Update, 1:31 Pm: Comcast boss Brian Roberts needs to show Andy Cohen the door, lawyers for Brandi Glanville are demanding.
“NBC continues to protect those in power,” Bryan Freedman and Mark Geragos declared Friday in a response to an apology of sorts from the Watch What Happens Live host to the Real Housewives vet after Glanville publicly accused Cohen of sexually harassing her.
“Brian Roberts, it’s time to step in like you did with Andy Lack and Jeff Shell, and stop the cover-up and do the right thing,” the lawyers said. “Your legacy and decency demands it.”
The call-out out to the Comcast CEO is clearly meant to generate a top-level reaction and media spotlight. Also, invoking the names of the former NBC News chairman Lack, who had a scandal-riddled tenure until he was bounced in 2020, the scandalized former NBCUniversal CEO Shell, who exited in 2023 after an inappropriate relationship with a co-worker,...
“NBC continues to protect those in power,” Bryan Freedman and Mark Geragos declared Friday in a response to an apology of sorts from the Watch What Happens Live host to the Real Housewives vet after Glanville publicly accused Cohen of sexually harassing her.
“Brian Roberts, it’s time to step in like you did with Andy Lack and Jeff Shell, and stop the cover-up and do the right thing,” the lawyers said. “Your legacy and decency demands it.”
The call-out out to the Comcast CEO is clearly meant to generate a top-level reaction and media spotlight. Also, invoking the names of the former NBC News chairman Lack, who had a scandal-riddled tenure until he was bounced in 2020, the scandalized former NBCUniversal CEO Shell, who exited in 2023 after an inappropriate relationship with a co-worker,...
- 2/23/2024
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
When Megyn Kelly launched a new podcast via her own production company in 2020, she feared it would have an audience of only two: her husband and her therapist. Three years later, her worries appear to have been unfounded.
In a sign of how her listenership has grown, she is extending a multi-year deal she has in place for the program to run first on SiriusXM — which has raised her visibility — that will keep her broadcasting “The Megyn Kelly Show” live on the company’s Triumph channel between noon and 2 p.m. eastern weekdays well through the 2024 election. Kelly expects to interview former President Donald Trump and play the exchange over the course of an hour on the September 14 edition of her program.
The situation seems to suit her. “I could never go back to having a boss. I don’t do well with bosses,” Kelly says in an interview with Variety,...
In a sign of how her listenership has grown, she is extending a multi-year deal she has in place for the program to run first on SiriusXM — which has raised her visibility — that will keep her broadcasting “The Megyn Kelly Show” live on the company’s Triumph channel between noon and 2 p.m. eastern weekdays well through the 2024 election. Kelly expects to interview former President Donald Trump and play the exchange over the course of an hour on the September 14 edition of her program.
The situation seems to suit her. “I could never go back to having a boss. I don’t do well with bosses,” Kelly says in an interview with Variety,...
- 9/7/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
NBCUniversal is getting a major C-suite shake-up.
Comcast president Mike Cavanagh is undertaking a significant executive reorganization of NBCUniversal, giving expanded responsibilities to executives Donna Langley, Mark Lazarus and Cesar Conde, and cutting the number of direct reports he deals with on a regular basis to four operational leaders.
Langley, the chair of Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, will now oversee all content for the company, including for streaming and TV. Her new title will be chairman of the NBCUniversal studio group & chief content officer.
Conde, the chairman of the NBC News Group, will add oversight of Telemundo, the company’s Spanish-language division, as well as the company’s local TV business. Lazarus will be chairman of the NBCUniversal media group, which will include oversight of advertising and distribution, as well as the business operations of the TV networks and streaming platforms, and NBC Sports.
Mark Woodbury will continue as a direct report to Cavanagh,...
Comcast president Mike Cavanagh is undertaking a significant executive reorganization of NBCUniversal, giving expanded responsibilities to executives Donna Langley, Mark Lazarus and Cesar Conde, and cutting the number of direct reports he deals with on a regular basis to four operational leaders.
Langley, the chair of Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, will now oversee all content for the company, including for streaming and TV. Her new title will be chairman of the NBCUniversal studio group & chief content officer.
Conde, the chairman of the NBC News Group, will add oversight of Telemundo, the company’s Spanish-language division, as well as the company’s local TV business. Lazarus will be chairman of the NBCUniversal media group, which will include oversight of advertising and distribution, as well as the business operations of the TV networks and streaming platforms, and NBC Sports.
Mark Woodbury will continue as a direct report to Cavanagh,...
- 7/6/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Katie Couric is weighing in on former NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell’s surprise firing last month over an accusation of workplace misconduct.
“It just amazes me that a powerful executive like that would be so dumb, just be so stupid and reckless,” Couric says on Kelly Ripa’s Let’s Talk Off Camera podcast.
“I think reckless is the word. You can see how it happens, but I think you have to be smart and disciplined and know that unless you tell your supervisor, and unless you’re not a direct report, that having a relationship with a colleague isn’t cool,” she adds.
Shell was fired for what the company described as “inappropriate conduct with a female employee, including allegations of sexual harassment.”
“I was so shocked that Jeff Shell would do this. What is it, the power dynamics, they’re so surrounded with yes people that the rules don’t apply to them?...
“It just amazes me that a powerful executive like that would be so dumb, just be so stupid and reckless,” Couric says on Kelly Ripa’s Let’s Talk Off Camera podcast.
“I think reckless is the word. You can see how it happens, but I think you have to be smart and disciplined and know that unless you tell your supervisor, and unless you’re not a direct report, that having a relationship with a colleague isn’t cool,” she adds.
Shell was fired for what the company described as “inappropriate conduct with a female employee, including allegations of sexual harassment.”
“I was so shocked that Jeff Shell would do this. What is it, the power dynamics, they’re so surrounded with yes people that the rules don’t apply to them?...
- 5/17/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Chris Jansing is accustomed to doing marathon stints in front of the camera for NBC News and MSNBC. In the aftermath of 9/11, she sometimes found herself reporting or anchoring for seven hours or more. “I lived on tater tots for, I think, two months,” she recalls in a recent interview. “It was the one thing that could fill me up and wouldn’t ruin my lipstick.”
Her latest assignment will require her to be on air only for two hours a day. But it may prove just as challenging.
In an era when cable-news anchoring stints are usually doled out 60 minutes at a time, Jansing is taking on more. The new edition of her “Chris Jansing Reports” at 1 p.m. expands to two hours, and her widening territory comes as MSNBC’s identity is increasingly tied up with a growing spate of opinion and “news perspective” programs. Her show, she says,...
Her latest assignment will require her to be on air only for two hours a day. But it may prove just as challenging.
In an era when cable-news anchoring stints are usually doled out 60 minutes at a time, Jansing is taking on more. The new edition of her “Chris Jansing Reports” at 1 p.m. expands to two hours, and her widening territory comes as MSNBC’s identity is increasingly tied up with a growing spate of opinion and “news perspective” programs. Her show, she says,...
- 2/13/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Noah Oppenheim, president of NBC News since early 2017, will leave the organization in an unorthodox shake-up that will elevate three different executives, effectively separating the massive news outlet into different pieces, all of which will report to Cesar Conde, chairman of NBCUniversal’s portfolio of news assets.
Under a new structure, Libby Leist, the NBC News executive who oversees “Today,” and Janelle Rodriguez, the NBC News executive who supervises the streaming outlet NBC News Now, will both report to Conde. They will be joined by Rebecca Blumenstein, a senior editor at The New York Times who will take up the role of president of editorial for NBC News and who will also report to Conde. Blumenstein is charged with oversight of editorial, news gathering, bureaus, field operations, booking, “Meet the Press,” “Dateline,” and NBC News Studios.
The reorganization means that NBC News’ most popular programs will no longer be under...
Under a new structure, Libby Leist, the NBC News executive who oversees “Today,” and Janelle Rodriguez, the NBC News executive who supervises the streaming outlet NBC News Now, will both report to Conde. They will be joined by Rebecca Blumenstein, a senior editor at The New York Times who will take up the role of president of editorial for NBC News and who will also report to Conde. Blumenstein is charged with oversight of editorial, news gathering, bureaus, field operations, booking, “Meet the Press,” “Dateline,” and NBC News Studios.
The reorganization means that NBC News’ most popular programs will no longer be under...
