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The CW builds out unscripted team, hires NBCU exec Betsy Slenzak

Nexstar Media Group-owned US broadcast network The CW has named former NBCUniversal exec Betsy Slenzak as its VP of unscripted programming.

Betsy Slenzak

Slenzak, who was most recently VP of entertainment unscripted content at NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, will be charged with developing and running current production on alternative reality series, events and specials.

She will report to Heather Olander, The CW’s head of unscripted programming, who officially joined the company in early February to spearhead its factual expansion.

Slenzak’s appointment comes on the heels of the departure of Cyle Zezo, who served as VP of alternative and digital programming.

During her time at NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, Slenzak oversaw reality competition, talent competition and gameshow formats for NBC, Peacock, Bravo, E! and USA Network. Her development slate consisted of titles including the US versions of Love Island and The Traitors, American Ninja Warrior and Frogger.

Before joining NBCUniversal’s formats team, she oversaw series including John Wayne Gacy: Devil in Disguise and The Amber Ruffin Show at NBCU-owned Peacock.

“Betsy is a talented executive with stellar relationships within the industry and a keen eye for developing successful unscripted formats,” said Olander.

“Betsy has a proven track record of producing buzzworthy hits, and we are fortunate to welcome her to The CW as we continue to evolve our unscripted programming slate.”

The CW is looking to significantly ramp up its unscripted production following its takeover by Texas-based local news giant Nexstar Media. At Realscreen in January, Zezo said the network – which had been known for youth-skewing dramas like Riverdale and Smallville under its previous majority owners Warner Bros Discovery and Paramount Global – was working towards a 50/50 split between scripted and unscripted.

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