BREAKING: Ben Silverman Out at NBC Universal
This is quite the wake-up call for a Monday: Ben Silverman will be departing his post as NBC Universal co-chairman this fall. He has reportedly agreed to launch an as-yet-unnamed operation in conjunction with Barry Diller's IAC venture. NBCU's cable boss Jeff Gaspin will step in to replace Silverman as the head of the network's entertainment division, overseeing new programming including Jay Leno's primetime show this fall.
Silverman talked briefly this morning of his next venture, a nexus for creative talent and advertisers that he likened to "Warner Brothers meets BBDO." Of coures, the advertiser connections haven't gone so well for Silverman recently, but no matter; TMZ adds that he's already in talks with Ryan Seacrest for a new-media project packaged under the new shingle. More on that, as well as other misty, water-colored Silverman memories coming soon.... Developing...
· Co-Chief of NBC Entertainment Departing [Source]
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Zucker better be worried.
The only reason Zucker has lasted is because Silverman was the only person with high enough rank in the company to replace him, and nobody wanted Silverman as CEO of the whole shebang.
Damn, if this keeps up, who will I mock for incompetently turning a once top rated network to a basket case that has to battle with the CW for fourth place.
His resignation letter included placement for Clorox Bleach Tidy Wipes, Sprite, and The Olive Garden's Pasta Madness.
You have a bit of an inaccuracy in your article. Rather than Jeff Gaspin replacing Silverman, Graboff (who had served as Co-Chairman with Silverman) will be made sole Chairman, have to report to Gaspin, who is now in charge of not only NBCU's cable properties, but also its broadcast network and studio.
The most interesting thing about this news isn't that Silverman is leaving, its that NBCU's broadcast division is no longer independent, but now effectively under the control of its much more successful cable division.
And here, I thought The Biggest Loser was renewed for another season.
In light of Silverman's departure, Reveille has changed its name to Taps.