Exclusive: Warner Bros Discovery’s long-serving exec Alyson Jackson has exited after 14 years in David Zaslav’s stable.
Jackson was Executive VP and Head of Global Content Supply Chain, but quietly left the business in recent months.
She had been with Wbd and predecessor Discovery since 2009. Her most recent duties included negotiating and managing 30,000 hours of content annually, servicing 140 linear channels and 21 digital platforms. She worked on content standardization and workflow efficiencies initiatives and played a key role in helping to launch and support the global expansion of Discovery+.
Jackson recently worked on the Wbd integration and sat on the board of All3Media, the UK-based super-indie that Wbd owns with Liberty Global.
A Wbd spokesman confirmed the exit and noted it was the result of the post-merger integration of the content operations team, following the WarnerMedia and Discovery union.
She won’t be replaced directly. The content operations team is now lead by James Crossland,...
Jackson was Executive VP and Head of Global Content Supply Chain, but quietly left the business in recent months.
She had been with Wbd and predecessor Discovery since 2009. Her most recent duties included negotiating and managing 30,000 hours of content annually, servicing 140 linear channels and 21 digital platforms. She worked on content standardization and workflow efficiencies initiatives and played a key role in helping to launch and support the global expansion of Discovery+.
Jackson recently worked on the Wbd integration and sat on the board of All3Media, the UK-based super-indie that Wbd owns with Liberty Global.
A Wbd spokesman confirmed the exit and noted it was the result of the post-merger integration of the content operations team, following the WarnerMedia and Discovery union.
She won’t be replaced directly. The content operations team is now lead by James Crossland,...
- 8/4/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
After a storied career spanning decades and industries, producer Gail Berman is in no need of further accolades for her résumé. She has produced theater (including the original Tony-nominated staging of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in 1982), television (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel and Netflix’s recent hit Wednesday) and animated films (The Addams Family). She’s served as president of Paramount Pictures and the Producers Guild of America. But, surprisingly, Elvis is her first foray into live-action feature film, and it also happens to be responsible for her first-ever Oscar nomination.
The road to bringing Presley’s story to life was not an easy one — Covid shut down production, with star Tom Hanks being among the first celebrities to contract the novel coronavirus in 2020. Finding an actor to take on the iconic role of Elvis Presley also proved tricky. But in the end, Austin Butler carried the film...
The road to bringing Presley’s story to life was not an easy one — Covid shut down production, with star Tom Hanks being among the first celebrities to contract the novel coronavirus in 2020. Finding an actor to take on the iconic role of Elvis Presley also proved tricky. But in the end, Austin Butler carried the film...
- 3/5/2023
- by Hilton Dresden
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Brooke Karzen, who has been with Warner Bros’ unscripted production division for more than 20 years, is leaving the company.
Karzen was most recently EVP and head of Warner Horizon Unscripted Television and has also been instrumental in series such as ABC’s The Bachelor franchise NBC’s The Voice.
Related Story The Dish: Warner Bros. Discovery Braces For New Round Of Layoffs This Week Related Story Showbiz Shares Surge In First Trading Day Of Fourth Quarter Related Story Marc Graboff To Depart As President Global Business & Legal Affairs At Warner Bros. Discovery
She initially joined the studio as a programming exec at Telepictures, before moving to Warner Bros Horizon in 2006. She was promoted to EVP, Alternative Programming and Development in 2015.
Karzen, who survived the layoffs at the unscripted division in 2020, reports to Mike Darnell, who has been President, Warner Bros. Unscripted and Alternative Television, since 2013.
Karzen has told colleagues that...
Karzen was most recently EVP and head of Warner Horizon Unscripted Television and has also been instrumental in series such as ABC’s The Bachelor franchise NBC’s The Voice.
Related Story The Dish: Warner Bros. Discovery Braces For New Round Of Layoffs This Week Related Story Showbiz Shares Surge In First Trading Day Of Fourth Quarter Related Story Marc Graboff To Depart As President Global Business & Legal Affairs At Warner Bros. Discovery
She initially joined the studio as a programming exec at Telepictures, before moving to Warner Bros Horizon in 2006. She was promoted to EVP, Alternative Programming and Development in 2015.
Karzen, who survived the layoffs at the unscripted division in 2020, reports to Mike Darnell, who has been President, Warner Bros. Unscripted and Alternative Television, since 2013.
Karzen has told colleagues that...
- 10/10/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Marc Graboff is stepping down from his position as the president of global business, legal affairs and content supply chain at Warner Bros. Discovery.
The executive had spent nearly eight years at the company and its predecessor, Discovery Inc.
“My decision to leave was not easy and I have been grappling with it for months,” Graboff wrote in a memo sent to staff Tuesday, which was obtained by TheWrap. “But, with my contract up next spring and the ongoing transformation of our newly merged company, the timing made sense.”
During his tenure at Wbd, Graboff directed the business affairs and production management strategies for the company. He oversaw with matters relating to the acquisition, development and production of programming for all of legacy Discovery’s global networks and digital platforms.
Also Read:
Warner Bros. Discovery Names 3 Executives to Lead Global Diversity Team
Graboff is a 30-year veteran of the entertainment industry,...
The executive had spent nearly eight years at the company and its predecessor, Discovery Inc.
“My decision to leave was not easy and I have been grappling with it for months,” Graboff wrote in a memo sent to staff Tuesday, which was obtained by TheWrap. “But, with my contract up next spring and the ongoing transformation of our newly merged company, the timing made sense.”
During his tenure at Wbd, Graboff directed the business affairs and production management strategies for the company. He oversaw with matters relating to the acquisition, development and production of programming for all of legacy Discovery’s global networks and digital platforms.
