Lazarus will now oversee the broadcast network, the news division, the cable networks and the sports groupGETTY IMAGES
NBCUniversal made a "series of executive changes that could set the stage for the next generation of leaders at a media empire that includes the NBC broadcast network; Universal Film Studios; and cable channels such as Bravo and MSNBC, which has seen a ratings surge during the Trump administration," according to Lee & Koblin of the N.Y. TIMES. NBC Broadcasting & Sports Chair MARK LAZARUS will now "oversee the broadcast network, the news division, the cable networks and the sports group," while the company is also putting Universal Filmed Entertainment Group Chair JEFF SHELL "in charge of Hollywood operations, including the international business and Telemundo." Many in the industry "interpreted the moves" as NBCU President & CEO STEVE BURKE "positioning a showdown between" Lazarus and Shell to be his possible successor. Burke: "Mark and Jeff, I think, are two of the most capable people in the entertainment business." Lazarus will now "oversee NBC News, MSNBC and the moneymaking cable portfolio that includes Bravo, USA and the E! network." NBC News Chair ANDREW LACK will report to Lazarus. Meanwhile, BONNIE HAMMER has been "put in charge of an advertising-supported streaming service" that was is "expected to debut early next year" (N.Y. TIMES, 1/15). THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER's Natalie Jarvey also wrote that the "executive jostling signals that the 60-year-old Burke could be eyeing either Lazarus or Shell as potential successors" (HOLLYWOODREPORTER.com, 1/14).
REASONS BEHIND THE MOVES: DEADLINE's Dade Hayes noted Lazarus' promotion also "reduces the number of direct reports to Burke to 12 from 20." Burke said that there was a "'logic' to Lazarus taking on NBC News and Cable since so much of it has East Coast presence and that’s where the executive has been based." Shell, by contrast, is based in L.A., "making it more logical for him to steer Entertainment" (DEADLINE.com, 1/14). VARIETY's Cynthia Littleton noted the changes will "allow Burke to spend more time focusing on the streaming launch and on NBCU parent company Comcast’s acquisition of Sky." Burke: “I want to immerse myself heavily in OTT and Sky. I can’t really add responsibilities in a growing company and not restructure. It’s time" (VARIETY.com, 1/14). Burke said, "We are making the company easier to manage. ...We’re giving two people in Jeff Shell and Mark Lazarus more responsibility, and they’re two people who have earned more responsibility." He added the promotions were "primarily about setting ourselves up for OTT." Burke: "I’m not going anywhere" (HOLLYWOODREPORTER.com, 1/14).
