Universal film chief Donna Langley is set to take control of content and creative ops across NBCUniversal’s portfolio of brands, as TV chief Susan Rovner exits the company.
The shakeup in leadership is the first major restructuring move made by Comcast president Mike Cavanagh since he took direct oversight of subsidiary NBCU upon the ousting of CEO Jeff Shell in April.
In a memo to staff Thursday, Cavanagh announced NBCUniversal will be reorganized into four key units: NBCUniversal Studio Group, led by Langley, NBCUniversal Media Group, run by chairman of TV and streaming Mark Lazarus, NBCU News Group, run by existing news boss Cesar Conde, and the Universal Destinations and Experiences Group, headed up by parks boss Mark Woodbury.
Cavanagh is doubling down on his decision to not name a new CEO of NBCU, and instead continue to oversee the media company from his role as president of Comcast.
The shakeup in leadership is the first major restructuring move made by Comcast president Mike Cavanagh since he took direct oversight of subsidiary NBCU upon the ousting of CEO Jeff Shell in April.
In a memo to staff Thursday, Cavanagh announced NBCUniversal will be reorganized into four key units: NBCUniversal Studio Group, led by Langley, NBCUniversal Media Group, run by chairman of TV and streaming Mark Lazarus, NBCU News Group, run by existing news boss Cesar Conde, and the Universal Destinations and Experiences Group, headed up by parks boss Mark Woodbury.
Cavanagh is doubling down on his decision to not name a new CEO of NBCU, and instead continue to oversee the media company from his role as president of Comcast.
- 7/6/2023
- by Jennifer Maas and Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
As Comcast manages through the shocking and abrupt exit of NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell, the company has put senior exec Mike Cavanagh at the controls on an interim basis.
Cavanagh, who was promoted last October to president of Comcast, will play a central role in guiding the executive changeover and trying to keep NBCU on course. Although well-known and respected in corporate and financial circles, the Philadelphia-based exec has a much lower profile in Hollywood.
The unexpected new duties are landing on Cavanagh’s plate just months after he earned an important vote of confidence from CEO Brian Roberts and the company’s board of directors. His promotion from CFO to president made him the first person to hold the title outside of the Roberts family, and along with the new title came a contract extension through 2027.
Cavanagh joined Comcast as CFO in 2015, after working for 20 years in financial services,...
Cavanagh, who was promoted last October to president of Comcast, will play a central role in guiding the executive changeover and trying to keep NBCU on course. Although well-known and respected in corporate and financial circles, the Philadelphia-based exec has a much lower profile in Hollywood.
The unexpected new duties are landing on Cavanagh’s plate just months after he earned an important vote of confidence from CEO Brian Roberts and the company’s board of directors. His promotion from CFO to president made him the first person to hold the title outside of the Roberts family, and along with the new title came a contract extension through 2027.
Cavanagh joined Comcast as CFO in 2015, after working for 20 years in financial services,...
- 4/24/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
African pay TV giant MultiChoice Group and Comcast’s NBCUniversal and Sky on Thursday unveiled a partnership that “will bring some of the world’s best content and technology to streaming customers across MultiChoice’s 50-market footprint in sub-Saharan Africa at a time when Africa is approaching an inflection point in terms of broadband connectivity and affordability.”
They will form the new Showmax group, which will be 70 percent owned by MultiChoice and 30 percent owned by NBCUniversal. “It will build on Showmax’s success to date and aim to create the leading streaming service in Africa,” the companies said. “Powered by Peacock’s leading, globally-scaled technology, Showmax subscribers will have access to an extensive premium content portfolio, bringing African audiences the best of local and international programming.”
Further details about the new Showmax service, including launch date, content and pricing will be announced at a later date.
The streaming service will...
They will form the new Showmax group, which will be 70 percent owned by MultiChoice and 30 percent owned by NBCUniversal. “It will build on Showmax’s success to date and aim to create the leading streaming service in Africa,” the companies said. “Powered by Peacock’s leading, globally-scaled technology, Showmax subscribers will have access to an extensive premium content portfolio, bringing African audiences the best of local and international programming.”
Further details about the new Showmax service, including launch date, content and pricing will be announced at a later date.
The streaming service will...
- 3/2/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: NBCUniversal is restructuring Peacock’s publicity and corporate communications operations, sources tell Deadline. The streamer’s corporate communications team is being integrated into the broader TV & Streaming business, reporting into Mark Lazarus, Chairman, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, while publicity will become part of the marketing division, reporting to Peacock’s CMO Shannon Willett.
As a result, Peacock’s two senior corporate communications executives — Lisa Scalzo, EVP, Communications, Direct-to-Consumer and International, NBCUniversal Media; and Lisa McGann, SVP, Communications, Direct-to-Consumer — are leaving the company, we have learned. A rep for NBCU had no comment.
Peacock’s publicity group, led by Traci Saulsberry, SVP, Communications, Peacock, previously reported to Scalzo. The new publicity structure under Willett is still being figured out and executive changes/departures are expected in the coming weeks. The publicity team will continue to work closely with the Entertainment publicity team, something they have recently done on Days of...
As a result, Peacock’s two senior corporate communications executives — Lisa Scalzo, EVP, Communications, Direct-to-Consumer and International, NBCUniversal Media; and Lisa McGann, SVP, Communications, Direct-to-Consumer — are leaving the company, we have learned. A rep for NBCU had no comment.
Peacock’s publicity group, led by Traci Saulsberry, SVP, Communications, Peacock, previously reported to Scalzo. The new publicity structure under Willett is still being figured out and executive changes/departures are expected in the coming weeks. The publicity team will continue to work closely with the Entertainment publicity team, something they have recently done on Days of...
- 9/30/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva, Lynette Rice and Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Paul Yanover is stepping down as president of the ticketing site Fandango after a decade at the company, being replaced by NBC Sports Next EVP Will McIntosh, who will also continue his duties at the digital sports division as president.
Fandango, which is owned by NBCUniversal, has spent the past decade expanding under Yanover’s leadership, acquiring the popular review site Rotten Tomatoes, the on-demand video platform Vudu, and movie social media site Flixster. Fandango also expanded its YouTube footprint with its channel Movieclips, which has 57 million subscribers and has become a popular site for its clips of beloved scenes from popular films.
Yanover will remain at Fandango in a transitionary role over the next two months. McIntosh’s promotion will see him oversee operations of all of Fandango’s sites as well as NBC Sports Next sites like GolfNOW and Golfpass, digital extensions of NBC Sports’ Golf Channel. He will report to Pete Bevacqua,...
Fandango, which is owned by NBCUniversal, has spent the past decade expanding under Yanover’s leadership, acquiring the popular review site Rotten Tomatoes, the on-demand video platform Vudu, and movie social media site Flixster. Fandango also expanded its YouTube footprint with its channel Movieclips, which has 57 million subscribers and has become a popular site for its clips of beloved scenes from popular films.
Yanover will remain at Fandango in a transitionary role over the next two months. McIntosh’s promotion will see him oversee operations of all of Fandango’s sites as well as NBC Sports Next sites like GolfNOW and Golfpass, digital extensions of NBC Sports’ Golf Channel. He will report to Pete Bevacqua,...
- 6/9/2022
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Paul Yanover is stepping down as president of Fandango after nearly a decade atop the country’s leading movie ticketing service. He will be replaced by Will McIntosh, who currently serves as executive VP of NBC Sports Next.
His new role will be slightly different, as he will serve as president of both NBC Sports Next and Fandango. NBC Sports Next operates GolfNOW, GolfPass, SportsEngine and other sports-related digital and e-commerce applications. McIntosh will report to Pete Bevacqua, chairman of NBC Sports and Matt Strauss, chairman of direct-to-consumer.
The well-liked, whip-smart Yanover will leave the company later this summer and will take time off before pursuing other endeavors. He joined Fandango in 2012, and worked to transform the business into more than a movie ticketing app, making it more of a digital network for film fans. Under his leadership, Fandango expanded its ticketing reach by buying MovieTickets.com, but it complimented that by buying Flixster,...
His new role will be slightly different, as he will serve as president of both NBC Sports Next and Fandango. NBC Sports Next operates GolfNOW, GolfPass, SportsEngine and other sports-related digital and e-commerce applications. McIntosh will report to Pete Bevacqua, chairman of NBC Sports and Matt Strauss, chairman of direct-to-consumer.
The well-liked, whip-smart Yanover will leave the company later this summer and will take time off before pursuing other endeavors. He joined Fandango in 2012, and worked to transform the business into more than a movie ticketing app, making it more of a digital network for film fans. Under his leadership, Fandango expanded its ticketing reach by buying MovieTickets.com, but it complimented that by buying Flixster,...
