NBCUniversal Television and Streaming

**NBCUniversal Television and Streaming** is the television and streaming arm of NBCUniversal.

## History

### NBC Broadcasting

In 2006, NBC Universal sold four stations from its smallest markets. In November 2007, the NBC Owned Television Stations changed its name to NBC Local Media. In March 2008, Local Media decided to focus on growing websites and the top ten market stations placing WTVJ in Miami and WVIT in Harford up for sale.

LXTV was acquired in January 2008 by NBC Local Media followed in March by the purchased of Skycastle Entertainment, Local Media's former outside sales and marketing firm. After NBC Weather Plus was shut down in late 2008, WNBC launched a replacement programming of local information, news and lifestyle as NBC New York Nonstop in March 2009 using LXTV programs.

In May 2009, NBC rolled out a tiered affiliation plan. The plan has three levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Bronze is the standard existing short term affiliation, programming with ad inventory splits. With the silver plan, the affiliate and network would add working in other media: internet, wireless and video on demand areas with inventory splits, a different financial arrangement and promotion commitments. Gold affiliation agreement is a longer broader partnership in local online media and mobile digital TV with the network representing the gold affiliates in cable and satellite retransmission consent negotiations with the network sharing in the carriage revenue. A NBClocal.com livestyle website would be a part of the silver package. By July 2009, GE has been registering NBC*market*.com domains (like NBCIndianapolis.com) in markets where NBC stations are not NBC owned. NBC Affiliates Board chair Mike Fiorile indicated a preference on behalf of local stations that the local station should own its own brand in the market. Local Newser indicated that this might be attempt by NBC to compete with their local affiliates despite pointing out the NBC local program as a part of its top tier affiliation plans.

On October 24, 2012, NBC Owned Television Stations announced it will relaunch the NBC Nonstop network as Cozi TV, which will feature classic TV shows, movies and original programming. In July 2013, NBCU placed NBC TV Stations and Telemundo's O&Os stations into a new division, NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations, with New England Cable News being transferred into NBC TV Stations.

### Broadcast, Cable, Sports and News

With Ted Harbert departing as head of NBC Broadcasting in September 2016, Mark Lazarus (as chairman of NBC Broadcasting and Sports) added this group to his responsibility over NBC Sports Group. In January 2019, NBCUniversal was reorganized to make way for their streaming service. Lazarus added NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment Group and NBCUniversal News Group to his portfolio, now as chairman of NBCUniversal Broadcast, Cable, Sports and News (except for NBC Entertainment).

In an April 2020 reorganization, Lazarus was named chairman of NBCUniversal Television and Streaming with the addition of responsibility over NBC Entertainment, Direct-to-Consumer and Digital Enterprises and Telemundo Enterprises. Andrew Lack also exited as chairman of NBCUniversal News Group as he was succeeded by Cesar Conde.

## NBC Entertainment

### **Owner**

NBCUniversal Television and Streaming
(NBCUniversal)

### **Divisions**

NBC
Universal Television Alternative Studios

**NBC Entertainment** is NBCUniversal's entertainment arm of the NBC television network. The division has prime time programming, business affairs, West Coast research, marketing, public relations and network scheduling.

#### History

In July 2008, Universal Cable Productions was split off from Universal Media Studios and place into NBCUniversal's NBCU Cable Entertainment division. On Monday, September 12, 2011 Universal Media Studios was renamed to Universal Television.

NBC Entertainment named Paul Telegdy as president of both its alternative and reality TV group and NBC Entertainment, along the formation of Universal Television Alternative Studios by president Meredith Ahr in June 2016. These promotions are part of a push for NBC to create and distribute future reality TV shows. However, late night programming was removed from Teledgy's portfolio, which also included annual specials. On September 24, 2018, Bob Greenblatt left NBC Entertainment's chairman position and was replaced by George Cheeks and Paul Telegdy.