- 1/11/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Noah Oppenheim, who has served as president of NBC News since 2017, is leaving his position, while the network’s news division undergoes a restructuing.
New York Times deputy managing editor Rebecca Blumenstein will join the network and take on many of the division duties, while other executives will oversee flagship shows Today and NBC Nightly News.
Oppenheim will take a production deal at NBC Universal, according to a staff announcement on Wednesday from Cesar Conde, the chairman of the NBCUniversal News Group.
Blumenstein’s title will be president of editorial for NBC News, a new role, and she will oversee editorial, news gathering, bureaus, field operations, booking, Meet the Press, Dateline and NBC News Studios.
Under the reorganization, other oversight of the NBC News division will be split among other executives, each of whom will report to Conde. Libby Leist, who has been senior vice president of Today and NBC News,...
New York Times deputy managing editor Rebecca Blumenstein will join the network and take on many of the division duties, while other executives will oversee flagship shows Today and NBC Nightly News.
Oppenheim will take a production deal at NBC Universal, according to a staff announcement on Wednesday from Cesar Conde, the chairman of the NBCUniversal News Group.
Blumenstein’s title will be president of editorial for NBC News, a new role, and she will oversee editorial, news gathering, bureaus, field operations, booking, Meet the Press, Dateline and NBC News Studios.
Under the reorganization, other oversight of the NBC News division will be split among other executives, each of whom will report to Conde. Libby Leist, who has been senior vice president of Today and NBC News,...
- 1/11/2023
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Mark Hoffman is stepping down as the longtime head of CNBC in September, and will be succeeded by NBCU executive Kc Sullivan.
The leadership change, to take place on Sept. 12, will mark the end of Hoffman’s tenure at the network, one of the longest in cable news channel history.
Cesar Conde, chairman of the NBCUniversal News Group, said in a statement, “The growth and success of CNBC over so many years is a testament to Mark’s leadership over a nearly three-decade-long career marked by many wins along the way. During his tenure, CNBC became a world leader and every year it has grown better and stronger. It continues to expand both domestically and internationally through new platforms and plays an essential role in keeping audiences and markets informed in real time about consequential issues and events.”
Hoffman first joined CNBC in 1997, then left three years later to lead...
The leadership change, to take place on Sept. 12, will mark the end of Hoffman’s tenure at the network, one of the longest in cable news channel history.
Cesar Conde, chairman of the NBCUniversal News Group, said in a statement, “The growth and success of CNBC over so many years is a testament to Mark’s leadership over a nearly three-decade-long career marked by many wins along the way. During his tenure, CNBC became a world leader and every year it has grown better and stronger. It continues to expand both domestically and internationally through new platforms and plays an essential role in keeping audiences and markets informed in real time about consequential issues and events.”
Hoffman first joined CNBC in 1997, then left three years later to lead...
- 8/16/2022
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
The closing bell is ringing for Mark Hoffman, the longtime chief of stock-market chronicler CNBC.
Hoffman said in a memo Tuesday that he plans to step down from the role after a 17-year tenure. His last day at the helm would be September 12. He will be replaced by Kc Sullivan, the president and managing director of NBCUniversal’s global advertising and partnerships business.
“Once defined as a moribund domestic cable channel that many thought would never fully recover from the dotcom bubble bursting, CNBC is today a global multimedia powerhouse, punching far above its weight, in the digital age,” Hoffman said in his note.
CNBC may be best known for the market prognostications of Jim Cramer and the wry morning presence of Becky Quick, but behind the stock-and-bonds commentary is a large business that thrives mainly by catering to a broad but niche constituency: people with skin in the game in the world of finance.
Hoffman said in a memo Tuesday that he plans to step down from the role after a 17-year tenure. His last day at the helm would be September 12. He will be replaced by Kc Sullivan, the president and managing director of NBCUniversal’s global advertising and partnerships business.
“Once defined as a moribund domestic cable channel that many thought would never fully recover from the dotcom bubble bursting, CNBC is today a global multimedia powerhouse, punching far above its weight, in the digital age,” Hoffman said in his note.
CNBC may be best known for the market prognostications of Jim Cramer and the wry morning presence of Becky Quick, but behind the stock-and-bonds commentary is a large business that thrives mainly by catering to a broad but niche constituency: people with skin in the game in the world of finance.
- 8/16/2022
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Mark Kornblau is departing his spot heading up communications at NBCUniversal’s news brands for a position as global head of communications for Softbank Group.
Kornblau is currently executive vice president of communications for NBCUniversal News Group. He’s been at NBC News for seven years.
Kornblau will join Softbank on Aug. 16, and will be be based in the company’s New York office, reporting to Masayoshi Son, representative director, corporate officer, chairman and CEO of Sbg, as well as Marcelo Claure, corporate officer, executive vice president and COO of Sbg and chief executive officer of Softbank Group International.
During his tenure, Kornblau led negotiations for the network’s coverage of the 2020 Democratic presidential debates, while leading communications for TV and digital news brands including the broadcast news division and MSNBC. Last year, Cesar Conde was named to succeed Andrew Lack atop the news division, in the newly created role...
Kornblau is currently executive vice president of communications for NBCUniversal News Group. He’s been at NBC News for seven years.
Kornblau will join Softbank on Aug. 16, and will be be based in the company’s New York office, reporting to Masayoshi Son, representative director, corporate officer, chairman and CEO of Sbg, as well as Marcelo Claure, corporate officer, executive vice president and COO of Sbg and chief executive officer of Softbank Group International.
During his tenure, Kornblau led negotiations for the network’s coverage of the 2020 Democratic presidential debates, while leading communications for TV and digital news brands including the broadcast news division and MSNBC. Last year, Cesar Conde was named to succeed Andrew Lack atop the news division, in the newly created role...
- 7/7/2021
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Kimberly Godwin, a longtime CBS executive, has been named the next president of ABC News.
News surfaced last week that Godwin was being tapped for the role.
Godwin will have oversight over editorial and business operations for broadcast, digital, streaming and audio news.
She will succeed James Goldston, who departed on March 31. She also will be the first African American woman to lead a broadcast network news division.
Godwin, who will join ABC News in May, as details were worked out to let her out of her contract at CBS News.
She’s currently CBS News executive vice president of news, her latest title after joining the network in 2007. She also served as executive director for development and diversity, and senior broadcast producer of the CBS Evening News. More recently, she helped develop the CBS News Race & Culture Unit and CBS Village, with a focus on spotlighting diverse groups. Before CBS,...
News surfaced last week that Godwin was being tapped for the role.
Godwin will have oversight over editorial and business operations for broadcast, digital, streaming and audio news.
She will succeed James Goldston, who departed on March 31. She also will be the first African American woman to lead a broadcast network news division.
Godwin, who will join ABC News in May, as details were worked out to let her out of her contract at CBS News.
She’s currently CBS News executive vice president of news, her latest title after joining the network in 2007. She also served as executive director for development and diversity, and senior broadcast producer of the CBS Evening News. More recently, she helped develop the CBS News Race & Culture Unit and CBS Village, with a focus on spotlighting diverse groups. Before CBS,...
- 4/14/2021
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
CBS is searching for a successor to succeed Susan Zirinsky to lead its news division.
Zirinsky plans to step down after a two-year tenure as president of CBS News, according to sources. The Wall Street Journal first reported on her plans, and that she is nearing a deal to take a production partnership with parent ViacomCBS.
In addition to her title as president of CBS News, Zirinsky has also retained her title of senior executive producer. She first joined the network in 1972, and she has had a legendary career as news producer.
Zirinsky and a CBS News spokesperson declined to comment.
During her tenure as CBS News president, Zirinsky overhauled the news division, moving CBS Evening News to Washington, D.C. with a new anchor, Norah O’Donnell, and executive producer, Jay Shaylor. Her changes also included a shakeup of the CBS This Morning anchor team, with Anthony Mason and Tony Dokoupil...
Zirinsky plans to step down after a two-year tenure as president of CBS News, according to sources. The Wall Street Journal first reported on her plans, and that she is nearing a deal to take a production partnership with parent ViacomCBS.
In addition to her title as president of CBS News, Zirinsky has also retained her title of senior executive producer. She first joined the network in 1972, and she has had a legendary career as news producer.
Zirinsky and a CBS News spokesperson declined to comment.