- 6/9/2022
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Updated: It appears unlikely that at least one of two CBS Media Ventures-distributed syndicated daytime talk shows, The Doctors and Daily MailTV, will continue beyond this season. We hear CBS employees were told today that both shows hailing from Jay McGraw’s Stage 29 Prods., are facing a possible end. There is conflicting information but we also hear there have been no official cancellations.
According to sources, Daily MailTV executives are still making their final decision whether the show will proceed with a sixth season.
The Doctors, created by McGraw, launched its first season in 2008. It was hosted by ER physician Dr. Travis Stork along with co-hosts plastic surgeon Dr. Andrew Ordon, dermatologist Dr. Sonia Batra, psychologist Dr. Judy Ho and Ob/Gyn Dr. Nita Landry.
After production was forced to shut down in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the show received a major makeover, shifting away the panel and live audience format,...
According to sources, Daily MailTV executives are still making their final decision whether the show will proceed with a sixth season.
The Doctors, created by McGraw, launched its first season in 2008. It was hosted by ER physician Dr. Travis Stork along with co-hosts plastic surgeon Dr. Andrew Ordon, dermatologist Dr. Sonia Batra, psychologist Dr. Judy Ho and Ob/Gyn Dr. Nita Landry.
After production was forced to shut down in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the show received a major makeover, shifting away the panel and live audience format,...
- 4/2/2022
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Nick Cannon’s eponymous syndicated daytime talk show is coming to an end after one season. The show’s producer-distributor, Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury, is expected to tell the crew that the two episodes filming today will be the talker’s last ones.
I hear the original plan had been for the show to go on a five-week hiatus while Nick Cannon is busy filming Fox’s The Masked Singer and VH1’s Wild “N Out, with the crew getting a week of pay during the break. Nick Cannon will instead permanently shut down production, with the crew getting severance.
The show won’t get off the air right away; there are enough episodes in the can to take it through the season, sources said.
The anchor group for the New York-based weekday talker is the Fox Television Stations. The cancellations this week of Nick Cannon and Sony Pictures TV’s The Good Dish,...
I hear the original plan had been for the show to go on a five-week hiatus while Nick Cannon is busy filming Fox’s The Masked Singer and VH1’s Wild “N Out, with the crew getting a week of pay during the break. Nick Cannon will instead permanently shut down production, with the crew getting severance.
The show won’t get off the air right away; there are enough episodes in the can to take it through the season, sources said.
The anchor group for the New York-based weekday talker is the Fox Television Stations. The cancellations this week of Nick Cannon and Sony Pictures TV’s The Good Dish,...
- 3/10/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Hulu’s Annie Luo is joining Peacock as EVP, Global Partnerships and Strategic Development.
Luo, who was previously SVP, Business Development and Operations at Hulu, will oversee strategic partnerships for the streamer and will work with sister companies Comcast, NBCUniversal and Sky on the development and execution of global streaming plans.
Based in LA, she reports to Peacock President and former Hulu exec Kelly Campbell
At Hulu, she was responsible for strategic partnerships, long-range planning, and new business model development. She was previously at McKinsey & Company.
“Annie is an exceptional, respected industry leader with a deep understanding of the global streaming landscape,” said Matt Strauss, Chairman, Direct-to-Consumer and International, Peacock, NBCUniversal. “We are thrilled to bring Annie’s expertise to the stellar leadership team of streaming executives at Peacock and build upon the incredible momentum and success to date.”...
Luo, who was previously SVP, Business Development and Operations at Hulu, will oversee strategic partnerships for the streamer and will work with sister companies Comcast, NBCUniversal and Sky on the development and execution of global streaming plans.
Based in LA, she reports to Peacock President and former Hulu exec Kelly Campbell
At Hulu, she was responsible for strategic partnerships, long-range planning, and new business model development. She was previously at McKinsey & Company.
“Annie is an exceptional, respected industry leader with a deep understanding of the global streaming landscape,” said Matt Strauss, Chairman, Direct-to-Consumer and International, Peacock, NBCUniversal. “We are thrilled to bring Annie’s expertise to the stellar leadership team of streaming executives at Peacock and build upon the incredible momentum and success to date.”...
- 1/21/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Kelly Campbell, the ex-Hulu chief who now serves as president of Peacock, recruited her former Hulu colleague Annie Luo for the NBCUniversal streamer’s leadership team.
Luo is joining Peacock as executive VP, global partnerships and strategic development. She’s based in L.A. and will report to Campbell. In the role, Luo will lead teams responsible for driving growth via existing and new strategic partnerships and will collaborate with divisions across Comcast, NBCU and Sky on the development and execution of global streaming strategies.
Most recently, Luo was senior VP of business development and operations at Hulu, which is majority owned by Disney. At Hulu, she was responsible for key strategic partnerships, long-range planning, new business model development, and cross-company operational alignment.
Before joining Hulu in 2019, Luo spent three years with McKinsey & Co. as a founding member of the consulting firm’s global consumer tech and media practice.
Luo is joining Peacock as executive VP, global partnerships and strategic development. She’s based in L.A. and will report to Campbell. In the role, Luo will lead teams responsible for driving growth via existing and new strategic partnerships and will collaborate with divisions across Comcast, NBCU and Sky on the development and execution of global streaming strategies.
Most recently, Luo was senior VP of business development and operations at Hulu, which is majority owned by Disney. At Hulu, she was responsible for key strategic partnerships, long-range planning, new business model development, and cross-company operational alignment.
Before joining Hulu in 2019, Luo spent three years with McKinsey & Co. as a founding member of the consulting firm’s global consumer tech and media practice.
- 1/21/2022
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Telemundo is getting a slice of the streaming wars pie: The American Spanish-language NBCUniversal network will launch Tplus, a new bilingual content brand designed to serve U.S. Hispanics, on Peacock.
Upcoming tiles include Telemundo’s biggest and most beloved franchises, from “Yo Soy Betty la Fea” to “Café con Aroma de Mujer,” as well as upcoming original projects like a documentary film based on the life of soccer icon Lionel Messi, a docu-series centered on Colombian artist J Balvin and a reality dating series from Red Arrow’s Kinetic Content, the production company behind “Love is Blind,” among others. The hub’s initial programming slate will exclusively be available to the platform’s premium subscribers.
The first titles in the Tplus programming slate will be revealed (along with many more to come), including a wide range of Spanish and English-language entertainment, news and sports content reflecting the richness and diversity of U.
Upcoming tiles include Telemundo’s biggest and most beloved franchises, from “Yo Soy Betty la Fea” to “Café con Aroma de Mujer,” as well as upcoming original projects like a documentary film based on the life of soccer icon Lionel Messi, a docu-series centered on Colombian artist J Balvin and a reality dating series from Red Arrow’s Kinetic Content, the production company behind “Love is Blind,” among others. The hub’s initial programming slate will exclusively be available to the platform’s premium subscribers.
The first titles in the Tplus programming slate will be revealed (along with many more to come), including a wide range of Spanish and English-language entertainment, news and sports content reflecting the richness and diversity of U.
- 1/13/2022
- by Mónica Marie Zorrilla
- Variety Film + TV
Kelly Campbell has been officially named President of Peacock.
The news Wednesday comes after speculation tied the former Hulu chief to the NBCUniversal streamer after she left the former company earlier this week.
Reporting to Matt Strauss, Chairman, Direct-to-Consumer and International, NBCUniversal and based in Los Angeles, Campbell will be responsible for Peacock’s streaming business and work with leadership across NBCUniversal television, film, news and sports on Peacock live and original programming.
She begins her new job in November.
Campbell, who had significant time left on her contract at Hulu, was upped from Hulu Chief Marketing Officer to President on February 25, 2020 by then-Direct-to-Consumer & International chairman Kevin Mayer.
Prior to joining Hulu, Campbell spent 12 years at Google in leadership and marketing roles across the Google Ads and Google Cloud businesses including a year in Google Japan building the Online Sales and Operations functions. She began her career in finance as...
The news Wednesday comes after speculation tied the former Hulu chief to the NBCUniversal streamer after she left the former company earlier this week.
Reporting to Matt Strauss, Chairman, Direct-to-Consumer and International, NBCUniversal and based in Los Angeles, Campbell will be responsible for Peacock’s streaming business and work with leadership across NBCUniversal television, film, news and sports on Peacock live and original programming.
She begins her new job in November.
Campbell, who had significant time left on her contract at Hulu, was upped from Hulu Chief Marketing Officer to President on February 25, 2020 by then-Direct-to-Consumer & International chairman Kevin Mayer.
Prior to joining Hulu, Campbell spent 12 years at Google in leadership and marketing roles across the Google Ads and Google Cloud businesses including a year in Google Japan building the Online Sales and Operations functions. She began her career in finance as...