With the reorganization of NBCUniversal in January 2019, Jeff Shell (currently chairman of Universal Filmed Entertainment Group) added NBC Entertainment, Telemundo Enterprises and many international channels to his portfolio, now as chairman of NBCUniversal Film and Entertainment. In October 2019, NBCUniversal Content Studios was formed to house Universal Television and NBC's late night programming, with Cheeks joining from NBC Entertainment.

In an April 2020 reorganization, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming was formed with NBCUniversal Broadcast, Cable, Sports and News with the addition of NBC Entertainment, Direct-to-Consumer and Digital Enterprises and Telemundo Enterprises.

#### Universal Television Alternative Studios

Universal Television Alternative Studios is NBC Entertainment's reality and alternative TV production division, headed by president Toby Gorman. The unit reports to the president of alternative and reality group, NBC Entertainment Meredith Ahr.

The studio was formed in June 2016 under president Meredith Ahr. In July 2016, the studio's first program, *World of Dance* was announced by NBC. The studio sold its first show to another channel *In Search Of...* to History.

The studio, as did Universal TV, signed a first-look agreement with Chelsea Handler in March 2018. Both production units signed that same year in August an overall agreement with Eddie Schmidt.

In November 2018, Ahr became president of alternative and reality group, NBC Entertainment. Ahr was replace as the studio's president in August 2019 by Toby Gorman, last the interim CEO of Magical Elves. From Endemol Shine North America, Georgie Hurford-Jones was hired in December 2019 as executive vice president of current programming.

Mario Lopez moved from hosting *Extra* to NBCUniversal's *Access Hollywood* in July 2019 with production deal with Universal TV and Universal TV Alternative Studio. His first project, *Menudo* an hour-long competition show, under the deal was announced to be in development in April 2020.

#### Productions

* *World of Dance* (NBC) co-produced with Jennifer Lopez's Nuyorican Productions
* *The Wall* (NBC) with Glassman Media and SpringHill Entertainment LeBron James and Chris Hardwick; French version on TF1
* *Making It* with Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman
* *The Titan Games* (2019) NBC, competition series with Dwayne Johnson
* *In Search Of...* (History) with exec producer and host Zachary Quinto
* *Songland* (2019) NBC, songwriting competition format
* *Hollywood Game Night*
* *Making It*
* *Hollywood Game Night*
* *Menudo* an hour-long making the band show

## NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations

### **Parent**

NBCUniversal Television and Streaming
(NBCUniversal)
(Comcast)

### **Divisions**

NBC Owned Television Stations
Telemundo Station Group

NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations is a station holding division with two groups, NBC Owned Television Stations and Telemundo Station Group.

#### History

In July 2013, NBC Owned Television Stations and Telemundo's O&Os stations to form a new division, NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations under NBC TV Station president Valari Staab. NBC Responds/Telemundo Responde units were launched by NBCU Stations in 2014 with a central Consumer Investigative Center based in Dallas. Center and the units investigate consumer rip off with the intent of getting money back for the complainant. By 2019, 18 stations were operating a Responds team with two more started up in 2019 (WTMO Orlando and KTDO El Paso) and 2 more planned in 2020.

With the January 7, 2016, announcement of the new owned and operated NBC Boston station was that the new station would be cluster with the other Boston outlets, New England Cable News and WNEU (Telemundo Boston) under their president Mike St. Peter. In March 2016, NBU announced the NBCUniversal Boston Media Center, a regional headquarters in Needham Crossing office park, bringing together the cluster from Newton and the NBC Sports Boston cable channel from Burlington together. Opened in January 2020, the center also came equip with a podcast production studio as mainstream media starts pushing into the podcast industry.

In 2017, NBC announced that it was hiring people for KNSD with the intention of launching a new Telemundo O&O station in San Diego, replacing Tijuana, Mexico-licensed station XHAS-TDT (whose affiliation expired at the end of June 2017). The new Telemundo affiliate, branded as "Telemundo 20", launched on July 1 on KNSD's digital 39.20 subchannel. Additionally, KNSD launched TeleXitos, a Spanish equivalent to Cozi TV, on channel 39.21 the same day. On September 12, 2017, NBCUniversal acquired KUAN from NRJ TV, LLC, the owner of KSCI, for $650,000; the sale was completed on December 21, 2017. Concurrently, KUAN entered into a channel-sharing agreement with KNSD. This was done with the separate KUAN-LD transmitter ending service, and 39.20 and 39.21 becoming identified with KUAN-LD instead and re-numbered to KUAN's channel 48.