During her tenure as CBS News president, Zirinsky overhauled the news division, moving CBS Evening News to Washington, D.C. with a new anchor, Norah O’Donnell, and executive producer, Jay Shaylor. Her changes also included a shakeup of the CBS This Morning anchor team, with Anthony Mason and Tony Dokoupil...
- 4/13/2021
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Kim Godwin, a longtime CBS News executive, is poised to become next president of ABC News.
Sources said that Godwin is being tapped to fill the position of James Goldston, who announced in January that he was stepping down as of March 31.
Godwin would be the first Black woman to run a broadcast network news operation. She currently serves as executive vice president of news for the network, with oversight of the national desks, foreign desks and bureaus. She joined the network in 2007, and served as executive director for development and diversity. She also was a senior broadcast producer for CBS Evening News.
Last year, the National Association of Black Journalists honored Godwin with the Ida B. Wells Award, given to those who provide distinguished leadership in increasing access and opportunities to people of color in journalism and improving the coverage of communities of color.
NBC News’ Dylan Byers first reported on Godwin’s selection.
Sources said that Godwin is being tapped to fill the position of James Goldston, who announced in January that he was stepping down as of March 31.
Godwin would be the first Black woman to run a broadcast network news operation. She currently serves as executive vice president of news for the network, with oversight of the national desks, foreign desks and bureaus. She joined the network in 2007, and served as executive director for development and diversity. She also was a senior broadcast producer for CBS Evening News.
Last year, the National Association of Black Journalists honored Godwin with the Ida B. Wells Award, given to those who provide distinguished leadership in increasing access and opportunities to people of color in journalism and improving the coverage of communities of color.
NBC News’ Dylan Byers first reported on Godwin’s selection.
- 4/9/2021
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
CNN announced changes to its weekday morning and dayside lineup Wednesday, including new assignments for Victor Blackwell, Ana Cabrera, Alisyn Camerota and Brianna Keilar. The news network also unveiled new roles for Jim Acosta and Boris Sanchez on weekends, with all changes effective in April.
The net said Laura Jarrett and Christine Romans will continue to anchor Early Start from 5-6 am.
John Berman and Brianna Keilar will anchor New Day from 6-9 am, weekdays. Keilar most recently anchored CNN Right Now from 1-3pm weekdays. Prior to that, she was CNN’s White House correspondent during the Obama Administration. Berman has been co-anchor of New Day for the last two and a half years.
Poppy Harlow and Jim Sciutto will continue to anchor CNN Newsroom from 9-11 am.
Kate Bolduan will continue to anchor At this Hour from 11am-noon.
John King will continue to anchor Inside Politics with John King weekdays from noon-1pm.
The net said Laura Jarrett and Christine Romans will continue to anchor Early Start from 5-6 am.
John Berman and Brianna Keilar will anchor New Day from 6-9 am, weekdays. Keilar most recently anchored CNN Right Now from 1-3pm weekdays. Prior to that, she was CNN’s White House correspondent during the Obama Administration. Berman has been co-anchor of New Day for the last two and a half years.
Poppy Harlow and Jim Sciutto will continue to anchor CNN Newsroom from 9-11 am.
Kate Bolduan will continue to anchor At this Hour from 11am-noon.
John King will continue to anchor Inside Politics with John King weekdays from noon-1pm.
- 2/17/2021
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated, with additional comments from Zucker: Jeff Zucker told employees on Thursday that he will remain in his post overseeing CNN, ending speculation for now that he will exit.
“I am going to stay and finish my current contract, which, as I said, will keep me here until the end of this year,” Zucker told employees. “At that point, I do expect to move on. But that is almost a year from now. That’s a long time.”
He added that “the truth is, back in November and December, I had basically decided that it was time to move on now. But since then, I’ve had a change of heart. And I want to stay. Not forever, but for another year. And I feel really good about this decision.”
Although there had been a lot of speculation that Zucker would exit after the election, in recent weeks employees have predicted that Zucker would stay,...
“I am going to stay and finish my current contract, which, as I said, will keep me here until the end of this year,” Zucker told employees. “At that point, I do expect to move on. But that is almost a year from now. That’s a long time.”
He added that “the truth is, back in November and December, I had basically decided that it was time to move on now. But since then, I’ve had a change of heart. And I want to stay. Not forever, but for another year. And I feel really good about this decision.”
Although there had been a lot of speculation that Zucker would exit after the election, in recent weeks employees have predicted that Zucker would stay,...
- 2/4/2021
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
ABC News President James Goldston announced that he would step down from his post on March 31.
“It’s a really tough decision. I’ve loved every day of my 17 years at ABC News, but in recent times I’ve always assumed that after this extraordinary election cycle, which we’ve covered at a full sprint for four years, it would be time for a change. After a great deal of reflection over the last few months, I’m ready for a new adventure,” Goldston wrote in a memo to employees.
Goldston has been with the network for 17 years, and head of the news division since 2014. No successor has been named. He said that Peter Rice, chairman of general entertainment content for Disney, had asked him to help with the search.
His departure is the latest change atop a network news division. Last year, Andrew Lack stepped down from his position...
“It’s a really tough decision. I’ve loved every day of my 17 years at ABC News, but in recent times I’ve always assumed that after this extraordinary election cycle, which we’ve covered at a full sprint for four years, it would be time for a change. After a great deal of reflection over the last few months, I’m ready for a new adventure,” Goldston wrote in a memo to employees.
Goldston has been with the network for 17 years, and head of the news division since 2014. No successor has been named. He said that Peter Rice, chairman of general entertainment content for Disney, had asked him to help with the search.
His departure is the latest change atop a network news division. Last year, Andrew Lack stepped down from his position...
- 1/28/2021
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Rashida Jones will succeed Phil Griffin as president of MSNBC, the network announced Monday.
Cesar Conde, chairman of the NBCUniversal News Group, said in a memo to staffers that Griffin will retire early next year and Jones will become president on February 1.
“After the presidential election, Phil and I spoke about his desire to depart at a time of his choosing and when he felt confident about the strength of the network he loves,” Conde wrote in a memo to staffers.
Griffin has been with MSNBC since it was launched almost 25 years ago, and has served as president since 2008. Conde wrote that Griffin “has built something remarkable. He leaves the network in the best shape it has ever been. Six straight record years. Each one better than the last.”
Jones (not to be confused with the actress of the same name) has been a rising star at the network, and...
Cesar Conde, chairman of the NBCUniversal News Group, said in a memo to staffers that Griffin will retire early next year and Jones will become president on February 1.
“After the presidential election, Phil and I spoke about his desire to depart at a time of his choosing and when he felt confident about the strength of the network he loves,” Conde wrote in a memo to staffers.
Griffin has been with MSNBC since it was launched almost 25 years ago, and has served as president since 2008. Conde wrote that Griffin “has built something remarkable. He leaves the network in the best shape it has ever been. Six straight record years. Each one better than the last.”
Jones (not to be confused with the actress of the same name) has been a rising star at the network, and...
- 12/7/2020
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Former Today co-host Matt Lauer published a lengthy op-ed in Mediaite on Tuesday that blasts Ronan Farrow’s reporting for his book Catch and Kill, in which he writes about a former Today producer’s claim that Lauer raped her.
In his op-ed, Lauer cites specific instances in Catch and Kill where he contends that Farrow failed to talk to people who offered contradictory information to Brooke Nevils’ claims.
His op-ed also comes in the wake of a column by the New York Times‘ Ben Smith that criticized aspects of Farrow’s reporting.
Lauer wrote: “I believe Ronan knew his work on Catch and Kill would receive little in the way of scrutiny, from the very beginning. It’s the only way to explain why he was so willing to abandon common sense and true fact checking in favor of salacious, and deeply flawed, material. I also believe that some...
In his op-ed, Lauer cites specific instances in Catch and Kill where he contends that Farrow failed to talk to people who offered contradictory information to Brooke Nevils’ claims.
His op-ed also comes in the wake of a column by the New York Times‘ Ben Smith that criticized aspects of Farrow’s reporting.
Lauer wrote: “I believe Ronan knew his work on Catch and Kill would receive little in the way of scrutiny, from the very beginning. It’s the only way to explain why he was so willing to abandon common sense and true fact checking in favor of salacious, and deeply flawed, material. I also believe that some...
- 5/19/2020
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
New York Attorney General Investigated NBC News, Per Reports; Network Says It’s Not Aware Of Inquiry
An NBCUniversal spokesperson said the company is not aware of any inquiry by the New York’s attorney general into allegations of sexual harassment, retaliation and gender discrimination.