- 10/6/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s official: Kelly Campbell is the new president of Peacock, NBCUniversal announced.
The appointment comes two days after Campbell announced that she was leaving Disney’s Hulu, where she had served as president.
Campbell will join the Peacock leadership team starting in November and will be based in the Los Angeles area. She will report to Matt Strauss, Chairman, NBCU’s Direct-to-Consumer and International.
In the role, Campbell will be responsible for Peacock’s streaming business and work closely with leadership across NBCUniversal’s TV , film, news, and sports on Peacock live and original programming.
“On the heels of Peacock’s success in its first year, we are thrilled to bring Kelly’s leadership and expertise to the team as we continue to accelerate Peacock’s vision and strategy,” Strauss said in a statement.
Previously, Campbell served as President of Hulu, where she led the streamer’s live and on-demand businesses.
The appointment comes two days after Campbell announced that she was leaving Disney’s Hulu, where she had served as president.
Campbell will join the Peacock leadership team starting in November and will be based in the Los Angeles area. She will report to Matt Strauss, Chairman, NBCU’s Direct-to-Consumer and International.
In the role, Campbell will be responsible for Peacock’s streaming business and work closely with leadership across NBCUniversal’s TV , film, news, and sports on Peacock live and original programming.
“On the heels of Peacock’s success in its first year, we are thrilled to bring Kelly’s leadership and expertise to the team as we continue to accelerate Peacock’s vision and strategy,” Strauss said in a statement.
Previously, Campbell served as President of Hulu, where she led the streamer’s live and on-demand businesses.
- 10/6/2021
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Kelly Campbell, the former president of Hulu, is joining NBCUniversal as the president of its streaming service, Peacock, the company said Wednesday.
“On the heels of Peacock’s success in its first year, we are thrilled to bring Kelly’s leadership and expertise to the team as we continue to accelerate Peacock’s vision and strategy,” Matt Strauss, the chairman of direct-to-consumer and international at NBCU, said in a statement.
Campbell, who resigned from Hulu on Monday, will begin at Peacock in November, reporting to Strauss. Based in Los Angeles, she will lead the year-old streamer’s live and original programming and replaces Gidon Katz, NBCU’s direct-to-consumer ...
“On the heels of Peacock’s success in its first year, we are thrilled to bring Kelly’s leadership and expertise to the team as we continue to accelerate Peacock’s vision and strategy,” Matt Strauss, the chairman of direct-to-consumer and international at NBCU, said in a statement.
Campbell, who resigned from Hulu on Monday, will begin at Peacock in November, reporting to Strauss. Based in Los Angeles, she will lead the year-old streamer’s live and original programming and replaces Gidon Katz, NBCU’s direct-to-consumer ...
- 10/6/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Kelly Campbell, the former president of Hulu, is joining NBCUniversal as the president of its streaming service, Peacock, the company said Wednesday.
“On the heels of Peacock’s success in its first year, we are thrilled to bring Kelly’s leadership and expertise to the team as we continue to accelerate Peacock’s vision and strategy,” Matt Strauss, the chairman of direct-to-consumer and international at NBCU, said in a statement.
Campbell, who resigned from Hulu on Monday, will begin at Peacock in November, reporting to Strauss. Based in Los Angeles, she will lead the year-old streamer’s live and original programming and replaces Gidon Katz, NBCU’s direct-to-consumer ...
“On the heels of Peacock’s success in its first year, we are thrilled to bring Kelly’s leadership and expertise to the team as we continue to accelerate Peacock’s vision and strategy,” Matt Strauss, the chairman of direct-to-consumer and international at NBCU, said in a statement.
Campbell, who resigned from Hulu on Monday, will begin at Peacock in November, reporting to Strauss. Based in Los Angeles, she will lead the year-old streamer’s live and original programming and replaces Gidon Katz, NBCU’s direct-to-consumer ...
- 10/6/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Kelly Campbell, who just abruptly exited as president of Hulu, has been in discussions with NBCUniversal for a top job at streaming service Peacock, sources told Variety.
Insiders said under the role being considered, Campbell would report into Matt Strauss, chairman of direct-to-consumer and international at NBCU, who reports up to Mark Lazarus, chairman of NBCUniversal Television and Streaming.
In addition to Campbell, other candidates are under consideration for the Peacock role, according to a source familiar with the situation; this source said there are no official offers on the table right now. NBCU is looking for someone to take over for Gidon Katz, currently NBCU’s president of direct-to-consumer overseeing Peacock, who has told the Comcast-owned media company he plans to leave for another opportunity.
An NBCU spokeswoman declined to comment.
Campbell stepped down from Disney-controlled Hulu on Monday, where she had served as president since February 2020.
“Four...
Insiders said under the role being considered, Campbell would report into Matt Strauss, chairman of direct-to-consumer and international at NBCU, who reports up to Mark Lazarus, chairman of NBCUniversal Television and Streaming.
In addition to Campbell, other candidates are under consideration for the Peacock role, according to a source familiar with the situation; this source said there are no official offers on the table right now. NBCU is looking for someone to take over for Gidon Katz, currently NBCU’s president of direct-to-consumer overseeing Peacock, who has told the Comcast-owned media company he plans to leave for another opportunity.
An NBCU spokeswoman declined to comment.
Campbell stepped down from Disney-controlled Hulu on Monday, where she had served as president since February 2020.
“Four...
- 10/4/2021
- by Matt Donnelly and Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Streamer gets studio films exclusively in new pay-one window arrangement.
In the latest move to shake up traditional release patterns, Universal has signed a licensing deal that will make its films available exclusively on sister streaming service Peacock no more than four months after their theatrical debuts.
The studio will also start developing and producing original films to premiere exclusively on Peacock, which was launched by parent NBCUniversal just over a year ago.
Beginning with the 2022 theatrical slate, titles from Universal, Focus Features, Illumination and DreamWorks Animation – among them Jurassic World: Dominion, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish and Minions:...
In the latest move to shake up traditional release patterns, Universal has signed a licensing deal that will make its films available exclusively on sister streaming service Peacock no more than four months after their theatrical debuts.
The studio will also start developing and producing original films to premiere exclusively on Peacock, which was launched by parent NBCUniversal just over a year ago.
Beginning with the 2022 theatrical slate, titles from Universal, Focus Features, Illumination and DreamWorks Animation – among them Jurassic World: Dominion, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish and Minions:...
- 7/6/2021
- by John Hazelton
- ScreenDaily
As Universal’s pay TV partnership with HBO expires at year’s end, the studio’s streaming service Peacock will officially take its place starting in 2022.
All Universal Filmed Entertainment Group’s theatrical releases starting next year will play on Peacock during each pic’s pay-one partner TV window, which is 120 days after a title’s theatrical release. Each movie will become available on Peacock for an initial exclusive four-month window followed by the last four months in a traditional 18-month pay-one period. During those middle ten months, the studio’s film product will be licensed to additional partners. Prior to the pandemic, theatrical releases typically hit pay cable channels some 200 days following their theatrical release. Under the new Peacock deal, there’s a significant window crunch. I’m told that all Ufeg movies will go though a typical PVOD and home entertainment sell-through and rental window before arriving at Peacock.
All Universal Filmed Entertainment Group’s theatrical releases starting next year will play on Peacock during each pic’s pay-one partner TV window, which is 120 days after a title’s theatrical release. Each movie will become available on Peacock for an initial exclusive four-month window followed by the last four months in a traditional 18-month pay-one period. During those middle ten months, the studio’s film product will be licensed to additional partners. Prior to the pandemic, theatrical releases typically hit pay cable channels some 200 days following their theatrical release. Under the new Peacock deal, there’s a significant window crunch. I’m told that all Ufeg movies will go though a typical PVOD and home entertainment sell-through and rental window before arriving at Peacock.
- 7/6/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Universal Filmed Entertainment Group announced on Tuesday that it is moving its pay-one licensing deal from HBO to Peacock in a multiyear deal that will see all films released by Universal and Focus hit the streaming service no later than four months after their theatrical release.
The new deal is a boost to NBCUniversal’s Peacock streaming service and a blow to HBO, which has had post-theatrical rights to Universal films since 2005.
“Since launching Peacock just one year ago, we have seen incredible viewership of movies and continue to expand our catalog with a range of films for every fan and occasion,” Matt Strauss, chairman of Direct-to-Consumer and International at NBCUniversal, said in a statement. “Universal Filmed Entertainment Group has been a fantastic partner and we are excited to not only bring their amazing slate of blockbuster films and beloved franchises to Peacock in the first-pay window, but also provide a steady stream of fresh,...
The new deal is a boost to NBCUniversal’s Peacock streaming service and a blow to HBO, which has had post-theatrical rights to Universal films since 2005.