Also Read:
Warner Bros. Discovery Names 3 Executives to Lead Global Diversity Team
Graboff is a 30-year veteran of the entertainment industry,...
- 9/20/2022
- by Katie Campione
- The Wrap
Marc Graboff is leaving Warner Bros. Discovery after almost eight years at the company and its predecessor, Discovery. Inc. Graboff, a respected veteran television business executive, just notified the company staff of his decision. A key member of the senior executive team of David Zaslav, CEO of Discovery — and now Wbd — Graboff made the transition to the combined company following the merger of Discovery and WarnerMedia. Most recently reporting to Kathleen Finch, Chairman and Chief Content Officer, US Networks Group, Graboff will leave in December after assisting with the transition.
“My decision to leave was not easy and I have been grappling with it for months. But, with my contract up next spring and the ongoing transformation of our newly merged company, the timing made sense,” Graboff wrote in his memo, a copy of which was obtained by Deadline. (You can read it in full below.)
According to sources, Graboff...
“My decision to leave was not easy and I have been grappling with it for months. But, with my contract up next spring and the ongoing transformation of our newly merged company, the timing made sense,” Graboff wrote in his memo, a copy of which was obtained by Deadline. (You can read it in full below.)
According to sources, Graboff...
- 9/20/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Marc Graboff has decided to exit as president of global business and legal affairs and content supply chain at the legacy Discovery side of Warner Bros. Discovery, Variety has learned exclusively.
The NBCUniversal alum will step down from his position at the end of the year.
“Marc approached every challenging business negotiation with affability, professionalism and attention to detail, and his expertise will be sorely missed,” Kathleen Finch, chairman and chief content officer of the US Networks Group at Warner Bros Discovery, said Tuesday. “We are grateful for his invaluable support and the terrific partnership he’s brought throughout his years of service.”
Since 2015, Graboff has served as head of Warner Bros. Discovery’s, then-Discovery, Inc.’s, studio and worldwide business and legal affairs. A 30-year media industry vet, Graboff has overseen the business affairs and production management strategies for the company, with day-to-day oversight of matters relating to the acquisition,...
The NBCUniversal alum will step down from his position at the end of the year.
“Marc approached every challenging business negotiation with affability, professionalism and attention to detail, and his expertise will be sorely missed,” Kathleen Finch, chairman and chief content officer of the US Networks Group at Warner Bros Discovery, said Tuesday. “We are grateful for his invaluable support and the terrific partnership he’s brought throughout his years of service.”
Since 2015, Graboff has served as head of Warner Bros. Discovery’s, then-Discovery, Inc.’s, studio and worldwide business and legal affairs. A 30-year media industry vet, Graboff has overseen the business affairs and production management strategies for the company, with day-to-day oversight of matters relating to the acquisition,...
- 9/20/2022
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Madeline Di Nonno, chief executive officer of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, has been re-elected chair of the Television Academy Foundation, the charitable arm of the Television Academy. Also re-elected are Vice Chair Margaret Loesch, executive chairman, Kid Genius Network; and Secretary Nelson Davis, president of The Making It Institute and Nelson Davis Productions. Additionally, Thomas Sarnoff, president of Sarnoff Entertainment Corporation, is returning as chair emeritus. All will serve two-year terms beginning January 1, 2019, through December 31, 2020.
Production Executive Kevin Hamburger has been newly elected to serve a two-year term as Foundation treasurer, succeeding Marc Graboff, president, Global Business & Legal Affairs, Production Management & Studios for Discovery Communications. Hamburger has previously served on the Foundation’s board of directors and on the Television Academy’s board of governors for over 11 years, during which he held the positions of governor of the Producers Peer Group, treasurer and vice chair.
“The...
Production Executive Kevin Hamburger has been newly elected to serve a two-year term as Foundation treasurer, succeeding Marc Graboff, president, Global Business & Legal Affairs, Production Management & Studios for Discovery Communications. Hamburger has previously served on the Foundation’s board of directors and on the Television Academy’s board of governors for over 11 years, during which he held the positions of governor of the Producers Peer Group, treasurer and vice chair.
“The...
- 12/18/2018
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Hgtv’s strategy in its purchase of the iconic home used for the exterior shots on the Brady Bunch TV series has been revealed by the purchaser’s real estate agent. The network’s strategy against competitors essentially “blew those buyers out of the water” with its bid, according to the agent.
The strategy, detailed in Forbes by real estate writer Ellen Paris, claims that the network so wanted the iconic home (which was the outside view on the television show – the interiors were shot on a soundstage) that it flew in Marc Graboff, president, global and legal affairs at Discovery Inc. to tour the house and handle details.
The home ultimately sold to Hgtv for $3.5 million. It is located at 11888 Dilling Street in Studio City, Calif. The purchase was revealed on an earnings conference call.
Graboff found a home that was a ’70s “time warp,” according to Danny Brown,...
The strategy, detailed in Forbes by real estate writer Ellen Paris, claims that the network so wanted the iconic home (which was the outside view on the television show – the interiors were shot on a soundstage) that it flew in Marc Graboff, president, global and legal affairs at Discovery Inc. to tour the house and handle details.
The home ultimately sold to Hgtv for $3.5 million. It is located at 11888 Dilling Street in Studio City, Calif. The purchase was revealed on an earnings conference call.
Graboff found a home that was a ’70s “time warp,” according to Danny Brown,...
- 8/19/2018
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Discovery Communications has hired Marc Graboff to lead its Global Business & Legal Affairs, Production Management and Studios. The company has also promoted Lee Bartlett to Studios Group president reporting to Graboff, Discovery announced Tuesday. Former Core Media Group president Graboff will join his new company in April, when he’ll lead Discovery’s overall business affairs and production management strategies, with day-to-day oversight of matters relating to the acquisition, development and production of programming for all of Discovery’s networks and digital platforms globally, per the company. Graboff’s responsibilities will include management of the company’s global Business & Legal Affairs and Production Management groups,...