The Daily Mail and Variety reported on an investigation on Tuesday, one day after it was announced that Andrew Lack, chairman of NBC News and MSNBC, would be departing the network at the end of the month.
Former NBC News anchor Linda Vester told the Daily Mail that she was one of the women who was interviewed as part of the investigation, and she said they wanted to know about any involvement that Lack had in claims of retaliation. In 2018, Vester accused NBC News stalwart Tom Brokaw of making unwanted sexual advances, something that he denied.
Variety spoke to three women, including Vester, who say they were questioned by the office, and it reported that a number of others also were interviewed.
The Daily Mail and Variety reported on an investigation on Tuesday, one day after it was announced that Andrew Lack, chairman of NBC News and MSNBC, would be departing the network at the end of the month.
Former NBC News anchor Linda Vester told the Daily Mail that she was one of the women who was interviewed as part of the investigation, and she said they wanted to know about any involvement that Lack had in claims of retaliation. In 2018, Vester accused NBC News stalwart Tom Brokaw of making unwanted sexual advances, something that he denied.
Variety spoke to three women, including Vester, who say they were questioned by the office, and it reported that a number of others also were interviewed.
- 5/5/2020
- by The Deadline Team
- Deadline Film + TV
The New York attorney general’s office late last year launched an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment, retaliation and gender discrimination at NBC News, Variety has learned. NBC News chief Andrew Lack and former “Hardball” host Chris Matthews were among multiple high-ranking executives and newsroom talents whose behavior was the subject of questioning, according to multiple sources.
Among those who cooperated with the investigation by providing testimony was Megyn Kelly, an individual close to the former “Today” host told Variety. Kelly declined to comment.
News of the investigation followed the surprise announcement Monday that Lack would depart the company months ahead of a planned retirement.
Variety has spoken directly to three women who were interviewed by the New York attorney general’s office, and has knowledge of three additional people who were brought in for questioning. Well-placed sources who were present for questioning at the attorney general’s office...
Among those who cooperated with the investigation by providing testimony was Megyn Kelly, an individual close to the former “Today” host told Variety. Kelly declined to comment.
News of the investigation followed the surprise announcement Monday that Lack would depart the company months ahead of a planned retirement.
Variety has spoken directly to three women who were interviewed by the New York attorney general’s office, and has knowledge of three additional people who were brought in for questioning. Well-placed sources who were present for questioning at the attorney general’s office...
- 5/5/2020
- by Elizabeth Wagmeister
- Variety Film + TV
As NBC veterans digest a reorganization announced Monday by NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell, what was not entirely surprising was the departure of Andrew Lack. He had for some time been seen as exiting, perhaps at the end of the year.
What was a bit surprising was choice of Cesar Conde to lead a newly formed NBCUniversal News Group, which will include not just NBC News and MSNBC, which Lack had overseen, but also CNBC, which is led by Mark Hoffman.
Conde, who has been chairman of Telemundo and the company’s international division, is a break from the past, a choice of someone who rose the ranks at NBCUniversal outside of its news divisions. One person who had been viewed as Lack’s successor was NBC News chief Noah Oppenheim, particularly when he signed a new contract last year. He and Hoffman, who also had been seen as a possibility for Lack’s role,...
What was a bit surprising was choice of Cesar Conde to lead a newly formed NBCUniversal News Group, which will include not just NBC News and MSNBC, which Lack had overseen, but also CNBC, which is led by Mark Hoffman.
Conde, who has been chairman of Telemundo and the company’s international division, is a break from the past, a choice of someone who rose the ranks at NBCUniversal outside of its news divisions. One person who had been viewed as Lack’s successor was NBC News chief Noah Oppenheim, particularly when he signed a new contract last year. He and Hoffman, who also had been seen as a possibility for Lack’s role,...
- 5/4/2020
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
During Andy Lack’s first tour of duty leading NBC News, he helped “Dateline” bounce back from a dark era in which producers admitted to manipulating elements of an investigative report on General Motors, and expanded the hours of the “Today” morning franchise, and ratings success followed. None of that prepared him for what lay in wait during his second time at the news unit’s helm.
Lack, who is stepping down from NBCUniversal earlier than previously expected under a new reorganization set in motion by new CEO Jeff Shell, has been under scrutiny almost from the time he returned to NBCU in 2015. He joined the Comcast-owned media conglomerate while it was in the midst of a public-relations maelstrom around former “NBC Nightly News” anchor Brian Williams, and quickly moved through several other periods of tumult.
Lack, a colorful executive who has never been shy about experimenting with new concepts,...
Lack, who is stepping down from NBCUniversal earlier than previously expected under a new reorganization set in motion by new CEO Jeff Shell, has been under scrutiny almost from the time he returned to NBCU in 2015. He joined the Comcast-owned media conglomerate while it was in the midst of a public-relations maelstrom around former “NBC Nightly News” anchor Brian Williams, and quickly moved through several other periods of tumult.
Lack, a colorful executive who has never been shy about experimenting with new concepts,...
- 5/4/2020
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
NBC News Group President Andy Lack is stepping down, NBC announced Monday in a statement about a wide-ranging restructuring within the company.
He is transitioning out of the company at the end of the month.
NBC News president Noah Oppenheim, MSNBC president Phil Griffin and CNBC chairman Mark Hoffman will now report to Cesar Conde. The company’s news networks will be organized into a single unit and led by Conde, who assumes the new role of NBCUniversal News Group chairman. Conde comes from Telemundo.
Also Read: NBC News' Critics Step Up Pressure to Investigate Andy Lack and Noah Oppenheim
The news came at the same time it was announced Mark Lazarus will assume oversight of all of NBCUniversal’s entertainment TV operations as part of the same massive company-wide restructuring.
Said NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell of Conde, “Cesar is a well-respected, strategic leader who has succeeded in multiple roles...
He is transitioning out of the company at the end of the month.
NBC News president Noah Oppenheim, MSNBC president Phil Griffin and CNBC chairman Mark Hoffman will now report to Cesar Conde. The company’s news networks will be organized into a single unit and led by Conde, who assumes the new role of NBCUniversal News Group chairman. Conde comes from Telemundo.
Also Read: NBC News' Critics Step Up Pressure to Investigate Andy Lack and Noah Oppenheim
The news came at the same time it was announced Mark Lazarus will assume oversight of all of NBCUniversal’s entertainment TV operations as part of the same massive company-wide restructuring.
Said NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell of Conde, “Cesar is a well-respected, strategic leader who has succeeded in multiple roles...
- 5/4/2020
- by Lindsey Ellefson
- The Wrap
NBC News and MSNBC Chairman Andrew Lack says that journalists are succeeding in their reporting on the coronavirus in the face of attacks from the White House.
He also defended the way that the network has carried and covered President Donald Trump’s daily White House press briefings.
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In an essay for the network’s opinion site NBC News Think, Lack wrote that “Trump came into office railing against many of the foundations of our democratic institutions, including a free press. Forty months into his administration, coverage of the coronavirus outbreak is the latest sign that — contrary to conventional wisdom — he hasn’t laid a glove on serious journalism. His attacks,...
He also defended the way that the network has carried and covered President Donald Trump’s daily White House press briefings.
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In an essay for the network’s opinion site NBC News Think, Lack wrote that “Trump came into office railing against many of the foundations of our democratic institutions, including a free press. Forty months into his administration, coverage of the coronavirus outbreak is the latest sign that — contrary to conventional wisdom — he hasn’t laid a glove on serious journalism. His attacks,...
- 4/27/2020
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
MSNBC announced a big change in its executive ranks on Tuesday: Rashida Jones is taking on another role, leading MSNBC’s daytime programming while retaining her role as Svp Specials for NBC News and MSNBC.
NBC News Chairman Andrew Lack and MSNBC President Phil Griffin made the announcement in a memo to employees Wednesday.
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“Rashida is well known at MSNBC in her current role, and as the former Managing Editor of dayside,” they wrote. “She now brings a whole new level of expertise from the network, in terms of breaking news — as she has done by managing special reports; by producing live events on a massive...
NBC News Chairman Andrew Lack and MSNBC President Phil Griffin made the announcement in a memo to employees Wednesday.
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“Rashida is well known at MSNBC in her current role, and as the former Managing Editor of dayside,” they wrote. “She now brings a whole new level of expertise from the network, in terms of breaking news — as she has done by managing special reports; by producing live events on a massive...