“Since launching Peacock just one year ago, we have seen incredible viewership of movies and continue to expand our catalog with a range of films for every fan and occasion,” Matt Strauss, chairman of Direct-to-Consumer and International at NBCUniversal, said in a statement. “Universal Filmed Entertainment Group has been a fantastic partner and we are excited to not only bring their amazing slate of blockbuster films and beloved franchises to Peacock in the first-pay window, but also provide a steady stream of fresh,...
- 7/6/2021
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
NBCUniversal put its best game face on, hosting a nearly two-hour event for press to promote its coverage of the Tokyo Olympics, which begins in 30 days.
The event at 30 Rockefeller Center’s Studio 8-h, which was also livestreamed, featured panels of executives and talent but fairly limited talk of the coronavirus pandemic. Already postponed once from the planned 2020 summer dates, the Games have come under a new set of dark clouds. Japan has seen a significant rise in Covid-19 infections this year, and only 7% of its population has been vaccinated.
Due to safety concerns, medical experts and others both inside and outside Japan have issued strong calls for the Olympics to be pushed again. Protesters took to the streets of Tokyo earlier in the day, reflecting polls of public sentiment that have shown in recent weeks that a decisive majority of residents opposes the Games being held.
“I’m personally...
The event at 30 Rockefeller Center’s Studio 8-h, which was also livestreamed, featured panels of executives and talent but fairly limited talk of the coronavirus pandemic. Already postponed once from the planned 2020 summer dates, the Games have come under a new set of dark clouds. Japan has seen a significant rise in Covid-19 infections this year, and only 7% of its population has been vaccinated.
Due to safety concerns, medical experts and others both inside and outside Japan have issued strong calls for the Olympics to be pushed again. Protesters took to the streets of Tokyo earlier in the day, reflecting polls of public sentiment that have shown in recent weeks that a decisive majority of residents opposes the Games being held.
“I’m personally...
- 6/23/2021
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Universal’s sequel to “The Boss Baby” will premiere on Peacock on the same day it launches in theaters.
“The Boss Baby: Family Business,” arriving ahead of schedule (it was initially slated for Sept. 17), is now set to premiere on July 2.
The animated family film is the first theatrical title from Universal Pictures to open simultaneously on Peacock, the budding streaming service owned by the studio’s parent company, NBCUniversal. Peacock launched in 2020, with its premium versions costing $4.99 or $9.99 per month. “The Boss Baby” sequel will be available to Peacock Premium subscribers at no extra fee.
The film, produced by DreamWorks Animation, will begin to roll out internationally in select markets on July 2. Peacock hasn’t launched yet overseas.
The decision to put “The Boss Baby 2” both on the big screen and a streaming platform underscores the shift in power between studios and theater owners as the box office recovers from the pandemic.
“The Boss Baby: Family Business,” arriving ahead of schedule (it was initially slated for Sept. 17), is now set to premiere on July 2.
The animated family film is the first theatrical title from Universal Pictures to open simultaneously on Peacock, the budding streaming service owned by the studio’s parent company, NBCUniversal. Peacock launched in 2020, with its premium versions costing $4.99 or $9.99 per month. “The Boss Baby” sequel will be available to Peacock Premium subscribers at no extra fee.
The film, produced by DreamWorks Animation, will begin to roll out internationally in select markets on July 2. Peacock hasn’t launched yet overseas.
The decision to put “The Boss Baby 2” both on the big screen and a streaming platform underscores the shift in power between studios and theater owners as the box office recovers from the pandemic.
- 5/24/2021
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Universal announced on Monday that DreamWorks Animation’s “The Boss Baby: Family Business” is moving from a theatrical release in September to a release on July 2 in both theaters and on Peacock.
The film will be available for streaming at no extra charge to those who subscribe to Peacock’s premium version, which is available for $4.99/month. The day-and-date strategy reflects the slate-wide strategy Warner Bros. is attempting this year by releasing films both in theaters and on HBO Max. Universal’s statement on the shift in release strategy echoes those of Warner Bros. back in December: it’s all about customer choice.
“Families are at the heart of our decision today to make DreamWorks Animation’s ‘The Boss Baby: Family Business’ available to everyone this July Fourth weekend, and to give those families the freedom to choose whether to see this joyful, hilarious and heartfelt film from a big-screen...
The film will be available for streaming at no extra charge to those who subscribe to Peacock’s premium version, which is available for $4.99/month. The day-and-date strategy reflects the slate-wide strategy Warner Bros. is attempting this year by releasing films both in theaters and on HBO Max. Universal’s statement on the shift in release strategy echoes those of Warner Bros. back in December: it’s all about customer choice.
“Families are at the heart of our decision today to make DreamWorks Animation’s ‘The Boss Baby: Family Business’ available to everyone this July Fourth weekend, and to give those families the freedom to choose whether to see this joyful, hilarious and heartfelt film from a big-screen...
- 5/24/2021
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Susan Rovner finalized her Entertainment Content executive team on Tuesday, a few months after she joined NBCUniversal to lead its newly formed development unit.
Rovner was hired last year over from Warner Bros. to lead NBCU’s Entertainment Content (i.e. program development) business. That came after a massive reorganization under NBCU CEO Jeff Shell, who restructured the television side of the business into three parts: direct to consumer, entertainment programming and entertainment business. Peacock chief Matt Strauss runs the direct to consumer unit, while Frances Berwick heads up the entertainment business division, where she’ll work closely with Rovner.
As part of Tuesday’s restructure, roughly 50 people will be leaving the company, with the majority coming from inside the division. There were additional cuts in scheduling, acquisitions and marketing.
Here is how the new structure under Rovner is laid out:
Under Lisa Katz, President, Scripted Content: Cara Dellaverson & Alex Sepiol...
Rovner was hired last year over from Warner Bros. to lead NBCU’s Entertainment Content (i.e. program development) business. That came after a massive reorganization under NBCU CEO Jeff Shell, who restructured the television side of the business into three parts: direct to consumer, entertainment programming and entertainment business. Peacock chief Matt Strauss runs the direct to consumer unit, while Frances Berwick heads up the entertainment business division, where she’ll work closely with Rovner.
As part of Tuesday’s restructure, roughly 50 people will be leaving the company, with the majority coming from inside the division. There were additional cuts in scheduling, acquisitions and marketing.
Here is how the new structure under Rovner is laid out:
Under Lisa Katz, President, Scripted Content: Cara Dellaverson & Alex Sepiol...
- 2/2/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury will launch nationally syndicated daytime talk show Nick Cannon this fall, with the Fox Television Stations as the anchor group for the New York-based weekday talker, produced and distributed by the company.
The Fox stations also were the original core group for the show when it was originally slated for a fall 2020 launch. The talker was already in production, cleared in 90% in the country for an Oct. 5, 2020 rollout when it was put on hold last July in a fallout from the anti-Semitic remarks the actor-comedian had made on his podcast.
“We are standing by Nick in our hope that by fall 2021 he will be able to use his extraordinary talent and platform to entertain, enlighten & unite his audience on the Nick Cannon talk show,” Lionsgate and its division Debmar-Mercury said at the time.
The fall 2021 is now a go for the talker, described as an exciting, fun...
The Fox stations also were the original core group for the show when it was originally slated for a fall 2020 launch. The talker was already in production, cleared in 90% in the country for an Oct. 5, 2020 rollout when it was put on hold last July in a fallout from the anti-Semitic remarks the actor-comedian had made on his podcast.
“We are standing by Nick in our hope that by fall 2021 he will be able to use his extraordinary talent and platform to entertain, enlighten & unite his audience on the Nick Cannon talk show,” Lionsgate and its division Debmar-Mercury said at the time.
The fall 2021 is now a go for the talker, described as an exciting, fun...
- 1/28/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
As Peacock is going all-out to celebrate the arrival of The Office, the woman who negotiated the deal to bring the beloved comedy to the streamer is leaving.
Veteran acquisitions and distributions exec Frances Manfredi has departed NBCUniversal as a result of the conglomerate’s restructuring. She has spent the past two decades with the conglomerate and was tapped last year to serve as president of content acquisition and strategy at Peacock. She worked closely with former head of originals Bill McGoldrick and reported to Peacock chairman Matt Strauss.
In addition to leading the auction for library rights to The Office, Manfredi is ...
Veteran acquisitions and distributions exec Frances Manfredi has departed NBCUniversal as a result of the conglomerate’s restructuring. She has spent the past two decades with the conglomerate and was tapped last year to serve as president of content acquisition and strategy at Peacock. She worked closely with former head of originals Bill McGoldrick and reported to Peacock chairman Matt Strauss.
In addition to leading the auction for library rights to The Office, Manfredi is ...
- 12/17/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
As Peacock is going all-out to celebrate the arrival of The Office, the woman who negotiated the deal to bring the beloved comedy to the streamer is leaving.