On September 23, 2019, the station group launched its LX digital news brand for original content. LX was to expand with live-streaming channel and multicast over-the-air network in May 2020.

#### Lx

Lx is digital news brand for original content for the NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations. Lx is short for Local X with the X standing for "exponential". Lx is a part of the station group's multicast division led by senior vice president Meredith McGinn, content strategy vice president Matt Goldberg and managing editor Meagan Harris. Lx is on the following online platforms, Comcast cable over-the-top for Apple, Fubo and Roku customers, social media, via its website and as an over the air network on 43 stations.

Lx content would feature long form content, a switch from prior NBCUniversal efforts at NBC News Now with *Briefly* and Snapchat news show, *Stay Tuned* to reach Gen Z and millennials. With the broadcast network and streaming channel, there would be two live programing block (7-10 AM and PM) of three hour daily newscast produced at KXAS. Lx programming would originally coming from station group and owned and separately operated LX.TV Productions with the expectation to license additional content to fill out the day. The additional content would come from Jukin Media, Tastemade and the Dodo. The main news cast when launched will be two hours long.

NBCU stations' desire to reach younger audiences is what lead to the creation of the Lx content brand. On September 23, 2019, the station group launched its Lx news digitally initially on YouTube, its website and social media. Lx was launched live-streaming channel and multicast over-the-air network (NBC Lx) in May 2020.

### NBCUniversal Television Distribution

Main article: NBCUniversal Television Distribution

**NBCUniversal Television Distribution** (formerly **NBC Enterprises**, **Universal Domestic Television**, **Studios USA Television Distribution LLC** and **MCA TV** among other distributor incarnations) is the television distribution arm of NBCUniversal that distributes programs across the nation.

DVD releases for most shows owned by the group are handled by Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, while others are licensed to other companies such as Lionsgate Home Entertainment, Mill Creek Entertainment, Arts Alliance America and Shout! Factory.

Further information: Universal Television

### NBCUniversal Global Distribution

**NBCUniversal Global Distribution**, also known as **NBCUniversal International Television** or **NBCUniversal International Television Distribution** (formerly **Universal Worldwide Television** and **MCA TV International**) is the worldwide television production/distribution arm of NBCUniversal, syndicating NBCUni's programs across the globe. **Universal Worldwide Television** was formed in 1997 as a result of the break-up of UIP Pay TV. Prior to NUIT's formation, for several years MGM International Television Distribution handled worldwide distribution of shows from NBCUniversal.

In April 2019, it was announced that Sky Vision would be folded into NBCUniversal Global Distribution, as a result of Comcast's takeover of Sky. On October 1, Sky Vision officially merged with NBCUniversal Global Distribution.

## NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment

### **Formerly called**

NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment & Cable Studios

### **Key people**

Mark Lazarus (chairman, NBCU Television and Streaming)
Frances Berwick (President, Lifestyle Networks)
 Chris McCumber (President, Entertainment Networks)

### **Parent**

NBCUniversal Television and Streaming
(NBCUniversal)

### **Divisions**

Lifestyle Network Group
Entertainment Networks

**NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment Group**, formerly **NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment & Cable Studios**, is the division of NBCUniversal that oversees all of the conglomerate's non-sports cable television channels.

#### History

##### NBC Universal Cable Entertainment & Cable Studios

In July 2008, Universal Cable Productions was split from Universal Media Studios (UMS) and placed into NBCUniversal's NBCU Cable Entertainment division. The unit was placed under the direction of a management team consisting of 5 executives.

##### NBCUniversal Cable

In February 2013, following the acquisition of the company by Comcast, NBCUniversal merged its two cable divisions, NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment & Cable Studios and NBCUniversal Entertainment & Digital Networks and Integrated Media, into one unit. By April 2013, Comcast Entertainment Studios, or E! Studios, was renamed Wilshire Studios. Jeff Wachtel was transferred from his position as co-president of USA to head of content at Universal Cable Productions.

