The Business of Television : Ben Silverman

NBCU’s Ben Silverman on Upfront, Automakers

News — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 00:29:21 GMT

The bad economy doesn't mean the upfront TV advertising market will collapse, according to NBCU Universal boss Ben Silverman. "If you're going to get out of a recession, you need to sell stuff," the co-chairman at NBC Entertainment and...(read more)

Silverman Backs Use of Live-Plus-Seven-Day Ratings

News — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 19:46:41 GMT

NBC's programming chief Ben Silverman has a solution to help broadcasters make more money. They should be able to sell to advertisers against the live-plus-seven-day ratings for shows, Mr. Silverman said during a morning keynote interview at NATPE...(read more)

Unanswered Questions: How Tough Is TV?

News — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 04:28:00 GMT

For television, there seem to be more questions than answers as 2008 comes to a close: How many industry pros will lose their jobs? How long will the recession last? How badly will the advertising market that is TV’s lifeblood falter? Wave after wave...(read more)

Column: What to Get the Exec Who Has Everything

News — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 00:50:00 GMT

Tis the season for year-end columns—and all the cliches that come with them. Including, apparently, lead sentences that begin with “‘tis the season.” Lists, of course, are always a staple of columns this time of year. Coming up with New Year’s resolutions...(read more)

‘Jay Leno Show’ Takes Competitive Pressure Off, Graboff Says

News — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 19:48:10 GMT

The host of “The Jay Leno Show” doesn’t expect to beat first-run versions of the scripted drama it will compete with at 10 p.m. weeknights starting in fall 2009. He doesn’t have to, said Marc Graboff, co-chairman of NBC Entertainment and Universal Media...(read more)

Graboff: NBC Changes, Cutbacks Are Meant to Streamline Organization

News — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 00:40:00 GMT

NBC Entertainment Co-Chairman Marc Graboff on Monday said NBC’s executive massacre is an attempt “to right-size and realign our organization.” “We’re eliminating layers of bureaucracy and we’re eliminating multiple layers of executives,” he added. The...(read more)

Pope's Exit From NBCU Post Greeted With Dismay, Anger

News — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 05:33:12 GMT

Katherine Pope's sudden exit from her post as president of Universal Media Studios has prompted shock, bordering on anger, among many members of Hollywood's creative community. Agents and producers described Ms. Pope as a strong creative force...(read more)

NBC Exec Bloodletting: Studio-Net Merger?

News — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 22:57:57 GMT

NBC Universal is once again shaking up its West Coast executive ranks, with studio chief Katherine Pope and development head Teri Weinberg both slated to eventually leave their current positions. People familiar with the situation said the changes also...(read more)

Reveille Producing NBC's Tony Robbins Project

News — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 02:23:13 GMT

NBC's new Tony Robbins reality project is being produced by Reveille, people familiar with the matter said Monday. The network has been keeping a tight lid on details surrounding the potential series, which was first reported by TVWeek Sunday . Its...(read more)

NBC Poehler Show Adds Rashida Jones

News — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:36:38 GMT

NBC's new Amy Poehler comedy is still on track to debut this spring—and it's just added another cast member. In an interview with TelevisionWeek , NBC Entertainment co-chairman Ben Silverman said Ms. Poehler's untitled comedy will begin...(read more)

Leno's Last 'Tonight': May 29

News — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:29:05 GMT

Jay Leno will sign off as host of "The Tonight Show" on May 29, with Conan O'Brien taking over the storied franchise on Monday, June 1. NBC Entertainment Co-Chairs Ben Silverman and Marc Graboff made the announcement Monday morning during...(read more)

NBC Still Plans Spinoff of 'The Office'

News — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 07:22:11 GMT

"The Office" spinoff ain't dead yet. In an exclusive interview with TelevisionWeek , NBC Entertainment co-chair Ben Silverman confirmed that, contrary to recent press reports, NBC hasn't abandoned plans to expand the fictitious Dunder...(read more)

Q&A: Silverman Speaks Out on Year One

News — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 04:59:00 GMT

Ben Silverman joined NBC a year ago this month, teaming up with Marc Graboff to tackle the dual role of chairmen, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios. It’s been an eventful year, dominated by the disruption of the writers strike and the Big...(read more)