- 3/3/2015
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Bob Cook, the onetime head of of Twentieth Television, has been elected chairman for the Television Academy Foundation's Board of Directors. Also voted in were Samsung Evp David Eun as Vice Chairman, and former Hub Network boss Margaret Loesch and ex-Core Media Group head and NBC Entertainment president Marc Graboff as officers. The newly elected officers will serve through 2017. The new group’s focus will be to boost the TV Academy's New Destination Campaign, the…...
- 2/19/2015
- Deadline TV
Former BSkyB executive Sophie Turner Laing will take the helm of the TV production and distribution powerhouse being formed from the merger of Shine, Endemol and Core Media.
Laing, a former MD of content at the British satcaster, will be the new venture.s CEO.
While Endemol CEO Just Spee and Shine Group CEO Alex Mahon will remain in their posts for the time being, media reports suggest both will depart after the transaction is completed and the businesses are integrated. Core Media Group president Marc Graboff has already exited.
There is no word yet on the management structure of the merged Shine-Endemol entity in Australia. Mark Fennessy and Carl Fennessy are joint CEOs of Shine Australia and Janeen Faithfull is CEO of Endemol.
Nor is it yet clear whether Cathy Payne, CEO of Endemol Worldwide Distribution, will take Shine International, where Nadine Nohr is CEO, under her wing.
First announced in May,...
Laing, a former MD of content at the British satcaster, will be the new venture.s CEO.
While Endemol CEO Just Spee and Shine Group CEO Alex Mahon will remain in their posts for the time being, media reports suggest both will depart after the transaction is completed and the businesses are integrated. Core Media Group president Marc Graboff has already exited.
There is no word yet on the management structure of the merged Shine-Endemol entity in Australia. Mark Fennessy and Carl Fennessy are joint CEOs of Shine Australia and Janeen Faithfull is CEO of Endemol.
Nor is it yet clear whether Cathy Payne, CEO of Endemol Worldwide Distribution, will take Shine International, where Nadine Nohr is CEO, under her wing.
First announced in May,...
- 9/29/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Former BSkyB content executive Sophie Turner Laing will lead the company to be formed by the combination of 21st Century Fox's Shine Group, Endemol and Core Media as CEO, the companies said Sunday. The former managing director of content for U.K. pay TV giant BSkyB will lead what will be the world’s largest independent TV producer. Rupert Murdoch’s Fox and investment firm Apollo Global Management, which controls Endemol and Core, have appointed the well-connected executive, the source confirmed a report by the Financial Times. Read More Marc Graboff Exits Core Media Group as Endemol North America Executives Take
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- 9/28/2014
- by Georg Szalai, Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In a major shake-up, Marc Graboff is exiting Core Media Group — the reality TV company that owns American Idol — less than three years after he was brought in as its president and CEO. Graboff, formerly a top NBC executive, won’t be replaced, but Cris Abrego and Charlie Corwin — who jointly run the much larger reality TV powerhouse Endemol North America — are now being given oversight of Core, effectively placing them in the mix as Idol navigates its way through a rocky ratings landscape. (Core and Endemol are both controlled by Apollo Global Management, a New York
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- 9/8/2014
- by Alex Ben Block
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Deal or No Deal host Howie Mandel has made a new deal. The prolific unscripted TV personality has inked a new first-look deal with American Idol owner Core Media Group, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. Under the new pact, Mandel's Alevy Productions will create and executive produce new unscripted and scripted TV and digital projects. "Over the course of my long-standing relationship with Howie, I have come to appreciate him as possessing that extremely rare combination of being an incredibly talented performer as well as a smart, savvy producer,” Core Media Group president Marc Graboff said. "I am
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- 4/10/2014
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Howie Mandel’s Alevy Prods. and Core Media Group have signed a first-look deal for Mandel and Alevy to executive produce scripted and unscripted TV and digital projects. Mandel and his Alevy partner Mike Marks currently executive produce the TBS hidden camera series Deal With It. Mandel previously worked with Core president Marc Graboff at NBC, where Mandel hosted Deal Or No Deal, earning an Emmy nomination, and continues to serve as a judge on America’s Got Talent. “Over the course of my long-standing relationship with Howie, I have come to appreciate him as possessing that extremely rare combination of being an incredibly talented performer as well as a smart, savvy producer,” Graboff said. Other shows produced by Alevy Prods. — repped in the deal by Wme, 3 Arts Entertainment and attorney Bill Sobel — include Mobbed, Take It All and Howie Do It.
- 4/10/2014
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
A version of this story first appeared in the Oct. 11 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Marc Graboff had a front-row seat for negotiations that brought Survivor to CBS, kept the Friends cast on NBC and moved Jay Leno from 11:35 p.m. to 10 p.m. (and back). Now, one of TV's most respected dealmakers is leading Core Media Group, best known as the parent company of Fox's American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance. In his nearly 2-year-old role as president, Graboff, 57, oversees about 500 employees globally, plus a varied -- and
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- 10/2/2013
- by Lacey Rose
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Own: Oprah Winfrey Network has given a straight to series order to Crazy.Sexy.Life., a new original docu-series about the fast-paced lives of four girlfriends living in New York City. The show is getting a high-profile sneak preview on September 3 behind the fall finale of Tyler Perry’s drama series The Haves And The Have Nots before the official series premiere in early 2014. Crazy.Sexy.Life hails from Core Media Group, marking the first series developed internally at the company since its rebrand and relaunch last year under Marc Graboff. “Set against the backdrop of America’s most vibrant and competitive city, this show details what real life is all about for a quartet of very different personalities who have embraced one another as ‘family’ for more than a decade, and who depend on one another unconditionally,” said Own president Sheri Salata. Here’s the network’s description of the new show: About “Crazy.