With the resignation of E! President Suzanne Kolb in September 2014, NBCU Cable announced the formation of Lifestyle Network Group consisting of Bravo, Oxygen, E! Entertainment and Esquire Network. The Group was to be led by Frances Berwick, president of Bravo and Oxygen Media with Esquire Network president Adam Stotsky to take over as general manager of E!

On April 14, 2014, Comcast purchased Lions Gate Entertainment and Sony Pictures Entertainment's stakes in Fearnet, acquiring full ownership of the channel. Comcast plans to fold Fearnet into its existing horror- and thriller-focused network Chiller (owned by the company's NBCUniversal Cable unit), although some of Fearnet's programming may be moved to Syfy.

Hammer ordered a reorganization that creates the Entertainment Networks group with Chiller, Cloo, Syfy, and USA Network by transferring two Syfy executives out and placing USA Network president Chris McCumber in charge of the group as president. Transferred Syfy executives include the executive vice president of original content, who moved to the post of executive vice president of scripted content under the chief content officer of NBCU Cable, and the president of Syfy and Chiller, who moved to president of strategy and commercial growth at NBCU Cable. Sprout was also added to Lifestyle Network. On September 9, 2017, Sprout was renamed to Universal Kids while the Sprout brand would be used for its pre-school programming block.

The group agreed to purchase a majority stake in Craftsy digital network from equity firms in May 2017. Craftsy was renamed Bluprint with Craftsy.com become its a la carte classes and Craftsy Unlimited service becoming Bluprint, while adding additional lifestyle categories.

In January 2019, NBCUniversal reorganized to make way for their streaming service. Bonnie Hammer was transferred to the new post of chairman at Direct-to-Consumer and Digital Enterprises for NBCUniversal, while the cable group was placed under the NBCUniversal Broadcast, Cable, Sports and News group.

In early 2019, Universal Cable Productions changed its name to Universal Content Productions in order to reflect the move into digital productions. In October 2019, Universal Content Productions was transferred from NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment Group to NBCUniversal Content Studios. Further restructuring placed the two cable networks in April 2020 under NBCU Television and Streaming.

#### NBCUniversal Cable units

* Entertainment Networks:
	+ Syfy
	+ USA Network
* Lifestyle Network Group:
	+ Bravo
	+ E!
	+ Oxygen
	+ Universal Kids
	+ Wilshire Studios, reality studios, formerly E! Studio

##### Former units

* Universal Content Productions (July 2008—October 2019) formerly Universal Cable Productions (until early 2019), moved to NBCUniversal Content Studios
* Bluprint (May 2017-January 2019), moved to NBCUniversal Direct-to-Consumer and Digital Enterprises

## NBCUniversal Direct-to-Consumer and Digital Enterprises

### **Formerly called**

NBCUniversal Entertainment & Digital Networks and Integrated Media

### **Industry**

TV
Internet

### **Key people**

Matt Strauss (chairman)
Maggie McLean Suniewick (president, Digital Enterprises)

### **Subsidiaries**

Bluprint

**NBCUniversal Direct-to-Consumer and Digital Enterprises**, also called **Peacock and Digital Enterprises**, is a division of NBCUniversal that holds the streaming service and their digital networks and previously held a part of NBCUniversal's cable portfolio as well as Telemundo.

#### History

##### Entertainment & Digital Networks and Integrated Media

NBCUniversal Entertainment & Digital Networks and Integrated Media was organized in 2011 in the wake of Comcast's NBCUniversal takeover and was headed by Lauren Zalaznick. Their cable channels were transferred to NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment & Cable Studios in 2013 while Telemundo and Mun2 were moved to a new division called NBCUniversal Hispanic Enterprises and Content. The move also created the corporate-level position of executive vice president in charge of digital ventures for Zalaznick, taking the digital networks with her.