- 4/1/2020
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated: President Donald Trump went off on NBC News White House correspondent Peter Alexander after he pressed him on what he would say to Americans who are frightened by the coronavirus.
“What do you say to Americans that are scared?” Alexander asked.
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“I’d say you are a terrible reporter,” Trump responded. “I think that’s a very nasty question, and I think that’s a very bad signal that you’re putting out to the American people.” He then blasted NBC News and its parent company, Comcast, in general.
.@PeterAlexander: What do you say to Americans, who are watching you right now,...
“What do you say to Americans that are scared?” Alexander asked.
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“I’d say you are a terrible reporter,” Trump responded. “I think that’s a very nasty question, and I think that’s a very bad signal that you’re putting out to the American people.” He then blasted NBC News and its parent company, Comcast, in general.
.@PeterAlexander: What do you say to Americans, who are watching you right now,...
- 3/20/2020
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
The highly anticipated announcement of Peacock, the new NBCUniversal streaming platform, included mention of NBC News’ venture with Sky News to create an international news network.
Comcast CEO Brian Roberts first announced the plans for a global NBC News Sky network last year on an earnings call, drawing on the company’s purchase of the European pay TV giant Sky. The network would draw on the vast resources of the NBC and Sky news divisions.
No launch date has been given to the Sky venture, which would be its own channel, but it was promoted among a slate of NBC News offerings for the Peacock service. That includes the recently launched streaming network NBC News Now, and plans for an original offering every weekday from Meet the Press with Chuck Todd. NBC Ness also will create original documentaries for Peacock focused on politics, biographies and history, and the platform will include full episodes of Dateline.
Comcast CEO Brian Roberts first announced the plans for a global NBC News Sky network last year on an earnings call, drawing on the company’s purchase of the European pay TV giant Sky. The network would draw on the vast resources of the NBC and Sky news divisions.
No launch date has been given to the Sky venture, which would be its own channel, but it was promoted among a slate of NBC News offerings for the Peacock service. That includes the recently launched streaming network NBC News Now, and plans for an original offering every weekday from Meet the Press with Chuck Todd. NBC Ness also will create original documentaries for Peacock focused on politics, biographies and history, and the platform will include full episodes of Dateline.
- 1/17/2020
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Four 2020 Democratic candidates — Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-ma), Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt) and Sen. Kamala Harris (D-ca) — have signed on to a letter calling on the Democratic National Committee to ensure that Comcast orders an independent investigation of sexual harassment and misconduct claims at NBC News.
The letter was organized by the women’s activist group UltraViolet and is their latest attack on the network and its response to claims made against Matt Lauer, who was fired as host of Today in 2017. MSNBC is a co-sponsor of the next Democratic debate on Wednesday from the Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta.
“We, the undersigned candidates, are very concerned about the message it would send to sexual assault survivors if our next debate is sponsored by MSNBC without clear commitments from Comcast, the parent company of NBC and MSNBC, to conduct an independent investigation into...
The letter was organized by the women’s activist group UltraViolet and is their latest attack on the network and its response to claims made against Matt Lauer, who was fired as host of Today in 2017. MSNBC is a co-sponsor of the next Democratic debate on Wednesday from the Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta.
“We, the undersigned candidates, are very concerned about the message it would send to sexual assault survivors if our next debate is sponsored by MSNBC without clear commitments from Comcast, the parent company of NBC and MSNBC, to conduct an independent investigation into...
- 11/19/2019
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
NBC News President Noah Oppenheim signed a new contract to stay at the NBCUniversal unit in recent months, according people familiar with the matter, even as the company prepared to defend itself against allegations recently raised by Ronan Farrow’s explosive book, “Catch and Kill.”‘
Oppenheim is widely expected to succeed Andrew Lack, who currently holds the title of chairman of NBC News and MSNBC. Lack, a colorful executive who is serving his second stint at NBC, is currently working under a contract that lapses in 2020. Oppenheim’s deal, believed to be signed in recent months. is a sign of continued support in his tenure at the company, a fact that was voiced by NBCU CEO Steve Burke earlier this year. Oppenheim could conceivably take over Lack’s duties after the presidential election of 2020.
The new contract agreement with Oppenheim was reported previously by The Wall Street Journal.
Oppenheim and...
Oppenheim is widely expected to succeed Andrew Lack, who currently holds the title of chairman of NBC News and MSNBC. Lack, a colorful executive who is serving his second stint at NBC, is currently working under a contract that lapses in 2020. Oppenheim’s deal, believed to be signed in recent months. is a sign of continued support in his tenure at the company, a fact that was voiced by NBCU CEO Steve Burke earlier this year. Oppenheim could conceivably take over Lack’s duties after the presidential election of 2020.
The new contract agreement with Oppenheim was reported previously by The Wall Street Journal.
Oppenheim and...
- 10/22/2019
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
UltraViolet Action, the women’s activist organization, is calling on the Democratic National Committee to drop MSNBC as the next debate sponsor unless Comcast takes steps to “clean house” at NBC News in light of claims made in Ronan Farrow’s new book Catch and Kill.
In a letter to the DNC, UltraViolet Action co-founder Shaunna Thomas wrote that “the DNC needs to make it clear that they support survivors of sexual abuse and cancel the upcoming 2020 Democratic presidential primary debate on MSNBC until Comcast and NBC News take clear steps to clean up the toxic culture that exists across their networks.”
The DNC had no immediate comment. A spokesperson for NBC News did not immediately return a request for comment.
Along with the Washington Post, MSNBC is scheduled to co-sponsor the next Democratic debate on November 20, to be held in Georgia. NBC News, Telemundo and MSNBC co-sponsored the first...
In a letter to the DNC, UltraViolet Action co-founder Shaunna Thomas wrote that “the DNC needs to make it clear that they support survivors of sexual abuse and cancel the upcoming 2020 Democratic presidential primary debate on MSNBC until Comcast and NBC News take clear steps to clean up the toxic culture that exists across their networks.”
The DNC had no immediate comment. A spokesperson for NBC News did not immediately return a request for comment.
Along with the Washington Post, MSNBC is scheduled to co-sponsor the next Democratic debate on November 20, to be held in Georgia. NBC News, Telemundo and MSNBC co-sponsored the first...
- 10/16/2019
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Ronan Farrow’s book Catch and Kill, published on Tuesday, features another claim of sexual misconduct against Matt Lauer – one that he is also denying.
The woman, Melissa Lonner, was a producer for the Today show in 2010, when, she claims according to Farrow’s book, Lauer invited her to his office in 30 Rock following a work event and “unzipped his pants and exposed his erect penis.”
Today covered the allegation on Tuesday’s show.
According to Farrow, Lonner told multiple colleagues about the incident. She said that she tried to get away by cracking a joke but Lauer continued to proposition her and said that it would be “a first for you.” Then he became angry and said, “Melissa, you’re a f*cking tease. This is not good. You led me on.”
The next day, Lonner spoke to Ann Curry, then part of the Today team, and broke down and told her what happened.
The woman, Melissa Lonner, was a producer for the Today show in 2010, when, she claims according to Farrow’s book, Lauer invited her to his office in 30 Rock following a work event and “unzipped his pants and exposed his erect penis.”
Today covered the allegation on Tuesday’s show.
According to Farrow, Lonner told multiple colleagues about the incident. She said that she tried to get away by cracking a joke but Lauer continued to proposition her and said that it would be “a first for you.” Then he became angry and said, “Melissa, you’re a f*cking tease. This is not good. You led me on.”
The next day, Lonner spoke to Ann Curry, then part of the Today team, and broke down and told her what happened.
- 10/15/2019
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
NBC’s Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb addressed the latest allegations against their former Today colleague Matt Lauer, with Guthrie calling them “shocking and appalling” and Kotb telling viewers, “We don’t know the facts in all of this, but they are not allegations of an affair. They are allegations of a crime.”
Deadline sister publication Variety reported on Tuesday night that in Ronan Farrow’s new book Catch and Kill, Brooke Nevils, the former NBC News employee whose complaint about Lauer led to his termination from the show two years ago, alleges that Lauer anally raped her in his hotel room as they were on assignment at the Sochi Winter Olympics in 2014.
“I feel like we owe it to our viewers to pause for a moment,” Guthrie said on Wednesday morning. “This is shocking and appalling, and I honestly don’t even know what to say about it. I...
