| MUMBAI:
NBC is restructuring its studio and network programming divisions. It has hired
two veteran programming executives to oversee the combined unit's programming.
The restructuring,
which is part of the company's emphasis on a more global orientation, aims to
eliminate job redundancy in the development and current programming areas, improve
efficiency and accountability, and create an innovative, economically viable business
model in the fast-changing television business. Angela
Bromstad, who most recently served as NBC Universal International Production president
in London, will head the combined unit's scripted entertainment division, serving
as NBC and Universal Media Studios president, primetime entertainment. Former
BBC Worldwide America executive and Dancing with the Stars producer Paul
Telegdy will oversee NBC's unscripted and specials programming, serving as NBC
and Universal Media Studios executive VP, alternative programming. The
announcements were made by NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios co-chairmen
Ben Silverman and Marc Graboff and to whom Bromstad and Telegdy will report. Both
appointments are effective from 5 January 2009. NBC
Entertainment will continue to buy projects from third party studios and Universal
Media Studios will continue selling programming to third party networks, as it
is successfully doing now. Additionally,
Bromstad will continue to oversee international production for NBC Universal along
with NBC Universal International president Pete Smith. Telegdy will additionally
be charged with the international exploitation of formats produced by the alternative
division. Both Bromstad and Telegdy will be based in Universal City, CA. Teri
Weinberg, who has served as NBC Entertainment executive VP, will continue to work
under her contract through this transition period before launching her own production
company and returning to her roots of hands-on producing. The producer of The
Office, Ugly Betty is expected to sign a production deal with Universal
Media Studios to develop a variety of television projects and return to the shows
she was previously producing. Craig
Plestis, who has been NBC executive VP, alternative programming, development and
specials, will launch and become president of a new production banner, Apogee
Studios, under a deal through the newly formed alternative studio housed within
Universal Media Studios and run by Paul Telegdy. Silverman
says, "As part of our continued reorganization and evolution, not only as
a broadcaster but also as a content company, we are further integrating our international
production operations and re-orienting our domestic production operations into
a centralized hub as we look to produce more content more efficiently and more
globally." | 