##### Digital Enterprises

Lauren Zalaznick was appointed to head this division as executive vice president after her previous division was split into two, with most units being merged into NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment & Cable Studios and becoming NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment Group and the rest becoming NBCUniversal Hispanic Enterprises and Content and taking the digital networks and the Integrated Media group with her, including Women At NBCU, Hispanics At NBCU and the NBCU Digital Council. In September 2013, Zalaznick left NBCUniversal and executive VP Cesar Conde took over most of the division. NBCUniversal Consumer Products, headed by Russell Hampton, and Fandango, headed by Paul Yanover, was transferred to Universal Studios under its vice chairman Jeff Shell, while the Integrated Media group, headed by John Shea, was transferred to Linda Yaccarino, chairman of advertising sales and client partnerships.

Evan Shapiro, the group's former pivot president, took over the unit in the new position of executive vice president at Digital Enterprises under Conde, the executive VP of NBCUniversal International Enterprises. NBCUniversal Digital Enterprises hired additional executives in preparation for the roles outside of its first direct-to-consumer services: Patricia Parra Hadden as senior vice president for marketing and Ben McLean for business affairs/development, content licensing, operations and strategy.

In October 2015, Digital Enterprises announced Seeso, a comedy-oriented over-the-top subscription VOD channel, which became a private beta in December and launched in January launch. However, Digital Enterprises closed down Seeso in late 2017.

Maggie McLean Suniewick was named president of NBCUniversal Digital Enterprises in September 2016 when she was hired from her position as executive in charge of NBCUniversal's Symphony initiative. On June 19, 2017, Laura Lee began as executive VP of content, strategy and operations of the enterprise to oversee their recently purchased stake in Snap, Buzz and Vox Media.

##### Direct-to-Consumer and Digital Enterprises

In a January 2019 NBCUniversal reorganization, Digital Enterprises was placed under Bonnie Hammer as chairman of NBCU Direct-to-Consumer and Digital Enterprises. The Digital Enterprises group was the initial core of this group, The reorganization announcement indicated that a new streaming service would be formed in the new group. The streaming service was announced on September 17, 2019 as Peacock, which is to be launched in April 2020. In a May 2020 reorganization, the division was placed under NBCUniversal Television and Streaming.

#### Units

* Fandango (70% equity)
* Peacock streaming service
* Bluprint
* Integrated Media
* Snap (ownership stake)
* Buzz (ownership stake)
* Vox Media (ownership stake)
* Hulu (33% equity; silent partner; could be sold to The Walt Disney Company as early as 2024)

##### Former units

* Television Without Pity
* Seeso (2015-2017) shut down

Transferred to NBCUniversal Hispanic Enterprises and Content

* Telemundo (2011-2013)
* Mun2 (2011-2013)

Transferred to NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment Group:

* Bravo (2011-2013)
* Oxygen (2011-2013)
* Sprout (2011-2013)
* TVOne (2011-2013) joint venture

## NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises

### **Formerly called**

NBCUniversal Hispanic Enterprises and Content
NBCUniversal Hispanic Group

### **Predecessor**

NBCUniversal Entertainment & Digital Networks and Integrated Media

### **Divisions**

Telemundo
Universo
Telemundo of Puerto Rico Studios
Telemundo Studios
Telemundo Internacional
TeleXitos
Telemundo Films

**NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises**, formerly **NBCUniversal Hispanic Enterprises and Content** & **NBCUniversal Hispanic Group**, is the Hispanic culture outlet company and division of NBCUniversal.

NBCUniversal Hispanic Enterprises and Content was spun off from NBCUniversal Entertainment & Digital Networks and Integrated Media, taking Telemundo and Mun2 while most of the said unit was merged into NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment Group. Joe Uva was appointed as chairman of the unit starting April 3, 2013.

On December 24, 2014, NBCUniversal announced that it would rebrand mun2 as **NBC Universo** on February 1, 2015, to coincide with the network's Spanish-language broadcast of Super Bowl XLIX.

