria, who turned it down.
But when the job opening was effectively posted on Thursday, speculation immediately began swirling about who might ultimately land the role.
The internal name most commonly being surfaced is that of Pearlena Igbokwe, president of Universal Television. A highly regarded creative executive, Igbokwe runs a studio that has produced multiple series for outside streamers, most recently...
When NBCUniversal pulled the trigger on a massive reorganization of its television business last week, the company made clear that one key position in the new structure had yet to be filled — a new head of entertainment programming who would oversee creative decisions for NBC, cable channels including USA and Bravo, and fledgling streaming service Peacock. A version of that role had, as Variety reported prior to the reorg, been offered to Netflix local-language originals chief Bela Bajaria, who turned it down.
But when the job opening was effectively posted on Thursday, speculation immediately began swirling about who might ultimately land the role.
The internal name most commonly being surfaced is that of Pearlena Igbokwe, president of Universal Television. A highly regarded creative executive, Igbokwe runs a studio that has produced multiple series for outside streamers, most recently...
- 8/10/2020
- by Daniel Holloway
- Variety Film + TV
In a massive executive shakeup at WarnerMedia, both Bob Greenblatt and Kevin Reilly are exiting the company. Keith Cocozza, executive vice president of corporate marketing and communications, is also stepping down.
WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar made the announcement in a memo to staff on Friday. In addition, Ann Sarnoff has been promoted to oversee a newly expanded content group, with Casey Bloys now reporting to Sarnoff.
Bloys was previously the president of HBO Programming, but will now oversee original content for HBO Max and the linear networks TNT, TBS, and truTV.
Per the memo, Sarnoff, who is the Warner Bros. chair and CEO, will now lead what Kilar refers to as the Studios and Networks Group. The group will be “combining original production (content studios) and programming capabilities currently spread across Warner Bros., HBO, HBO Max, TNT, TBS and TruTV.”
“This group will oversee all WarnerMedia television series and motion picture development,...
WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar made the announcement in a memo to staff on Friday. In addition, Ann Sarnoff has been promoted to oversee a newly expanded content group, with Casey Bloys now reporting to Sarnoff.
Bloys was previously the president of HBO Programming, but will now oversee original content for HBO Max and the linear networks TNT, TBS, and truTV.
Per the memo, Sarnoff, who is the Warner Bros. chair and CEO, will now lead what Kilar refers to as the Studios and Networks Group. The group will be “combining original production (content studios) and programming capabilities currently spread across Warner Bros., HBO, HBO Max, TNT, TBS and TruTV.”
“This group will oversee all WarnerMedia television series and motion picture development,...
- 8/7/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
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