- 8/28/2013
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Halfire-Core Entertainment, the joint production and financing venture between TV producer Noreen Halpern‘s Halfire Entertainment and Core Media Group led by Marc Graboff, has added two to its exec ranks. Stephanie Fontana, niece to Borgias and Oz creator Tom Fontana, will serve as Director of Development and Production based in Halfire-core’s La outpost. The 18-year TV development and production vet’s credits include the CW’s Reaper, ABC’s Desperate Housewives, and HBO’s Oz. Also joining the company is Toronto-based Ben Murray, who will serve as Director of Business Development after runs as director of biz affairs and development at Serendipity Point Films and as a programmer for the Toronto Film Festival. The pair will help develop Halfire-core’s upcoming slate including half-hour comedy Working The Engels written and exec produced by Katie and Jane Ford and exec produced by Howard Busgang, Tom Nursall and Halpern. Fontana...
- 8/12/2013
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
Nice Entertainment is turning into quite the acquisition target. I’ve learned that American Idol parent Core Media Group has joined the list of potential suitors for the Scandinavian production company. Core had signaled commitment to adding international presence to its U.S. operations, and I hear the company’s international team has had a number of meetings with key Nice executives over the course of several months. Other companies that are reportedly looking at Nice are UK’s leading private broadcaster ITV, said to be mulling a $135 bid, as well as Fremantle, Sony and Time Warner. The Helsinki-based Nice, which has branches in Finland, Norway, Denmark and Sweden, is the largest independent group of production companies in the Nordic region and is the No.1 producer in two of the markets, Finland and Norway. The company makes both drama and reality series with a portfolio that includes Hidden Tracks, The Half Brother,...
- 7/23/2013
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Core Media Group has formed a partnership with the Israeli production company Tedy Prods. Under the agreement, Tedy will work closely with Core’s U.S.-based head of TV Jen O’Connell as well as London-based Simon Shaps on developing and producing scripted and unscripted shows and formats for Israel and then the U.S., U.K. and overall international marketplace. The two companies are already collaborating on their first joint project, a drama from Ron Leshem and Amit Cohen, creators of Tedy Prods.’ Israeli series Gordin Cell, which was adapted for NBC by Peter Berg last development season. “Israel has created some of the most creative and entertaining shows and formats and we look forward to working with Tedy to build on that tradition,” Core president Marc Graboff said. This marks the latest creative partnership for Core. Its recently launched venture with veteran Canadian producer Noreen Halpern just...
- 6/20/2013
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Exclusive: Core Media Group, which co-produces American Idol, is expanding its unscripted portfolio by acquiring an ownership stake in Rhett Bachner and Brien Meagher’s B17 Entertainment. Under the agreement, signed in a competitive situation with multiple suitors pursuing Bachner and Meagher, Core will join forces with the duo to develop and produce non-fiction programming and explore multi-platform content opportunities, including mobile games and web-based series. “B17 is a forward thinking production company and teaming up with them fits perfectly into Core’s overall mission of producing and owning great content for all platforms,” said Core president Marc Graboff, while the company’s head of U.S. Television Jen O’Connell called B17 ”part of the next generation of great prod companies.”"They’re prolific, and they have such great ideas that are inventive and fresh,” she said. At Core, Bachner and Meagher join unscripted producer Rob Lee, who signed...
- 5/6/2013
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Marc Graboff’s Core Media Group is making a non-traditional foray into scripted television. The company behind both American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance is set to launch a venture with former Entertainment One exec Noreen Halpern’s newly launched Halfire Entertainment, appropriately titled Halfire-core. As part of the arrangement, Core will fund the development and production of series for cable and broadcast TV as well as for digital players including Netflix and Amazon. The differentiator will be the way in which they approach and finance their programming efforts. Photos: From Emma Stone to Jennifer Hudson, 12 Reality Stars Turned Actors “Together
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- 3/8/2013
- by Lacey Rose
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Core Media Group has signed a pact with Sean Hayes and Todd Milliner’s Hazy Mills Prods., the company behind NBC’s Grimm and TV Land’s Hot In Cleveland and The Soul Man, to develop scripted and unscripted series as well as original digital content. The agreement is outside of Hazy Mills’ existing overall deal with Universal Television for projects that wouldn’t be suitable for the broadcast-focused studio, like cable series and digital projects. In fact, Hayes and Milliner developed Hot In Cleveland while they were under a deal at CBS TV Studios and took it out on their own when it didn’t go as a broadcast comedy. The project became an instant hit at TV Land and has spawned a spinoff, Soul Man. The pact reunites Hayes and Milliner with Core president Marc Graboff who was a top executive at NBC when they signed a deal there.
- 1/29/2013
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Core Media Group, the umbrella entertainment company whose portfolio includes reality series American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance, is starting an international production division. The company is partnering with Simon Shaps, former Director of Television at ITV, to build the new unit, which will be based in London. Its goal will be to create formats to be sold in the global marketplace, including the U.K., and be brought back to the U.S. Shaps will also look for investment opportunities for Core, including production companies and international formats. As MD, International Content and Production, Shaps will report to Marc Graboff, President of Core Media Group and will work closely with Jennifer O’Connell, Head of Core’s U.S. Television Division. Shaps ran Granada’s and then ITV’s global production business before taking over as Director of Television. He commissioned some of the most successful shows in the U.