Veteran acquisitions and distributions exec Frances Manfredi has departed NBCUniversal as a result of the conglomerate’s restructuring. She has spent the past two decades with the conglomerate and was tapped last year to serve as president of content acquisition and strategy at Peacock. She worked closely with former head of originals Bill McGoldrick and reported to Peacock chairman Matt Strauss.
In addition to leading the auction for library rights to The Office, Manfredi is ...
Veteran acquisitions and distributions exec Frances Manfredi has departed NBCUniversal as a result of the conglomerate’s restructuring. She has spent the past two decades with the conglomerate and was tapped last year to serve as president of content acquisition and strategy at Peacock. She worked closely with former head of originals Bill McGoldrick and reported to Peacock chairman Matt Strauss.
In addition to leading the auction for library rights to The Office, Manfredi is ...
- 12/17/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Our post-work routine is pretty solid: we whip up one of our favorite easy dinners, and then we sit on the couch and watch a random episode of The Office to help us unwind. It's a necessary part of our week, so you can imagine our shock and confusion when we heard the news that The Office is leaving Netflix at the end of the year.
Netflix recently confirmed that the hit NBC series will officially leave the streamer on Dec. 31. That might sound like news bad enough to make Kevin spill his chili, but luckily there's a light at the end of the tunnel. You'll still be able to stream all nine seasons of The Office in 2021, it'll just be on NCBUniversal's new streaming platform, Peacock.
The Office is expected to make the move to Peacock in January 2021, and it will even feature unreleased content for dedicated fans! "We...
Netflix recently confirmed that the hit NBC series will officially leave the streamer on Dec. 31. That might sound like news bad enough to make Kevin spill his chili, but luckily there's a light at the end of the tunnel. You'll still be able to stream all nine seasons of The Office in 2021, it'll just be on NCBUniversal's new streaming platform, Peacock.
The Office is expected to make the move to Peacock in January 2021, and it will even feature unreleased content for dedicated fans! "We...
- 11/24/2020
- by Hannah Abrams
- Popsugar.com
NBCUniversal began its next round of layoffs this week with the cuts primarily centered on the Entertainment Networks division led by Frances Berwick.
Less than 5% of the staff is impacted by the cuts, an individual familiar with the situation told TheWrap, who added that it was less than 100 people. However, further layoffs will be coming early next year that will primarily affect Susan Rovner’s Entertainment Programming unit. NBCU instituted earlier staff cuts in August across its cable networks, broadcast, the movie studio and theme parks businesses
NBCU is in the midst of a massive overhaul of its television and streaming business that has resulted in the departure of several top executives including Chris McCumber, Dawn Olmstead and Bill McGoldrick. Additionally, Paul Telegedy and Meredith Ahr were fired over multiple accusations of bad workplace behavior and for fostering a toxic work environment.
NBCU has already filled Olmstead’s position as president of Universal Content Productions,...
Less than 5% of the staff is impacted by the cuts, an individual familiar with the situation told TheWrap, who added that it was less than 100 people. However, further layoffs will be coming early next year that will primarily affect Susan Rovner’s Entertainment Programming unit. NBCU instituted earlier staff cuts in August across its cable networks, broadcast, the movie studio and theme parks businesses
NBCU is in the midst of a massive overhaul of its television and streaming business that has resulted in the departure of several top executives including Chris McCumber, Dawn Olmstead and Bill McGoldrick. Additionally, Paul Telegedy and Meredith Ahr were fired over multiple accusations of bad workplace behavior and for fostering a toxic work environment.
NBCU has already filled Olmstead’s position as president of Universal Content Productions,...
- 11/18/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Longtime programming exec Bill McGoldrick is leaving NBCUniversal after spending the better part of more than 20 years at the company and its predecessors.
McGoldrick’s departure comes amid a restructuring of NBCUniversal’s television and streaming content teams under new programming chief Susan Rovner, who on Tuesday unveiled her new leadership team. In his own memo to staff, McGoldrick wrote, “As we all know, the industry is changing rapidly and our company is transforming in ways that will undoubtedly allow it to continue to thrive, grow and succeed. That said, it has become clear that there simply isn’t an appropriate role for me in the new structure.”
Most recently, McGoldrick served as head of programming for Peacock, the NBCU direct-to-consumer streaming service that launched earlier this year. Under a broader restructuring that began in August, NBCU has been combining its programming operations for streaming, broadcasting and cable.
McGoldrick’s...
McGoldrick’s departure comes amid a restructuring of NBCUniversal’s television and streaming content teams under new programming chief Susan Rovner, who on Tuesday unveiled her new leadership team. In his own memo to staff, McGoldrick wrote, “As we all know, the industry is changing rapidly and our company is transforming in ways that will undoubtedly allow it to continue to thrive, grow and succeed. That said, it has become clear that there simply isn’t an appropriate role for me in the new structure.”
Most recently, McGoldrick served as head of programming for Peacock, the NBCU direct-to-consumer streaming service that launched earlier this year. Under a broader restructuring that began in August, NBCU has been combining its programming operations for streaming, broadcasting and cable.
McGoldrick’s...
- 11/17/2020
- by Daniel Holloway
- Variety Film + TV
Bill McGoldrick is departing his post as President, Original Content, NBCUniversal Entertainment Networks and Direct-to-Consumer. He just informed his staff of his exit in an email.
“As we all know, the industry is changing rapidly and our company is transforming in ways that will undoubtedly allow it to continue to thrive, grow and succeed,” he wrote. “That said, it has become clear that there simply isn’t an appropriate role for me in the new structure.” (You can read the full letter below).
McGoldrick, a well liked executive within and outside NBCU, is the latest top-level veteran NBCU TV executive to leave in the last couple of months as the company’s Television and Streaming division, run by Mark Lazarus, underwent a reorganization.
The first announcement in August, in which Lazarus unveiled the new centralized structure, included the exit of NBC Entertainment Chairman Paul Telegdy as all NBCU English-language linear...
“As we all know, the industry is changing rapidly and our company is transforming in ways that will undoubtedly allow it to continue to thrive, grow and succeed,” he wrote. “That said, it has become clear that there simply isn’t an appropriate role for me in the new structure.” (You can read the full letter below).
McGoldrick, a well liked executive within and outside NBCU, is the latest top-level veteran NBCU TV executive to leave in the last couple of months as the company’s Television and Streaming division, run by Mark Lazarus, underwent a reorganization.
The first announcement in August, in which Lazarus unveiled the new centralized structure, included the exit of NBC Entertainment Chairman Paul Telegdy as all NBCU English-language linear...
- 11/17/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Beatrice Springborn was named as the new president of NBCUniversal’s Universal Content Productions.
Springborn replaces Dawn Olmstead, who is leaving to take over Anonymous Content as its new CEO and partner. She most recently served at Hulu as vice president of content development, where she spearheaded, among many series, UCP’s limited series “The Act.”
Springborn’s hire is the latest in a flurry of changes at NBCU, which has overhauled its executive ranks and structure for is TV and streaming operations in the past few months. Along with Olmstead, USA and Syfy Network president Chris McCumber also exited and has since landed at Blumhouse TV.
The new structure involves three new business units: Direct to Consumer, Entertainment Programming and Entertainment Business. Longtime NBCU executive Frances Berwick is heading up the Entertainment Business segment, while former Warner Bros. TV president Susan Rovner was brought over to lead Entertainment Programming.
Springborn replaces Dawn Olmstead, who is leaving to take over Anonymous Content as its new CEO and partner. She most recently served at Hulu as vice president of content development, where she spearheaded, among many series, UCP’s limited series “The Act.”
Springborn’s hire is the latest in a flurry of changes at NBCU, which has overhauled its executive ranks and structure for is TV and streaming operations in the past few months. Along with Olmstead, USA and Syfy Network president Chris McCumber also exited and has since landed at Blumhouse TV.
The new structure involves three new business units: Direct to Consumer, Entertainment Programming and Entertainment Business. Longtime NBCU executive Frances Berwick is heading up the Entertainment Business segment, while former Warner Bros. TV president Susan Rovner was brought over to lead Entertainment Programming.
- 11/16/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Paul Yanover has not visited Fandango’s Beverly Hills headquarters since March. While holed up at his home office the past seven months, he’s seen the company’s core business — selling movie tickets— crash to virtually nil.
It’s “certainly not the most fun spot to be in, in the back of 2020,” acknowledges Yanover, the longtime president of NBC-Universal’s Fandango. The group cut back as part of NBCU’s companywide layoffs in August with a “small amount of cost-cutting,” Yanover says.