Deadline sister publication Variety reported on Tuesday night that in Ronan Farrow’s new book Catch and Kill, Brooke Nevils, the former NBC News employee whose complaint about Lauer led to his termination from the show two years ago, alleges that Lauer anally raped her in his hotel room as they were on assignment at the Sochi Winter Olympics in 2014.
“I feel like we owe it to our viewers to pause for a moment,” Guthrie said on Wednesday morning. “This is shocking and appalling, and I honestly don’t even know what to say about it. I...
- 10/9/2019
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
In Ronan Farrow’s book about his Harvey Weinstein investigation, a former NBC News employee alleges that then-Today co-anchor Matt Lauer anally raped her when they were both in Sochi covering the 2014 Winter Olympics.
Lauer (who is denying the rape accusation) was famously and abruptly fired by NBC in November 2017, in the wake of allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior exhibited throughout 2014. “While it is the first complaint about his behavior in the over 20 years he’s been at NBC News, we were also presented with reason to believe this may not have been an isolated incident,” NBC News chairman Andrew Lack said at the time.
Lauer (who is denying the rape accusation) was famously and abruptly fired by NBC in November 2017, in the wake of allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior exhibited throughout 2014. “While it is the first complaint about his behavior in the over 20 years he’s been at NBC News, we were also presented with reason to believe this may not have been an isolated incident,” NBC News chairman Andrew Lack said at the time.
- 10/9/2019
- TVLine.com
Ronan Farrow’s new book “Catch and Kill” recounts his investigation of Harvey Weinstein; the hurdles his then-employer NBC News put in his way that caused him to publish the story in the New Yorker instead; and how Weinstein hired Black Cube, an investigative firm that employs ex-Mossad officers, to stop him.
But Farrow’s most explosive interview in the book is with Brooke Nevils, the former NBC News employee whose complaint about Matt Lauer led to the co-anchor’s firing from the “Today” show in 2017.
At the time, NBC News kept Nevils’ identity anonymous from press reports at her request. The full details of her allegations have not been made public until now.
In the book, obtained by Variety, Nevils alleges that at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, Lauer anally raped her in his hotel room.
“Matt Lauer’s conduct was appalling, horrific and reprehensible, as we said at the time,...
But Farrow’s most explosive interview in the book is with Brooke Nevils, the former NBC News employee whose complaint about Matt Lauer led to the co-anchor’s firing from the “Today” show in 2017.
At the time, NBC News kept Nevils’ identity anonymous from press reports at her request. The full details of her allegations have not been made public until now.
In the book, obtained by Variety, Nevils alleges that at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, Lauer anally raped her in his hotel room.
“Matt Lauer’s conduct was appalling, horrific and reprehensible, as we said at the time,...
- 10/9/2019
- by Kate Aurthur and Ramin Setoodeh
- Variety Film + TV
2018 was a wild ride in the TV news business. Shocking reports in the wake of #MeToo forced the industry to vomit out more sexual harassers. Some high-profile programs suffered ratings consequences. Meanwhile, TV news executives licked self-inflicted wounds, and, once again, viewers said so long, for now at least, to a super-successful TV news host who tried to change the daypart and network simultaneously.
CBS News veteran Jeff Fager, only the second person to executive produce 60 Minutes in its five decades on the air, got the hook in September following more reports of inappropriate behavior, which would follow in the footsteps of mentor Don Hewitt. But it was Fager’s threatening text to a reporter that got him jettisoned.
Meanwhile, NBC News got the ammo it sought in its struggles with its $69 million morning-show host Megyn Kelly, when she delivered on-air a nostalgic defense of blackface costumes during a Today panel discussion for Halloween.
CBS News veteran Jeff Fager, only the second person to executive produce 60 Minutes in its five decades on the air, got the hook in September following more reports of inappropriate behavior, which would follow in the footsteps of mentor Don Hewitt. But it was Fager’s threatening text to a reporter that got him jettisoned.
Meanwhile, NBC News got the ammo it sought in its struggles with its $69 million morning-show host Megyn Kelly, when she delivered on-air a nostalgic defense of blackface costumes during a Today panel discussion for Halloween.
- 12/31/2018
- by Lisa de Moraes
- Deadline Film + TV
Megyn Kelly and NBC News are said to be close to a $30 million settlement deal that will pay out the full value of the time remaining on her three-year contract.
News that the formal parting of Kelly and NBC is getting closer was previously reported Tuesday by the New York Post. A person familiar with the situation said the remaining haggling was not about money but the specifics of the non-compete clause and non-disclosure agreements for which NBC has pushed. The talks are not expected to conclude until next week because of Thursday’s Thanksgiving holiday.
Reps for NBCUniversal, NBC News and Kelly declined comment.
Kelly’s imminent exit is the last stage of a misplaced bet by NBC News chairman Andrew Lack, who wagered big money on luring the former Fox News star to a three-year deal in early 2017.
Kelly was removed nearly a month ago as host of the “Megyn Kelly Today” 9 a.
News that the formal parting of Kelly and NBC is getting closer was previously reported Tuesday by the New York Post. A person familiar with the situation said the remaining haggling was not about money but the specifics of the non-compete clause and non-disclosure agreements for which NBC has pushed. The talks are not expected to conclude until next week because of Thursday’s Thanksgiving holiday.
Reps for NBCUniversal, NBC News and Kelly declined comment.
Kelly’s imminent exit is the last stage of a misplaced bet by NBC News chairman Andrew Lack, who wagered big money on luring the former Fox News star to a three-year deal in early 2017.
Kelly was removed nearly a month ago as host of the “Megyn Kelly Today” 9 a.
- 11/20/2018
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Megyn Kelly arrived at NBC News with a vow to shed the hard-news focus and political coverage that had defined her success at Fox News.
“I’m kind of done with politics for now,” Kelly told the audience for her 9 a.m. talk show, “Megyn Kelly Today,” during her first broadcast in September 2017. Instead, she urged viewers to use her show to “get yourself through the day, to have a laugh with us, a smile, sometimes a tear — and maybe a little hope to start your day. Some fun! That’s what we want to be doing.”
In the end, her tenure at NBC News was extremely political — and anything but fun.
NBCUniversal canceled Kelly’s talk show Oct. 26, and she is likely headed toward a split with NBC less than two years after she was recruited from Fox News with a rich $17 million-a-year contract. Her downfall was hastened by...
“I’m kind of done with politics for now,” Kelly told the audience for her 9 a.m. talk show, “Megyn Kelly Today,” during her first broadcast in September 2017. Instead, she urged viewers to use her show to “get yourself through the day, to have a laugh with us, a smile, sometimes a tear — and maybe a little hope to start your day. Some fun! That’s what we want to be doing.”
In the end, her tenure at NBC News was extremely political — and anything but fun.
NBCUniversal canceled Kelly’s talk show Oct. 26, and she is likely headed toward a split with NBC less than two years after she was recruited from Fox News with a rich $17 million-a-year contract. Her downfall was hastened by...
- 10/30/2018
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
The hiring of Megyn Kelly by NBC News two years ago was a $69 million gamble by the news division’s chairman Andrew Lack on four separate propositions.
1. That the star power of a celebrity journalist would deliver a jolt of popularity that would increase audience ratings;
2. That Today, NBC’s four-hour flagship morning program, would be improved by the injection of a single personality at its halfway point;
3. That a hard-news weekly magazine is a viable format for broadcast television primetime programming; and
4. That the skills in television journalism that thrive in the militantly ideological niche-targeted setting ...
1. That the star power of a celebrity journalist would deliver a jolt of popularity that would increase audience ratings;
2. That Today, NBC’s four-hour flagship morning program, would be improved by the injection of a single personality at its halfway point;
3. That a hard-news weekly magazine is a viable format for broadcast television primetime programming; and
4. That the skills in television journalism that thrive in the militantly ideological niche-targeted setting ...
- 10/29/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
One day after she defended and then apologized for defending the use of blackface in Halloween costumes, Megyn Kelly has parted ways with CAA and hired talent litigation lawyer Bryan Freedman.
The powerhouse agency stopped representing Kelly, who hosts the 9 a.m. hour of NBC’s “Today,” on Wednesday, an individual with knowledge of the situation told TheWrap. But no reason was provided.