NBCUniversal Hispanic Group rolled out 1,000 hours of new programming for its two channels at Upfronts in May 2015. They also launched CultureFirst, an advertising initiative that helps advertisers create a full plan to reach out to Latinos, and co-programming opportunities that allows advertisers to promote content across NBC channels. NBC Deportes, a dedicated Hispanic sports production unit, was also announced by Chairman Joe Uva and Chairman Mark Lazarus of NBC Sports Group.

On October 12, 2015, NBCUniversal Hispanic Group was renamed NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises with Cesar Conde taking over as chairman from Joe Uva. Conde was already chairman of NBCUniversal International Enterprises. Uva would continue to oversee the move of NBC Deportes to the NBC Sports Group facility in Stamford, CT. In a January 2019 NBCUniversal reorganization, Telemundo Enterprises was placed under Jeff Shell, the chairman of NBCUniversal Film and Entertainment.

In a May 2020 reorganization, the division was placed under NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. At that time it was announced Conde would move over to head up NBCUniversal News Group as chairman.

## Universal Studio Group

### **Owner**

NBCUniversal
(Comcast)

### **Divisions**

Universal Television
Universal Content Productions
NBCUniversal International Studios

**Universal Studio Group**, formally **NBCUniversal Content Studios**, was formed in October 2019, with Bonnie Hammer (formerly a chairman of NBCU Direct-to-Consumer and Digital Enterprises) as chairwoman and George Cheeks (co-chairman of NBC Entertainment) as vice chairman. This new unit consists of Universal Television, Universal Content Productions and NBCUniversal International Studios. Cheeks would also retain NBC's late night programming.

The Content Studios made its first overall deal worth nine-figure with Seth MacFarlane's Fuzzy Door production company in January 2020. Universal Content Productions was assigned the lead with Fuzzy Door for TV with NBCU outlets including the Peacock streaming service and outside outlet. Vice-chairman Cheeks in mid-January 2020 leaves the studio. It is announced that Pearlena Igbowke unveiled the group.

## NBCUniversal News Group

### **Key people**

Cesar Conde (chairman, News Group)
Deborah Turness (president, NBC News International)
Phil Griffin (president, MSNBC)
Mark Hoffman (chairman, CNBC)

### **Owner**

NBCUniversal
(Comcast)

### **Divisions**

NBC News
MSNBC
CNBC
NBC News International

**NBCUniversal News Group** is the news division of NBCUniversal, composed of the NBC News, CNBC and MSNBC units, that was created on July 19, 2012 under chairwoman Pat Fili-Krushel. In April 2015, Andrew Lack took over as CEO of the group, with CNBC being moved to a direct unit reporting to NBCUniversal CEO. Lack was appointed to fix the division after flagging ratings and the Brian Williams embellishment scandal.

In February 2017, the group purchased a 25% stake in Euronews for $30 million to increase its international reach. NBC News president Deborah Turness was appointed to lead international operations, with Noah Oppenheim, who oversaw *Today*, replacing her at NBC News. Euronews, integrated with NBC News, would be renamed Euronews NBC and be headed up by Turness.

In January 2017, Megyn Kelly agreed to leave Fox News for a "triple role" at NBC News in which she would anchor and host her own daytime program and in-depth Sunday night news show, along with taking part in the network's political and major news event coverage. However, the division was not able to make Kelly's show a success.

Lack moved the division more into the digital space with new content for Snapchat, Quibi and an in-house streaming-video outlet The division's streaming service, NBC News Signal, was up and running by October 24, 2018 with a mid-2019 launch.

NBC Sky World News, an English language worldwide news service injunction with Sky Group, was announced to be launched in mid-2020 only to be postponed on April 2, 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic. On 20 April 2020, it was reported that NBCUniversal had sold its stake in Euronews to Media Globe Networks; parent company Comcast had recently acquired Sky Group, and was prioritizing a collaboration between NBC News and Sky News on a new international news channel.

NBCUniversal announced on May 4, 2020 Andrew Lack stepped down and is leaving the company at the end of May 2020. CNBC is rejoining the News Group under the new chairman of Cesar Conde, previously NBCUniversal International Group & Telemundo Enterprises Chairman.