- 1/28/2013
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Veteran producer Glenn Stickley (The Amazing Race) has joined Core Media Group, the umbrella company whose portfolio includes reality series American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance, as Svp TV Production, while former FremantleMedia exec Jenny Ramirez has been hired as VP Development and Production. Both will report to Jennifer O’Connell, head of Core’s U.S. Television Division. Under President Marc Graboff, Core has been expanding its production capabilities through deals with independent producers, including acquiring Sharp Entertainment. Emmy winner Stickley, most recently VP Production at reality producer 2 Roosters Media, will oversee all production at Core, from in-house development to series. He will also supervise the expansion of Core’s production facility and advise various divisions including 19 Entertainment and the digital team. Ramirez will help manage Core’s producer deals, generate new ideas for in-house development and work on sold projects. She will also help manage Core’s relationships with networks.
- 1/24/2013
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Private equity firm Apollo Global Management is looking to build one of the biggest independent content companies in the world with a potential merger of Core Media Group and Peter Chernin’s Chernin Entertainment into Endemol. I hear Apollo controls the largest portion of Endemol debt, giving it a stake of about 30% in the company behind such reality franchises as Big Brother. Meanwhile, last year Apollo bought American Idol parent CKx (now Core Media) for $560 million. Apollo is considering combining the two unscripted TV-focused entities and adding scripted TV outfit Chernin Entertainment to the mix. (Chernin’s company also has a feature division.) In order to bring in Chernin Entertainment, I hear Apollo will likely combine resources with Chernin investor Providence Equity Partners, but Apollo is expected to be in the driver’s seat as the controlling shareholder of a restructured Endemol with Core and Chernin. I hear if the plan comes to fruition,...
- 10/5/2012
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Former NBCUniversal executive Cameron Death has joined Core Media Group as Chief Revenue Officer. In the newly created position, he will be responsible for creating and extending revenue through sponsorships, integrated marketing, and the development of other ancillary revenue streams, reporting to new Core president Marc Graboff who continues to build up his management team. Death (pronounced “Deeth”) will be working closely with both Chief Digital Officer Matt Apfel on the digital side and Chief Marketing Officer Chris Gannett on the marketing side. VP Tamaya Petteway and her marketing team will now report to Death. Death most recently was Svp and Gm of the NBCUniversal Digital Studio, which he helmed since its inception in 2008. There he worked with Graboff in his previous role as a top NBC executive. Related: Kim Williams To Join Core Media As CFO...
- 8/15/2012
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Exclusive: I’ve learned that Kim Williams, COO of the NFL Network, is finalizing a deal to join Core Media Group as CFO. Williams is expected to be a key lieutenant for new Core president Marc Graboff who has been rebuilding the management team since CKx was transformed into Core in May. She joins recent additions Peter Hurwitz who joined as Evp, General Counsel; Matt Apfel as Chief Digital Officer; Jason Morey as Evp and Worldwide Head of Music for 19 Entertainment; as well as Kay Straky as Evp Human Resources. As Chief Operating Officer of NFL Network, Williams was responsible for the day-to-day management of the National Football League’s cable television assets. She previously served as Svp & Chief Financial Officer for the NFL, responsible for the League’s overall financial activities including financial reporting and analysis, financial routines and controls, and long-range strategic planning. Before that, she served as...
- 8/14/2012
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
CBS Corp. is among those in the running to acquire Dick Clark Productions, according to Reuters. The company is one of four to six bidders, which also includes Ryan Seacrest, that have moved on to a second round of bidding, the news service reported, citing anonymous sources. The deadline for making an offer is Aug. 31. Story: Ryan Seacrest Among Potential Bidders for Dick Clark Productions Other bidders include Colony Capital, which owns Miramax; Guggenheim Partners, a private equity firm; and Core Media Group, which is run by former NBC Entertainment chairman Marc Graboff. Core Media also holds the rights
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- 8/13/2012
- by THR Staff
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Core Media Group, the parent company behind "American Idol" and other reality fare, is expanding its portfolio with the acquisition of Sharp Media, the production company responsible for Travel Channel's "Man V. Food," TLC's "Extreme Couponing" and other unscripted series. Core president Marc Graboff and Sharp founder and CEO Matt Sharp announced the acquisition plans Monday. Sharp, who will remain the CEO of his company, called the merger "the perfect fit" for his business. "This is a perfect fit for our company, and the right time to make this move," Sharp said.
- 7/23/2012
- by Tim Kenneally
- The Wrap
Core Media Group (formerly CKx), the umbrella company whose portfolio includes reality series American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance, has acquired Sharp Entertainment, Matt Sharp’s New York-based reality television production company behind such programs as the Travel Channel’s Man V. Food, TLC’S Extreme Couponing, National Geographic’s Doomsday Preppers and Animal Planet’s Call Of The Wildman. This marks the first acquisition for Core under new president Marc Graboff, who said in May that he plans to grow the company through strategic purchases. “This announcement is another step in our efforts to expand the breadth of our content offerings and align Core with some of the industry’s most talented and innovative producers,” Graboff said of Sharp’s acquisition today. Core also has been among the companies looking at buying Dick Clark Prods. Sharp will continue as CEO of the business, and the company...
- 7/23/2012
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
More than 40 potential bidders have expressed interest in buying Dick Clark Productions with a sale price expected to be between $350 million to $400 million, TheWrap has learned. The company is responsible for the Golden Globes show, as well as the American Music Awards and "So You Think You Can Dance." Among the interested suitors is Core Media Group, according to two individuals with knowledge of the sale. The company is backed by Apollo Global Management and manages brands like Elvis Presley and Muhammad Ali. Under new president Marc Graboff, the company...
