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...
ยท Co-Chief of NBC Entertainment Departing [Source]