Reached for comment by TheWrap, Freedman, co-founder of Freedman & Taitelman, confirmed he had been retained by Kelly on Wednesday night. His hiring may indicate that Kelly is headed for a legal conflict with NBC. The news follows reports earlier in the day that she and the network are discussing her exit from the show by the end of the current season.
Adding to the drama, it was also reported late Wednesday night by The Hollywood Reporter that Kelly will not appear on “Today” for the rest of the week.
The powerhouse agency stopped representing Kelly, who hosts the 9 a.m. hour of NBC’s “Today,” on Wednesday, an individual with knowledge of the situation told TheWrap. But no reason was provided.
Reached for comment by TheWrap, Freedman, co-founder of Freedman & Taitelman, confirmed he had been retained by Kelly on Wednesday night. His hiring may indicate that Kelly is headed for a legal conflict with NBC. The news follows reports earlier in the day that she and the network are discussing her exit from the show by the end of the current season.
Adding to the drama, it was also reported late Wednesday night by The Hollywood Reporter that Kelly will not appear on “Today” for the rest of the week.
- 10/25/2018
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
Since joining NBC News in the Spring of 2017, Megyn Kelly has soldiered on at her morning program, “Megyn Kelly Today,” through various social-media controversies; a feud with actress Jane Fonda; scrutiny of her ratings, her guests, her dancing, her everything. Her hard work has been testament to her ability to take a punch and keep working to build an audience.
Now there’s some question about whether Kelly can keep marching.
The Tuesday broadcast of “Megyn Kelly Today” has spurred sentiments of disappointment from media buyers, the executives who allocate billions of dollars of advertising to media properties on behalf of Madison Avenue. Kelly blundered yesterday during a panel discussion on her 9 a.m. program when she made some remarks about dressing up in blackface or whiteface for Halloween. “What is racist?” she asked a panel that included Jenna Bush Hager, Jacob Soboroff and Melissa Rivers. “You do get in...
Now there’s some question about whether Kelly can keep marching.
The Tuesday broadcast of “Megyn Kelly Today” has spurred sentiments of disappointment from media buyers, the executives who allocate billions of dollars of advertising to media properties on behalf of Madison Avenue. Kelly blundered yesterday during a panel discussion on her 9 a.m. program when she made some remarks about dressing up in blackface or whiteface for Halloween. “What is racist?” she asked a panel that included Jenna Bush Hager, Jacob Soboroff and Melissa Rivers. “You do get in...
- 10/24/2018
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
NBC News’ upcoming 24/7 streaming service, dubbed NBC News Signal, will launch in mid-2019, the company announced Wednesday morning.
The service, which was first mentioned by NBC News chairman Andrew Lack in March, will launch with the network’s new evening show, which is expected to debut later this quarter. The show will be hosted by Simone Boyce. Additional daily programming, including a yet-to-be-named morning and afternoon show, and hourly news updates called “Brieflies“ will also be available on the service.
Before its official launch, viewers can preview the service on Pluto TV, NBCNews.com, YouTube, and Twitter where it will stream special mid-term coverage. Leading up to the elections, Steve Kornacki’s “218: Race for the House” will air daily at 12 p.m. Et and on Nov. 6, NBC News correspondent Katy Tur will host a pre-show on the digital network from 7-9 p.m. Et.
Also Read: CNN Says John Brennan,...
The service, which was first mentioned by NBC News chairman Andrew Lack in March, will launch with the network’s new evening show, which is expected to debut later this quarter. The show will be hosted by Simone Boyce. Additional daily programming, including a yet-to-be-named morning and afternoon show, and hourly news updates called “Brieflies“ will also be available on the service.
Before its official launch, viewers can preview the service on Pluto TV, NBCNews.com, YouTube, and Twitter where it will stream special mid-term coverage. Leading up to the elections, Steve Kornacki’s “218: Race for the House” will air daily at 12 p.m. Et and on Nov. 6, NBC News correspondent Katy Tur will host a pre-show on the digital network from 7-9 p.m. Et.
Also Read: CNN Says John Brennan,...
- 10/24/2018
- by Matt Lopez
- The Wrap
Jim Sciutto hasn’t been known as much of a morning person at CNN. Since joining the network in 2013, the national security reporter has been on hand to deliver news of major import about Russia’s efforts to hack the 2016 presidential election and issues related to America’s intelligence community.
Now he’s on the air every weekday at 9 a.m., co-hosting “CNN Newsroom” opposite Poppy Harlow. The issues are just as serious. “The breaking news now: CNN can report that Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein is expecting to be fired,” Sciutto informed viewers Sept. 24 — another whirlwind day of headlines in national politics.
In the Trump era, big, consequential headlines are not just for primetime anymore.
Cable-news heavyweights used to appear mainly in the evening, where shows continue to attract the greatest number of viewers. In today’s 24/7 news cycle, however, daytime hours are becoming hot spots. Look no further than Sept.
Now he’s on the air every weekday at 9 a.m., co-hosting “CNN Newsroom” opposite Poppy Harlow. The issues are just as serious. “The breaking news now: CNN can report that Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein is expecting to be fired,” Sciutto informed viewers Sept. 24 — another whirlwind day of headlines in national politics.
In the Trump era, big, consequential headlines are not just for primetime anymore.
Cable-news heavyweights used to appear mainly in the evening, where shows continue to attract the greatest number of viewers. In today’s 24/7 news cycle, however, daytime hours are becoming hot spots. Look no further than Sept.
- 10/11/2018
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
The eye of the peacock is considered by many to be a harbinger of good luck, its brilliant plume a source of pride.
But given the jarring developments that hit NBC in the late afternoon of Sept. 21, just as the weekend approached, neither truism would apply to the broadcast network known in industry tradespeak as the Peacock.
Just as Variety broke the news that NBC Entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt was planning to leave NBCUniversal, prompted in part by his frustration with corporate management, The Daily Beast simultaneously published a report claiming that embattled NBC News chief Andrew Lack did not respond forcefully to sexual misconduct allegations that festered at the network, including those leveled at former star anchor Matt Lauer.
NBCUniversal negotiated Greenblatt’s exit agreement over the weekend, and announced Sept. 24 that the executive would be succeeded by two company veterans — George Cheeks and Paul Telegdy.
Lack’s fate at NBC is unclear,...
But given the jarring developments that hit NBC in the late afternoon of Sept. 21, just as the weekend approached, neither truism would apply to the broadcast network known in industry tradespeak as the Peacock.
Just as Variety broke the news that NBC Entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt was planning to leave NBCUniversal, prompted in part by his frustration with corporate management, The Daily Beast simultaneously published a report claiming that embattled NBC News chief Andrew Lack did not respond forcefully to sexual misconduct allegations that festered at the network, including those leveled at former star anchor Matt Lauer.
NBCUniversal negotiated Greenblatt’s exit agreement over the weekend, and announced Sept. 24 that the executive would be succeeded by two company veterans — George Cheeks and Paul Telegdy.
Lack’s fate at NBC is unclear,...
- 9/25/2018
- by Daniel Holloway and Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
NBC News Chairman Andrew Lack, under fire for perceived inaction on certain NBC News activities, also protected a male employee who sexually harassed multiple women while he was in charge at Sony BMG Music Entertainment in 2004, according to a published report.
The Daily Beast today published a story largely quoting anonymous sources that made the allegations against Lack, who has been criticized for how incidents at NBC News have been handled, including the incidents that drove former Today show anchor Matt Lauer from the company and the stifling of Ronan Farrow’s reporting on Harvey Weinstein.
According to the Daily Beast story, Lack was chairman and CEO of Sony BMG Music Entertainment when executive Charlie Walk allegedly sent sexual messages to female employees using company email. The emails reportedly included graphic pornography, according to the sources cited.
Lack was told of the matter, but repeatedly declined to address Walk’s conduct.
The Daily Beast today published a story largely quoting anonymous sources that made the allegations against Lack, who has been criticized for how incidents at NBC News have been handled, including the incidents that drove former Today show anchor Matt Lauer from the company and the stifling of Ronan Farrow’s reporting on Harvey Weinstein.
According to the Daily Beast story, Lack was chairman and CEO of Sony BMG Music Entertainment when executive Charlie Walk allegedly sent sexual messages to female employees using company email. The emails reportedly included graphic pornography, according to the sources cited.
Lack was told of the matter, but repeatedly declined to address Walk’s conduct.