- 6/15/2012
- by Brent Lang
- The Wrap
NBC has hired a new chief deal negotiator. Veteran MTV networks executive George Cheeks has been named Evp, Business Operations, NBC Entertainment and Universal Television. While his title and responsibilities are not exactly the same, Cheeks is envisioned as a replacement for NBC veteran Marc Graboff, who left the company at the end of last year to run American Idol parent company Ckx. Cheeks, who will oversee Business Affairs, Music Services and Production Operations for NBC and studio Universal TV, currently serves as Evp, Business Affairs and General Counsel, Viacom Music and Entertainment Groups, Content Distribution & Marketing and Head of Standards & Practices for Viacom Media Networks. He will start at NBC in the fall, following the conclusion of his contractual commitment with Viacom. “George is the consummate entertainment business executive who has successfully overseen virtually all aspects of television,” said NBC chairman Robert Greenblatt, to whom Cheeks will report. “His vast experience,...
- 4/18/2012
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Former NBC entertainment co-chairman Ben Silverman says he has faith in Bob Greenblatt, the man who holds his former job. Silverman spoke to the Television Critics Association winter press tour Friday shortly after Greenblatt took the stage to acknowledge that NBC "had a really bad fall." Silverman, who co-chaired NBC Entertainment with Marc Graboff from 2007-09, attended the event to promote his new NBC show, "Fashion Star." Also read: Ben Silverman Sells Elle MacPherson Fashion Series to NBC He said he was happy to bring the show to NBC, where it will share...
- 1/6/2012
- by Tim Molloy
- The Wrap
The last top player from the Jeff Zucker regime at NBC is gone. Marc Graboff, a 11-year NBC veteran, will be leaving the network. NBC chairman Bob Greenblatt broke the news to his staff in an email (below). The likable Graboff had been steadily rising in the ranks at NBC, starting off as head of business affairs and ultimately becoming chairman of NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios following the exit of Ben Silverman. But he had started to feel like the odd man out under the new network regime. Even his title was overlapping with that of NBC’s new chief, Bob Greenblatt, who is chairman of NBC Entertainment, overseeing the network and studio Universal TV. When, with Comcast’s blessing, Graboff was signed into a new 3-year contract in the summer of 2010, it was a signal that the new owners were relying on Graboff’s deep institutional knowledge...
- 11/19/2011
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Marisa Guthrie
Longtime NBC executive Marc Graboff, president of West Coast business operations, is leaving the network. An NBCUniversal spokesperson confirmed the split and stressed that is was “amicable” and added that a “mutually convenient” exit date is still being worked out. Graboff had signed a new three-year deal in August 2010, several months before the Comcast-NBCUniversal merger was finalized. He is only the latest executive to exit since Bob Greenblatt took the reigns at NBC Entertainment last January. Well-liked in Hollywood, Graboff was instrumental in shepherding negotiations with creative talent; one reason former NBCUni chief Jeff Zucker in
read more...
Longtime NBC executive Marc Graboff, president of West Coast business operations, is leaving the network. An NBCUniversal spokesperson confirmed the split and stressed that is was “amicable” and added that a “mutually convenient” exit date is still being worked out. Graboff had signed a new three-year deal in August 2010, several months before the Comcast-NBCUniversal merger was finalized. He is only the latest executive to exit since Bob Greenblatt took the reigns at NBC Entertainment last January. Well-liked in Hollywood, Graboff was instrumental in shepherding negotiations with creative talent; one reason former NBCUni chief Jeff Zucker in
read more...
- 11/19/2011
- by Marisa Guthrie
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
New York -- NBC Universal has signed Marc Graboff to a new three-year deal that keeps the NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios chairman at the entertainment firm.
According to a report on Deadline.com, Graboff had other offers, and the renewal process dragged on, but he decided to stay put. He has worked at NBC Uni since 2000 and has been seen as a force of stabilization.
As such, his renewal is seen as good news for cable giant Comcast, which is looking to buy a majority stake in NBC Uni.
According to a report on Deadline.com, Graboff had other offers, and the renewal process dragged on, but he decided to stay put. He has worked at NBC Uni since 2000 and has been seen as a force of stabilization.
As such, his renewal is seen as good news for cable giant Comcast, which is looking to buy a majority stake in NBC Uni.
Exclusive: NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios chairman Marc Graboff has signed a new 3-year deal with NBC Universal. I hear the renewal talks went on for several months and Graboff was approached for outside gigs but ultimately opted to remain at NBC where he has been since 2000. Graboff, who is very well respected in the industry, had brought stability to NBC during several regime changes over the past decade, and his business presence and institutional knowledge would certainly help make the transition to post-Comcast merger NBC smoother. Graboff first joined NBC in November 2000 as Evp NBC West Coast, overseeing business affairs for all of NBC's Burbank-based divisions.
- 8/6/2010
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
The cast and crew of ‘Days of our Lives’ has another reason to celebrate: not only will the last remaining NBC soap be celebrating its 45th anniversary in November, the network also picked it up for another season. The Hollywood Reporter announced on March 19 that NBC’s sole soap opera will stay on the air until 2011. The chairman of NBC Entertainment, Marc Graboff, said that show is still a fan favorite. “…we are thrilled to keep it going through its 45th season. ‘Days’ has shown year-to-year increases in key female demographics and remains both relevant and fresh creatively.” ‘Days of our Lives’ has shown a surge in ratings [...]...
- 3/22/2010
- by karen
- ShockYa
If you been keeping track of the daytime ratings, you probably noticed that 'Days of Our Lives' has been on an upswing. NBC noticed. In fact, after a shaky year in which the threat of cancellation hung over their necks like the Sword of Damocles, 'Days of Our Lives' has been renewed for another year.
That means that this November, NBC and 'Days' will be able to celebrate 45 years on the air. In making the announcement, Marc Graboff, Chairman, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios, said, "'Days of our Lives' continues to be a favorite of the daytime audience and we are thrilled to keep it going through its 45th season. 'Days' has shown year-to-year increases in key female demographics and remains both relevant and fresh creatively."