But the executive remains optimistic that once theaters reopen in a bigger way in 2021, Fandango’s movie-ticketing business will rebound, benefiting from pent-up demand. In the meantime, Fandango has shifted its focus to building up its home-entertainment streaming strategy. The big development here: its mid-pandemic closing of the deal to acquire Vudu, the digital movie and TV service, from Walmart in July. “We literally couldn’t get...
It’s “certainly not the most fun spot to be in, in the back of 2020,” acknowledges Yanover, the longtime president of NBC-Universal’s Fandango. The group cut back as part of NBCU’s companywide layoffs in August with a “small amount of cost-cutting,” Yanover says.
But the executive remains optimistic that once theaters reopen in a bigger way in 2021, Fandango’s movie-ticketing business will rebound, benefiting from pent-up demand. In the meantime, Fandango has shifted its focus to building up its home-entertainment streaming strategy. The big development here: its mid-pandemic closing of the deal to acquire Vudu, the digital movie and TV service, from Walmart in July. “We literally couldn’t get...
- 10/22/2020
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Entertainment professionals overseeing everything from streaming to podcasts and sports broadcasts took part in the virtual Variety Entertainment & Technology Summit presented by City National Bank on Wednesday and Thursday.
The summit’s focus covered the growth of online content consumption and technology’s role in helping entertainment companies survive the Covid-19 pandemic. Below are 10 takeaways pulled from some of the event’s conversations and panels.
Streamable “Comfort Food” Content is Finding Success
During the Breakthrough Streamers Elite Roundtable, presented by FilmTrack, Variety Intelligence Platform’s senior media analyst Gavin Bridge discussed the streaming boom that followed the onset of Covid-19 stay-at-home orders.
Devin Griffin, general manager for BET, said that the network’s streaming site saw patterns in the type of content consumed by its users. Much of the traffic across the board seemed to indicate that shows and movies that tell familiar stories brought a sense of stability to audiences stuck at home.
The summit’s focus covered the growth of online content consumption and technology’s role in helping entertainment companies survive the Covid-19 pandemic. Below are 10 takeaways pulled from some of the event’s conversations and panels.
Streamable “Comfort Food” Content is Finding Success
During the Breakthrough Streamers Elite Roundtable, presented by FilmTrack, Variety Intelligence Platform’s senior media analyst Gavin Bridge discussed the streaming boom that followed the onset of Covid-19 stay-at-home orders.
Devin Griffin, general manager for BET, said that the network’s streaming site saw patterns in the type of content consumed by its users. Much of the traffic across the board seemed to indicate that shows and movies that tell familiar stories brought a sense of stability to audiences stuck at home.
- 10/16/2020
- by Eli Countryman
- Variety Film + TV
NBCUniversal is moving Universal Television Alternative Studio under Pearlena Igbokwe and the Universal Studio Group, which covers all aspects of TV production.
Utas president Toby Gorman will remain on and join Igbokwe’s leadership team. Gorman will continue to oversee development, domestic sales strategy and creative affairs for the studio.
The decision follows the ouster of top unscripted executive Meredith Ahr, who had oversight of the Alternative Studio. Ahr was fired following an investigation into her and former NBC Entertainment chairman Paul Telegdy’s workplace behavior. Telegdy and Ahr were both accused by multiple employees of fostering a toxic workplace environment. Telegdy was let go in August amid a larger NBCU shakeup.
Ahr had led the unscripted TV division since 2018, where she oversaw all facets of the division including syndicated series like “Access Hollywood” and “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” Before that, she was president of Universal Television Alternative Studio. Ahr...
Utas president Toby Gorman will remain on and join Igbokwe’s leadership team. Gorman will continue to oversee development, domestic sales strategy and creative affairs for the studio.
The decision follows the ouster of top unscripted executive Meredith Ahr, who had oversight of the Alternative Studio. Ahr was fired following an investigation into her and former NBC Entertainment chairman Paul Telegdy’s workplace behavior. Telegdy and Ahr were both accused by multiple employees of fostering a toxic workplace environment. Telegdy was let go in August amid a larger NBCU shakeup.
Ahr had led the unscripted TV division since 2018, where she oversaw all facets of the division including syndicated series like “Access Hollywood” and “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” Before that, she was president of Universal Television Alternative Studio. Ahr...
- 10/15/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
NBCUniversal made it official on Monday, naming former Warner Bros. TV executive Susan Rovner as chairman of its entertainment programming division. She starts Monday. Rovner will oversee all programming decisions at NBCU, including for scripted and unscripted content, late-night shows, and Peacock, the company’s new streaming service. She’ll also be in charge of NBC’s slate of cable channels, including Bravo, E!, USA and Syfy, as well as first-run syndicated programming including “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” Rovner’s hire is the last piece of NBCU’s new structure under CEO Jeff Shell, who has reorganized the television side of the business into three parts: Direct to Consumer, Entertainment Programming and Entertainment Business. Peacock chief Matt Strauss runs the direct to consumer unit, while Frances Berwick heads up the Entertainment Business division, where she’ll work closely with Rovner. Both will report to Matt Lazarus, chairman of television and streaming.
- 10/5/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Pearlena Igbokwe wasted no time in setting her leadership team for the Universal Studio Group, which covers all aspects of TV production at the company.
Masami Yamamoto was named president of business affairs and operations, overseeing all aspects of business affairs for the global studio group including negotiations and deal-making for Universal Television, Ucp and NBCUniversal International Studios.
Brad Melnick will be chief financial officer, responsible for financial performance, production finance, long-range planning and strategy.
Tracy St. Pierre was promoted to EVP of communications and marketing; Bryan Mu was made SVP of content and cultural insights, leading resarch and analytics to drive strategic planning and audience insights.
Jodi Dicenzo was elevated to global head of human resources, and Marni Pedorella was named general counsel of Universal Studio Group reporting to both Igbokwe and Kim Harris, EVP and general counsel for NBCUniversal.
Universal Studio Group is comprised of Universal Television, Ucp and NBCUniversal International Studios.
Masami Yamamoto was named president of business affairs and operations, overseeing all aspects of business affairs for the global studio group including negotiations and deal-making for Universal Television, Ucp and NBCUniversal International Studios.
Brad Melnick will be chief financial officer, responsible for financial performance, production finance, long-range planning and strategy.
Tracy St. Pierre was promoted to EVP of communications and marketing; Bryan Mu was made SVP of content and cultural insights, leading resarch and analytics to drive strategic planning and audience insights.
Jodi Dicenzo was elevated to global head of human resources, and Marni Pedorella was named general counsel of Universal Studio Group reporting to both Igbokwe and Kim Harris, EVP and general counsel for NBCUniversal.
Universal Studio Group is comprised of Universal Television, Ucp and NBCUniversal International Studios.
- 9/17/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Chris McCumber is the latest longtime executive at NBCUniversal to depart amid the wide-scale restructuring at NBCUniversal.
On Tuesday, Frances Berwick laid out the leadership team for her Entertainment Business unit, which will be in charge of programming strategy and content spend across all of NBCU’s networks. In the new structure, Jeff Bader will be in charge of program planning for all six of NBCU’s cable entertainment networks, in addition to his current role with the NBC broadcast network.
Last month, Berwick was named the head of NBCU’s new Entertainment Business unit, which will be in charge of programming strategy and content spend across all of NBCU’s networks. The move was part of a massive restructuring under NBCU CEO Jeff Shell. The new structure involves three new business units: Direct to Consumer, Entertainment Programming and Entertainment Business.
“After nearly 20 years at this tremendous company, this has not been an easy decision.
On Tuesday, Frances Berwick laid out the leadership team for her Entertainment Business unit, which will be in charge of programming strategy and content spend across all of NBCU’s networks. In the new structure, Jeff Bader will be in charge of program planning for all six of NBCU’s cable entertainment networks, in addition to his current role with the NBC broadcast network.
Last month, Berwick was named the head of NBCU’s new Entertainment Business unit, which will be in charge of programming strategy and content spend across all of NBCU’s networks. The move was part of a massive restructuring under NBCU CEO Jeff Shell. The new structure involves three new business units: Direct to Consumer, Entertainment Programming and Entertainment Business.
“After nearly 20 years at this tremendous company, this has not been an easy decision.
- 9/16/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Comcast CEO Brian said Peacock signups have surged 50% in six weeks and the app is the second most popular on its Ott product Xfinity Flex behind Netflix, and number three on Xfinity X1 behind Netflix and YouTube.
Peacock launched in April for Comcast customers and nationally in mid-July.
In a wide-ranging conversation at a media conference put on virtually by Goldman Sachs, the chief executive of NBC Universal parent said film and TV production is ramping up allowing the NBC to unveil a fall schedule in November and a strong slate of films 2021, a number of which have been pushed from this year. The ad market has picked up and the company is looking at two Olympic Games over the next 18 months. Roberts said that theme parks remain the biggest pain point in a Covid-19 world. Two of three park are opened and customer satisfaction is high, he said, but...
