NBCU aligns production under Hammer

NBCUniversal (NBCU) has brought its television studios, Universal Television and Universal Content Productions, together to function as one business unit.

Bonnie Hammer (photo: Tabercil)

Known as NBCU Content Studios, the combined unit will be led by Bonnie Hammer as chairman. Previously NBCU’s direct-to-consumer chief, Hammer will report directly to NBCU CEO Steve Burke.

George Cheeks, co-chairman of NBC Entertainment, has been named vice-chairman of the new division.

The company said the move would allow it to closely align its studio businesses and address the growing demand for more content, both within and outside Comcast-owned NBCU.

As part of the realignment, Paul Telegdy will become the sole chairman of NBC Entertainment, reporting to Jeff Shell, chairman of NBCU Film and Entertainment. Telegdy will also continue to oversee syndication and Universal Television Alternative Studio.

Remaining in their current roles are Pearlena Igbokwe and Dawn Olmstead, the head of Universal Television and Universal Content Productions respectively.

Mark Lazarus will also remain chairman of NBCUniversal Broadcast, Cable, Sports and News, overseeing the company’s cable entertainment networks as well as NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, NBC Sports, its owned-and-operated local stations and affiliate relations.

Finally, Matt Strauss has joined from Comcast as chairman of Peacock, the SVoD service NBCU is launching in 2020.