MOLLY SOLOMON, a longtime producer of NBC's Olympic coverage, will become Exec Producer of Golf Channel, the network's employees were told today. The move sets Solomon up as the first woman to serve as an executive producer for a national sports network. The move is part of NBC Sports Chair MARK LAZARUS' continued makeover of the NBC Sports Group, including the network's golf business, which is overseen by NBC Sports Group Group President JON LITNER. "I'm equally torn between my two passions of Olympics and Golf," Solomon said. "There are so many opportunities to do big things at Golf Channel." Solomon will move to Orlando and will report to Golf Channel President MIKE MCCARLEY. As the network's executive producer, Solomon will oversee all aspects of Golf Channel's programming and production, from tournament coverage to news to original productions. "I want to build on the momentum Golf Channel has," she said. "It needs to be must-see TV in every locker room and every grill room in America." Solomon is a well-decorated producer, having won nine Emmy awards during her career. She is best known for producing the Olympic Games and will remain as coordinating producer of this summer's London Games, even though she is starting her Golf Channel role immediately. "That was my promise to Mark Lazarus," Solomon said. "I can do both. I can balance two jobs for a couple of months." Solomon, who will produce the Opening Ceremony and primetime shows from London, will continue to work on future games for NBC. "I insisted on that," Solomon said. "There are a core group of us that have such a passion for the Olympics." She started her Olympic career as a researcher for the '92 Barcelona Games. The London Games will mark her ninth Olympics.