Peacock launched in April for Comcast customers and nationally in mid-July.
In a wide-ranging conversation at a media conference put on virtually by Goldman Sachs, the chief executive of NBC Universal parent said film and TV production is ramping up allowing the NBC to unveil a fall schedule in November and a strong slate of films 2021, a number of which have been pushed from this year. The ad market has picked up and the company is looking at two Olympic Games over the next 18 months. Roberts said that theme parks remain the biggest pain point in a Covid-19 world. Two of three park are opened and customer satisfaction is high, he said, but...
- 9/15/2020
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
“We are all sick of Covid-19, but it had a significant impact on the industry,” Guy Bisson, one of the founders of Ampere Analysis, said Friday during a discussion on VOD at the Venice Production Bridge, the industry section of the Venice Film Festival. “For VOD and streaming, that impact has been positive,” he added.
Bisson was addressing market trends in the VOD market as part of a debate titled “Diverse, Independent and Sustainable: Building European VOD,” which was, fittingly, streamed on the Vpb Live Channel.
With many international platforms launching or expanding this year, the market is getting crowded. “It’s not all about Netflix anymore,” he said, adding that European broadcasters are starting to see opportunity in VOD collaboration and value in hybrid models. But traditional platforms are not to be ignored. “We talk about subscription VOD a lot and you probably think it’s the dominant platform,...
Bisson was addressing market trends in the VOD market as part of a debate titled “Diverse, Independent and Sustainable: Building European VOD,” which was, fittingly, streamed on the Vpb Live Channel.
With many international platforms launching or expanding this year, the market is getting crowded. “It’s not all about Netflix anymore,” he said, adding that European broadcasters are starting to see opportunity in VOD collaboration and value in hybrid models. But traditional platforms are not to be ignored. “We talk about subscription VOD a lot and you probably think it’s the dominant platform,...
- 9/7/2020
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety Film + TV
Paul Telegdy has parted ways with NBC Entertainment, following allegations of racist, sexist and homophobic behavior, as parent company NBCUniversal engineers a sprawling corporate overhaul meant to streamline its network and direct-to-consumer businesses.
Most recently head of NBCUniversal’s lifestyle networks, Frances Berwick will now lead its television entertainment business, overseeing daily operations across all networks and dayparts, commissioning and acquiring programming that will work across platforms, and implement “creative windowing and scheduling strategies” across both broadcast network NBC and NBCU’s cable networks.
The entertainment programming division, consisting of scripted, unscripted, late-night and alternative programming, will oversee all original entertainment programming for NBC, the cable networks and direct-to-consumer service Peacock.
With Telegdy’s exit, no leader has been named for the entertainment-programming unit, although multiple sources had recently told Variety that Netflix’s VP of local language originals and former NBCU exec Bela Bajaria had been approached for the job,...
Most recently head of NBCUniversal’s lifestyle networks, Frances Berwick will now lead its television entertainment business, overseeing daily operations across all networks and dayparts, commissioning and acquiring programming that will work across platforms, and implement “creative windowing and scheduling strategies” across both broadcast network NBC and NBCU’s cable networks.
The entertainment programming division, consisting of scripted, unscripted, late-night and alternative programming, will oversee all original entertainment programming for NBC, the cable networks and direct-to-consumer service Peacock.
With Telegdy’s exit, no leader has been named for the entertainment-programming unit, although multiple sources had recently told Variety that Netflix’s VP of local language originals and former NBCU exec Bela Bajaria had been approached for the job,...
- 8/6/2020
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
Paul Telegdy is out as NBC Entertainment chairman amid an investigation into multiple accusations of workplace misbehavior. His exit comes as part of a larger reorganization under Mark Lazarus, NBCUniversal’s chairman of television and streaming.
The new structure involves three new business units: Direct to Consumer, Entertainment Programming and Entertainment Business.
Peacock chief Matt Strauss will be in charge of the Direct-to-Consumer unit, while continuing to lead Peacock, which will maintain its own separate team within the division. International Networks, run by Ken Bettsteller, and Fandango, run by Paul Yanover, will report to Strauss. Francis Berwick will head up the Entertainment Business unit, which will be in charge of programming strategy and content spend across all of NBCU’s networks. Berwick most recently ran NBCU’s lifestyle networks. The Entertainment Programming unit have oversight of all original programming on the broadcast and cable networks; NBCU is currently searching for...
The new structure involves three new business units: Direct to Consumer, Entertainment Programming and Entertainment Business.
Peacock chief Matt Strauss will be in charge of the Direct-to-Consumer unit, while continuing to lead Peacock, which will maintain its own separate team within the division. International Networks, run by Ken Bettsteller, and Fandango, run by Paul Yanover, will report to Strauss. Francis Berwick will head up the Entertainment Business unit, which will be in charge of programming strategy and content spend across all of NBCU’s networks. Berwick most recently ran NBCU’s lifestyle networks. The Entertainment Programming unit have oversight of all original programming on the broadcast and cable networks; NBCU is currently searching for...
- 8/6/2020
- by Tony Maglio and Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Paul Telegdy is exiting his post as NBC Entertainment chairman as NBCUniversal today unveiled the new centralized structure under Mark Lazarus, Chairman of NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. It includes a larger role for Lifestyle Networks president Frances Berwick.
As expected, the reorganization is consolidating all NBCU English-language linear networks into one group, overseen by Berwick on the business side and an executive to be named later on the programming side.
Word is that NBCU is looking at candidates internally and externally for the job. One possible scenario that has been buzzed about involves Bill McGoldrick, currently President, Original Content, NBCUniversal Entertainment Networks and Direct-to-Consumer, potentially adding NBC programming oversight.
Telegdy’s departure comes a week after he became the subject of an internal investigation into allegations of professional misconduct. In June, he also was named in a discrimination action by Gabrielle Union over her firing from America’s Got Talent.
Joining...
As expected, the reorganization is consolidating all NBCU English-language linear networks into one group, overseen by Berwick on the business side and an executive to be named later on the programming side.
Word is that NBCU is looking at candidates internally and externally for the job. One possible scenario that has been buzzed about involves Bill McGoldrick, currently President, Original Content, NBCUniversal Entertainment Networks and Direct-to-Consumer, potentially adding NBC programming oversight.
Telegdy’s departure comes a week after he became the subject of an internal investigation into allegations of professional misconduct. In June, he also was named in a discrimination action by Gabrielle Union over her firing from America’s Got Talent.
Joining...
- 8/6/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Peacock marks the last, but not the least, of 2020’s major streaming service debuts. NBCUniversal’s big-money platform launched nationally today and, though it offers a wealth of head-turning content from the conglomerate’s film and television portfolios, as well as a variety of upcoming originals, Peacock has its work cut out for it in an incredibly competitive market.
The problem is that same strength holds true for most of the industry’s streaming services, both new and old, and Peacock’s late launch does it no particular favors. Peacock boasts a wide range of popular titles such as “30 Rock,” “Parks and Recreation,” and “Saturday Night Live,” while “The Office” will hit the platform next year. The number of recent headlines about companies paying millions to secure distribution rights to enduringly popular content suggests that Peacock’s exclusive streaming of those aforementioned comedies could be a considerable draw, but...
The problem is that same strength holds true for most of the industry’s streaming services, both new and old, and Peacock’s late launch does it no particular favors. Peacock boasts a wide range of popular titles such as “30 Rock,” “Parks and Recreation,” and “Saturday Night Live,” while “The Office” will hit the platform next year. The number of recent headlines about companies paying millions to secure distribution rights to enduringly popular content suggests that Peacock’s exclusive streaming of those aforementioned comedies could be a considerable draw, but...
- 7/15/2020
- by Tyler Hersko
- Indiewire
Peacock isn’t betting the house on whether viewers want to travel to New London. The NBCUniversal-backed streaming service, which finally rolls out nationwide Wednesday, is banking on something else to lure subscribers, and in the process carve out a place in the ultra-competitive streaming space: The ability for viewers to subscribe to the service for free. “We’re kind of playing a slightly different hand,” Matt Strauss, Chairman, Peacock and NBCUniversal Digital Enterprises, tells TheWrap. “We don’t necessarily have to lean as heavily on originals to drive acquisition.” Even though the originals will be reserved for Peacock’s paying customers — the service has a premium tier that starts at $4.99 a month — they’ll be used as an up-sell, rather than the bait. Also Read: NBC Sports to Move Premier League Streaming Rights to Peacock “Typically, originals are used as an acquisition tool and to help establish a brand,...
- 7/14/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Exclusive: The Digital Entertainment Group has appointed senior executives from NBCUniversal, ViacomCBS, Amazon Prime and Google as the officers of its newly formed D2C Alliance.