Continue reading NBC Renews 'Days of Our Lives'
Filed under: Industry, OpEd, Daytime, Pickups and Renewals,...
That means that this November, NBC and 'Days' will be able to celebrate 45 years on the air. In making the announcement, Marc Graboff, Chairman, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios, said, "'Days of our Lives' continues to be a favorite of the daytime audience and we are thrilled to keep it going through its 45th season. 'Days' has shown year-to-year increases in key female demographics and remains both relevant and fresh creatively."
Continue reading NBC Renews 'Days of Our Lives'
Filed under: Industry, OpEd, Daytime, Pickups and Renewals,...
- 3/20/2010
- by Allison Waldman
- Aol TV.
"Days of Our Lives" off-on super-couple Bo and Hope have more time to work it out.
NBC has ordered up another season of the long-running soap opera, it was announced Friday (March 19). That sand in the hourglass must be indefinite.
"'Days of our Lives' continues to be a favorite of the daytime audience and we are thrilled to keep it going through its 45th season," said NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios, Chairman Marc Graboff. "'Days' has shown year-to-year increases in key female demographics and remains both relevant and fresh creatively."
"Days of Our Lives" premiered as a half-hour series on Nov. 8, 1965. It expanded to a full hour after 10 years. It's currently the third-longest running soap in the U.S.
Bruce Evans, Senior Vice President, Drama Programming, NBC Entertainment, added, "The producers, cast and crew have worked tirelessly to make 'Days' the ratings success it is today.
NBC has ordered up another season of the long-running soap opera, it was announced Friday (March 19). That sand in the hourglass must be indefinite.
"'Days of our Lives' continues to be a favorite of the daytime audience and we are thrilled to keep it going through its 45th season," said NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios, Chairman Marc Graboff. "'Days' has shown year-to-year increases in key female demographics and remains both relevant and fresh creatively."
"Days of Our Lives" premiered as a half-hour series on Nov. 8, 1965. It expanded to a full hour after 10 years. It's currently the third-longest running soap in the U.S.
Bruce Evans, Senior Vice President, Drama Programming, NBC Entertainment, added, "The producers, cast and crew have worked tirelessly to make 'Days' the ratings success it is today.
- 3/19/2010
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Bucking an industry (and network) trend away from daytime soap operas, NBC has ordered a new season of "Days of Our Life." The renewal means that "Days of Our Lives" will make it to its 45th anniversary on November 8. "'Days of our Lives' continues to be a favorite of the daytime audience and we are thrilled to keep it going through its 45th season," states NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios Chaiman Marc Graboff. "'Days' has shown year-to-year increases in key female demographics and remains both relevant and fresh creatively." The series currently ranks as the second...
- 3/19/2010
- by HitFix Staff
- Hitfix
At least one daytime soap is safe for another year.
NBC has picked up "Days of our Lives" for its 45th season, keeping the show on the air through 2011.
" 'Days of our Lives' continues to be a favorite of the daytime audience and we are thrilled to keep it going through its 45th season," said Marc Graboff, chairman, NBC Entertainment. " 'Days' has shown year-to-year increases in key female demographics and remains both relevant and fresh creatively."
"Lives" is NBC's last remaining soap. Titles such as "Guiding Light" and "As the World Turns" recently were canceled last year after decades on the air.
"Lives" first premiered as a half-hour show in 1965 and expanded to an hour 10 years later.
NBC has picked up "Days of our Lives" for its 45th season, keeping the show on the air through 2011.
" 'Days of our Lives' continues to be a favorite of the daytime audience and we are thrilled to keep it going through its 45th season," said Marc Graboff, chairman, NBC Entertainment. " 'Days' has shown year-to-year increases in key female demographics and remains both relevant and fresh creatively."
"Lives" is NBC's last remaining soap. Titles such as "Guiding Light" and "As the World Turns" recently were canceled last year after decades on the air.
"Lives" first premiered as a half-hour show in 1965 and expanded to an hour 10 years later.
- 3/19/2010
- by By James Hibberd
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Conan O'Brien is a free agent.Lawyers for the talk show host and NBC on early Thursday morning finalized a settlement sealing O'Brien's exit from "The Tonight Show."The settlement is said to be worth between $45-$50 million, in line with the annual production cost of "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien." According to the Wall Street Journal, O'Brien is getting $32 million from NBC, with the network also agreeing to pay his staff $12 million in severance.NBC also announced the return of Jay Leno as "Tonight" host. He'll start March 1. "We're pleased that Jay is returning to host the franchise that he helmed brilliantly and successfully for many years," said Jeff Gaspin, chairman of NBC Uni TV. "He is an enormous talent, a consummate professional and one of the hardest-working performers on television.""Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" will continue as part of NBC's lineup, airing as usual at 12:35 a.
- 1/21/2010
- backstage.com
By Josef Adalian
There'll be plenty of restructuring at NBC (and Comcast) over the next 18 months as their marriage comes together. But first, a little exec shuffle unrelated to the Never-Ending Merger (that, fingers crossed, will be officially announced in less than 12 hours).
NBC Universal TV business affairs chief Rick Olshansky is leaving the network after a half-decade with the company, industry insiders confirm. According to the L.A. Times' Company Town blogger Joe Flint, who broke the news a few hours ago, Olshansky found himself redundant after NBC Entertainment chairman Marc Graboff was aske...
There'll be plenty of restructuring at NBC (and Comcast) over the next 18 months as their marriage comes together. But first, a little exec shuffle unrelated to the Never-Ending Merger (that, fingers crossed, will be officially announced in less than 12 hours).
NBC Universal TV business affairs chief Rick Olshansky is leaving the network after a half-decade with the company, industry insiders confirm. According to the L.A. Times' Company Town blogger Joe Flint, who broke the news a few hours ago, Olshansky found himself redundant after NBC Entertainment chairman Marc Graboff was aske...