- 9/22/2018
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
A new report alleges NBC News Chairman Andrew Lack has a history of not acting decisively on allegations of sexual harassment, the latest assertion that the NBC Universal news division has not taken as seriously as it could several bombshell revelations in recent months about its internal culture and its handling of stories related to the topic.
The story, posted Friday in The Daily Beast, alleges Lack has not moved quickly in the past when confronted by accusations of workers under his aegis acting inappropriately. In 2004. the report said, Lack declined to address inappropriate behavior by music executive Charlie Walk while working in 2004 as chairman and CEO of Sony BMG Music Entertainment. Walk was subsequently accused of harassment this year by former female employees.
The accusation arrives after NBC News has come under fire multiple times in recent months for its handling of sensitive stories related to sexual harassment. NBC News,...
The story, posted Friday in The Daily Beast, alleges Lack has not moved quickly in the past when confronted by accusations of workers under his aegis acting inappropriately. In 2004. the report said, Lack declined to address inappropriate behavior by music executive Charlie Walk while working in 2004 as chairman and CEO of Sony BMG Music Entertainment. Walk was subsequently accused of harassment this year by former female employees.
The accusation arrives after NBC News has come under fire multiple times in recent months for its handling of sensitive stories related to sexual harassment. NBC News,...
- 9/21/2018
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
President Donald Trump has slammed NBC News for its handling of Ronan Farrow’s Harvey Weinstein story and suggests that it could be grounds for taking a look at the company’s broadcast licenses.
Trump joined the chorus of critics of NBC News over its handling of Farrow’s investigative report into sexual assault allegations against now-disgraced film mogul Weinstein.
NBC News on Sunday released a lengthy memo and internal report documenting Farrow’s reporting at various stages at NBC, until Farrow in August 2017 took the story to the New Yorker. That memo from NBC News chief Andrew Lack came in response to criticism last week from Farrow’s former NBC News producer, Rich McHugh, that NBC sought to impede Farrow’s reporting.
Trump weighed in Tuesday morning, noting the scrutiny of NBC News and asserting that the company is “now fumbling around making excuses for their probably highly unethical conduct.
Trump joined the chorus of critics of NBC News over its handling of Farrow’s investigative report into sexual assault allegations against now-disgraced film mogul Weinstein.
NBC News on Sunday released a lengthy memo and internal report documenting Farrow’s reporting at various stages at NBC, until Farrow in August 2017 took the story to the New Yorker. That memo from NBC News chief Andrew Lack came in response to criticism last week from Farrow’s former NBC News producer, Rich McHugh, that NBC sought to impede Farrow’s reporting.
Trump weighed in Tuesday morning, noting the scrutiny of NBC News and asserting that the company is “now fumbling around making excuses for their probably highly unethical conduct.
- 9/4/2018
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
President Donald Trump directed his ire once again at NBC News, this time calling them out for their handling of Ronan Farrow’s Harvey Weinstein reporting, and threatening their broadcast license.
Trump tweeted on Tuesday: “NBC Fake News, which is under intense scrutiny over their killing the Harvey Weinstein story, is now fumbling around making excuses for their probably highly unethical conduct. I have long criticized NBC and their journalistic standards-worse than even CNN. Look at their license?”
NBC Fake News, which is under intense scrutiny over their killing the Harvey Weinstein story, is now fumbling around making excuses for their probably highly unethical conduct. I have long criticized NBC and their journalistic standards-worse than even CNN. Look at their license?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 4, 2018
Also Read: Ronan Farrow Blasts NBC News' 'False or Misleading' Memo About Harvey Weinstein Story
Questions regarding NBC’s decision not to air the...
Trump tweeted on Tuesday: “NBC Fake News, which is under intense scrutiny over their killing the Harvey Weinstein story, is now fumbling around making excuses for their probably highly unethical conduct. I have long criticized NBC and their journalistic standards-worse than even CNN. Look at their license?”
NBC Fake News, which is under intense scrutiny over their killing the Harvey Weinstein story, is now fumbling around making excuses for their probably highly unethical conduct. I have long criticized NBC and their journalistic standards-worse than even CNN. Look at their license?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 4, 2018
Also Read: Ronan Farrow Blasts NBC News' 'False or Misleading' Memo About Harvey Weinstein Story
Questions regarding NBC’s decision not to air the...
- 9/4/2018
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Ronan Farrow blasted back at NBC News chief Andy Lack on Monday for a memo that said Farrow’s bombshell reporting on Harvey Weinstein was not “fit for broadcast” when he was working at the network.
In a tweet sent hours after Lack’s memo to staffers became public, Farrow said the network’s account “contains numerous false or misleading statements.”
Farrow, who shared a Pulitzer Prize when his report on accusations of sexual misconduct against the Hollywood mogul was subsequently published by The New Yorker, disputed the network’s claim that after eight months of reporting Farrow “still did not have a single victim or witness willing to go on the record.”
Also Read: Ronan Farrow's Weinstein Investigation Was Not 'Fit to Broadcast,' NBC News Chairman Andrew Lack Says
According to Farrow, “their list of sources is incomplete and omits women who were either identified in the NBC...
In a tweet sent hours after Lack’s memo to staffers became public, Farrow said the network’s account “contains numerous false or misleading statements.”
Farrow, who shared a Pulitzer Prize when his report on accusations of sexual misconduct against the Hollywood mogul was subsequently published by The New Yorker, disputed the network’s claim that after eight months of reporting Farrow “still did not have a single victim or witness willing to go on the record.”
Also Read: Ronan Farrow's Weinstein Investigation Was Not 'Fit to Broadcast,' NBC News Chairman Andrew Lack Says
According to Farrow, “their list of sources is incomplete and omits women who were either identified in the NBC...
- 9/4/2018
- by Thom Geier
- The Wrap
NBC News Chairman Andrew Lack sent employees a detailed memo and an 11-page analysis Monday spelling out why the news organization felt it could not air journalist Ronan Farrow’s 2017 investigation into harassment allegations against movie-mogul Harvey Weinstein, the latest rebuke by the Comcast-owned unit against accusations it passed on one of the hottest stories in recent years without obvious reason.
“We spent eight months pursuing the story but at the end of that time, NBC News – like many others before us – still did not have a single victim or witness willing to go on the record,” Lack said to staffers in the memo. Farrow disagreed with that standard, Lack said, and the two sides parted ways.
Release of the executive analysis, which includes transcripts of on-camera interviews between Farrow and others as well as a timeline of phone calls Harvey Weinstein and his attorneys made to various NBC News executives,...
“We spent eight months pursuing the story but at the end of that time, NBC News – like many others before us – still did not have a single victim or witness willing to go on the record,” Lack said to staffers in the memo. Farrow disagreed with that standard, Lack said, and the two sides parted ways.
Release of the executive analysis, which includes transcripts of on-camera interviews between Farrow and others as well as a timeline of phone calls Harvey Weinstein and his attorneys made to various NBC News executives,...
- 9/3/2018
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Mika Brzezinski has risen to defend NBC News chairman Andrew Lack, whom President Trump attacked in a tweetstorm this morning.
Trump, apparently reacting to a New York Post Page Six report that Lack was about to be dismissed, tweeted out that Lack “is about to fired (?) for incompentence, and much worse.”
Brzezinski responded on her MSNBC Morning Joe show. “Not only is he attacking NBC’s chairman Andy Lack, our boss, with stupid rumors, but also he’s going after the truth,” she said.
Trump also attacked CNN president Jeff Zucker, calling for his firing over a story sourced by Michael Cohen attorney Lanny Davis, who has since walked back his previous statements. CNN continues to stand on its story, despite the Davis clarifications.
Lack, a veteran newsman, has been chairman of NBC News and MSNBC since 2015.
Trump, apparently reacting to a New York Post Page Six report that Lack was about to be dismissed, tweeted out that Lack “is about to fired (?) for incompentence, and much worse.”
Brzezinski responded on her MSNBC Morning Joe show. “Not only is he attacking NBC’s chairman Andy Lack, our boss, with stupid rumors, but also he’s going after the truth,” she said.
Trump also attacked CNN president Jeff Zucker, calling for his firing over a story sourced by Michael Cohen attorney Lanny Davis, who has since walked back his previous statements. CNN continues to stand on its story, despite the Davis clarifications.
Lack, a veteran newsman, has been chairman of NBC News and MSNBC since 2015.
- 8/31/2018
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
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