The sub-group was formed by the Deg, an industry consortium, to advocate and promote the benefits of direct-to-consumer streaming services and help the emerging category reach its full consumer potential. It will be chaired by Matt Strauss, Chairman of Peacock and NBC Universal Digital Enterprises. Ron Lamprecht, director of corporate business development at Amazon Prime, will be vice chair. The other board officers are Jonathan Zepp, M&e Global Partnerships, Google Platforms & Ecosystems, and Dan Cohen, President, ViacomCBS Global Distribution Group.
The officers were elected by the full D2C Alliance Steering Committee, which includes representatives from most of the major direct-to-consumer providers. The steering committee is in the process of prioritizing a number of action items and deliverables. It is also hosting a...
The sub-group was formed by the Deg, an industry consortium, to advocate and promote the benefits of direct-to-consumer streaming services and help the emerging category reach its full consumer potential. It will be chaired by Matt Strauss, Chairman of Peacock and NBC Universal Digital Enterprises. Ron Lamprecht, director of corporate business development at Amazon Prime, will be vice chair. The other board officers are Jonathan Zepp, M&e Global Partnerships, Google Platforms & Ecosystems, and Dan Cohen, President, ViacomCBS Global Distribution Group.
The officers were elected by the full D2C Alliance Steering Committee, which includes representatives from most of the major direct-to-consumer providers. The steering committee is in the process of prioritizing a number of action items and deliverables. It is also hosting a...
- 7/14/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
NBCUniversal streaming service Peacock will expand nationally tomorrow with 13,000 hours of programming available for free and 20,000 on its premium subscription tier.
The company on Tuesday offered its first breakdown of programming available on the free and premium tiers. (Deadline TV Editor Peter White has more programming details here.) Peacock Premium costs $5 a month, though it is effectively free for many initial customers, including those of NBCU parent Comcast. Both free and subscription tiers carry ads, though subscribers can also pay another $5 a month for an ad-free version.
Peacock first launched April 15 in the Comcast Xfinity footprint, both on X1 pay-tv systems and the broadband video offering Flex. Its national expansion caps a run of major streaming debuts, from Apple TV+ and Disney+ last November through Quibi and HBO Max in May, as media and tech companies chase streaming incumbents like Netflix and Amazon.
Along with a range of acquired film and TV titles,...
The company on Tuesday offered its first breakdown of programming available on the free and premium tiers. (Deadline TV Editor Peter White has more programming details here.) Peacock Premium costs $5 a month, though it is effectively free for many initial customers, including those of NBCU parent Comcast. Both free and subscription tiers carry ads, though subscribers can also pay another $5 a month for an ad-free version.
Peacock first launched April 15 in the Comcast Xfinity footprint, both on X1 pay-tv systems and the broadband video offering Flex. Its national expansion caps a run of major streaming debuts, from Apple TV+ and Disney+ last November through Quibi and HBO Max in May, as media and tech companies chase streaming incumbents like Netflix and Amazon.
Along with a range of acquired film and TV titles,...
- 7/14/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Matt Strauss, a veteran Comcast exec who took the helm of NBCUniversal streaming service Peacock last fall, knew one thing for certain when he started: He wasn’t creating a copycat offering.
“TV tends to be very dynamic,” he told Deadline in an interview ahead of Peacock’s July 15 nationwide expansion. “It’s current. It’s social. Many streaming services feel more like a casino. There’s no sense of time or place.”
Emphasizing live and timely programming “plays to our strengths. Why not go broader with the ambition of not limiting ourselves to just movies and TV and kids? Why not lean into sports or news or reality?” Peacock will seek to do that with features like a “channels” tab on the home screen, which pulls up an on-screen programming guide highlighting programming tied to networks, show brands and talent. Another element is a “trending” section, which points users...
“TV tends to be very dynamic,” he told Deadline in an interview ahead of Peacock’s July 15 nationwide expansion. “It’s current. It’s social. Many streaming services feel more like a casino. There’s no sense of time or place.”
Emphasizing live and timely programming “plays to our strengths. Why not go broader with the ambition of not limiting ourselves to just movies and TV and kids? Why not lean into sports or news or reality?” Peacock will seek to do that with features like a “channels” tab on the home screen, which pulls up an on-screen programming guide highlighting programming tied to networks, show brands and talent. Another element is a “trending” section, which points users...
- 7/12/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
In September 2019, Steve Burke, then NBCUniversal chief executive, called Matt Strauss, with a question: Would he take the wheel of the Peacock project?
Strauss would need to unleash the service across the U.S. on a dauntingly short timeline — in just 10 months, pegged to the Tokyo Olympics (more on that later). Peacock would face massive competitors and come to the starting line with comparatively very low brand recognition. Comcast and NBCU wouldn’t be investing as much in the project as peers Disney or WarnerMedia planned to in their respective streaming vehicles.
Peacock also would involve a more complex and, to consumers, potentially confusing go-to-market strategy, with various free, ad-supported versions and premium no-advertising options. The job required coordinating the work of teams in the U.K., New York, Los Angeles and other locations — Peacock today has a staff of about 1,000 — and collaborating with most of NBCU’s other business units.
Strauss would need to unleash the service across the U.S. on a dauntingly short timeline — in just 10 months, pegged to the Tokyo Olympics (more on that later). Peacock would face massive competitors and come to the starting line with comparatively very low brand recognition. Comcast and NBCU wouldn’t be investing as much in the project as peers Disney or WarnerMedia planned to in their respective streaming vehicles.
Peacock also would involve a more complex and, to consumers, potentially confusing go-to-market strategy, with various free, ad-supported versions and premium no-advertising options. The job required coordinating the work of teams in the U.K., New York, Los Angeles and other locations — Peacock today has a staff of about 1,000 — and collaborating with most of NBCU’s other business units.
- 7/7/2020
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
In today’s TV News Roundup, Amazon announced the premiere date for Season 3 of “Absentia,” and Netflix released a trailer for George Lopez’s upcoming stand-up special.
Dates
Amazon has announced that Season 3 of “Absentia” will premiere on Prime Video on July 17. New episodes will follow Emily Byrne (Stana Katic) as the final days of her FBI suspension are upended by a new international criminal case. “Absentia” is produced by Bizu Productions, in association with Sony Pictures Television’s Gemstone Studios. Watch a trailer for the new season below.
ABC has announced its new comedy series “United We Fall” will premiere with back-to-back episodes on July 15 at 8 p.m. The series follows parents of two young kids trying to live as a functional family. The series comes from Sony Pictures Television and ABC Studios. Julius “Goldy” Sharpe, Seth Gordon and Julia Gunn serve as executive producers.
TNT has moved the...
Dates
Amazon has announced that Season 3 of “Absentia” will premiere on Prime Video on July 17. New episodes will follow Emily Byrne (Stana Katic) as the final days of her FBI suspension are upended by a new international criminal case. “Absentia” is produced by Bizu Productions, in association with Sony Pictures Television’s Gemstone Studios. Watch a trailer for the new season below.
ABC has announced its new comedy series “United We Fall” will premiere with back-to-back episodes on July 15 at 8 p.m. The series follows parents of two young kids trying to live as a functional family. The series comes from Sony Pictures Television and ABC Studios. Julius “Goldy” Sharpe, Seth Gordon and Julia Gunn serve as executive producers.
TNT has moved the...
- 6/18/2020
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
Daytime Emmy-winning producers Katy Murphy Davis and Matt Strauss have been named executive producers and showrunners of Nick Cannon, the new nationally syndicated daytime talker, hosted by Cannon, set for launch this fall. Additionally, the premiere date has moved to October 5, from September 21, to accommodate Cannon’s bi-coastal production commitments, Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury said Thursday.
Nick Cannon has surpassed coverage in 95% of the U.S., including 49 of the top-50 markets, and will originate from the 106 & Park studios in Harlem. The show will feature a mix of music, comedy, sketches, games, pop culture and celebrity interviews.
Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury co-produces Nick Cannon with Cannon’s Ncredible Entertainment.
Davis served as senior supervising producer during much of her 1992-2011 run of The Oprah Winfrey Show. Most recently, she was co- Ep of Red Table Talk on Facebook Watch,...
Nick Cannon has surpassed coverage in 95% of the U.S., including 49 of the top-50 markets, and will originate from the 106 & Park studios in Harlem. The show will feature a mix of music, comedy, sketches, games, pop culture and celebrity interviews.
Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury co-produces Nick Cannon with Cannon’s Ncredible Entertainment.
Davis served as senior supervising producer during much of her 1992-2011 run of The Oprah Winfrey Show. Most recently, she was co- Ep of Red Table Talk on Facebook Watch,...
- 6/18/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
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