- 12/3/2009
- by Adalian
- The Wrap
NBC's business affairs chief Rick Olshansky is leaving the company.
Olshansky came to NBC Uni in June 2004 shortly after NBC and Universal Studios merged. He headed business affairs for NBC Uni TV Studios until 2007 when, following the elevation of the network's business affairs head Marc Graboff to president of NBC Uni TV, Olshansky was also given oversight of NBC as executive vp NBC Uni network and studio business affairs.
As part of an executive restructuring, Graboff, now chairman of NBC/UMS, is resuming oversight of the division's business affairs operation.
The move, first reported by the L.A. Times, is not related to Comcast's imminent acquisition of NBC Universal, which also recently consolidated its marketing division NBC Agency.
It is said to have more to do with Jeff Gaspin's summer promotion to chairman of NBC Universal TV Entertainment in the wake of Ben Silverman's exit. In the past several months,...
Olshansky came to NBC Uni in June 2004 shortly after NBC and Universal Studios merged. He headed business affairs for NBC Uni TV Studios until 2007 when, following the elevation of the network's business affairs head Marc Graboff to president of NBC Uni TV, Olshansky was also given oversight of NBC as executive vp NBC Uni network and studio business affairs.
As part of an executive restructuring, Graboff, now chairman of NBC/UMS, is resuming oversight of the division's business affairs operation.
The move, first reported by the L.A. Times, is not related to Comcast's imminent acquisition of NBC Universal, which also recently consolidated its marketing division NBC Agency.
It is said to have more to do with Jeff Gaspin's summer promotion to chairman of NBC Universal TV Entertainment in the wake of Ben Silverman's exit. In the past several months,...
- 12/2/2009
- by By Nellie Andreeva
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Five weeks into the new 2009-10 television season, three of the four major U.S. networks are seeing surprisingly bigger audiences than last year and fewer embarrassing flops.
Networks are pulling in guest stars including Jimmy Fallon, Heather Locklear and Mandy Patinkin to boost ratings, and NBC is taking its "The Biggest Loser" weight loss show to the White House for November sweeps, a key period that began on Thursday in which ratings are used to set local advertising rates.
Media-watchers say the big story of the season so far is the rise of News Corp's Fox, up 3% in total viewers thanks largely to its new musical comedy "Glee" and the strength of medical drama "House," now in its sixth season.
"Fox is used to being badly beaten in the fall and leaving everyone in the dust in the spring when (No. 1-rated) 'American Idol' kicks in. But...
Networks are pulling in guest stars including Jimmy Fallon, Heather Locklear and Mandy Patinkin to boost ratings, and NBC is taking its "The Biggest Loser" weight loss show to the White House for November sweeps, a key period that began on Thursday in which ratings are used to set local advertising rates.
Media-watchers say the big story of the season so far is the rise of News Corp's Fox, up 3% in total viewers thanks largely to its new musical comedy "Glee" and the strength of medical drama "House," now in its sixth season.
"Fox is used to being badly beaten in the fall and leaving everyone in the dust in the spring when (No. 1-rated) 'American Idol' kicks in. But...
- 10/30/2009
- by By Jill Serjeant, Reuters
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Santa Monica, Calif. -- Traditional television viewing patterns are collapsing and the industry needs to quickly figure out how to profit in a world where people can watch TV shows anytime, anywhere, NBC Universal's TV chief said.
The challenge now was drawing viewers to network shows at designated times when people can either record those shows or turn to online outlets to watch at their convenience, said Marc Graboff, Chairman of NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios.
Networks need to figure out how to make their content more immediately available in a lucrative way, such as by charging viewers to stream episodes shortly after airing -- narrowing viewing "windows" -- or providing them to multiple outlets, he told an industry conference.
The biggest U.S. networks are currently struggling with declining advertising revenue, dwindling viewership and rising production coasts.
"The audience is so fragmented at the expense of television shows.
The challenge now was drawing viewers to network shows at designated times when people can either record those shows or turn to online outlets to watch at their convenience, said Marc Graboff, Chairman of NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios.
Networks need to figure out how to make their content more immediately available in a lucrative way, such as by charging viewers to stream episodes shortly after airing -- narrowing viewing "windows" -- or providing them to multiple outlets, he told an industry conference.
The biggest U.S. networks are currently struggling with declining advertising revenue, dwindling viewership and rising production coasts.
"The audience is so fragmented at the expense of television shows.
- 10/20/2009
- by By Sue Zeidler, Reuters
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ben Silverman is to leave his position as co-chairman of NBC Entertainment and Universal Media. Silverman was appointed to the job in 2007 - along with nm2325505 autoMarc Graboff[/link] - and will remain in his current title for several more weeks before officially stepping down. He is staying on board to help launch the Peacock Network's upcoming Autumn season. However, a drop in NBC's overall ratings are said to have been the reason for his departure, after 20 of the 25 shows that premiered during his term were cancelled, (more)...
- 7/27/2009
- by By Tim Parks
- Digital Spy
In a move more surprising for its timing than its substance, Ben Silverman is departing as co-chairman of NBC Entertainment Studios and Universal Media Studios. Silverman's exit was revealed as part of an NBC press release announcing Jeff Gaspin's elevation to the position of NBC Universal Television Entertainment Studios Chairman. Gaspin will be adding oversight over the company's network television operations to his current position as president and COO of NBC-Uni's cable properties, including USA, SyFy, Bravo and Oxygen. Marc Graboff, who had formerly been Silverman's co-chairman, will continue on as Chairman for NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios. Confused...
- 7/27/2009
- by Daniel Fienberg
- Hitfix
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