Jack Welch, the hard-charging former CEO of General Electric who bought NBC owner RCA in the 1980s, has died. He was 84.
Welch’s death was reported Monday by CNBC, where Welch made appearances after his retirement in 2001.
During his 20 years as chief executive, Welch turned Ge into the one of the world’s largest and most valuable companies. The acquisition of RCA in 1986 for $6.2 billion put Ge in the media business for the next 25 years. Ge sold a controlling stake in what became NBCUniversal — after NBC bought Universal Studios in 2004 — to Comcast in January 2011. Comcast scooped up the remainder of the company in 2013.
Welch earned the nickname “Neutron Jack” for his relentless drive to cut costs, jobs and inefficiency in Ge’s sprawling business operations, which ranged from high finance to large-scale engineering projects to consulting and brokerage firms. Welch was famous for his mandate that Ge’s businesses be either No.
Welch’s death was reported Monday by CNBC, where Welch made appearances after his retirement in 2001.
During his 20 years as chief executive, Welch turned Ge into the one of the world’s largest and most valuable companies. The acquisition of RCA in 1986 for $6.2 billion put Ge in the media business for the next 25 years. Ge sold a controlling stake in what became NBCUniversal — after NBC bought Universal Studios in 2004 — to Comcast in January 2011. Comcast scooped up the remainder of the company in 2013.
Welch earned the nickname “Neutron Jack” for his relentless drive to cut costs, jobs and inefficiency in Ge’s sprawling business operations, which ranged from high finance to large-scale engineering projects to consulting and brokerage firms. Welch was famous for his mandate that Ge’s businesses be either No.
- 3/2/2020
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Don’t expect those Fox regional sports networks (RSNs) to follow the Scripps channels under Discovery’s umbrella. Discovery, Inc. chief David Zaslav (mostly) shut that idea down on Thursday morning, saying, “Those businesses can be dicey.”
“Outside of the U.S., we like our European position as a leader — but we think we’re late here,” he said when asked about the stateside Fox RSNs which Disney has to unload. “Those businesses can be dicey.”
“I was involved in those businesses with Bob Wright and Chuck Dolan in the early days, and they really have to do with how long you own that I.P. for,” Zaslav continued. “And I think in many cases [Fox was] on the top of the heap in terms of what they were able to generate.”
Also Read: Discovery Misses on Q3 Earnings, Continues to Feel Impact of Scripps Acquisition
“Unless it was a great deal, you...
“Outside of the U.S., we like our European position as a leader — but we think we’re late here,” he said when asked about the stateside Fox RSNs which Disney has to unload. “Those businesses can be dicey.”
“I was involved in those businesses with Bob Wright and Chuck Dolan in the early days, and they really have to do with how long you own that I.P. for,” Zaslav continued. “And I think in many cases [Fox was] on the top of the heap in terms of what they were able to generate.”
Also Read: Discovery Misses on Q3 Earnings, Continues to Feel Impact of Scripps Acquisition
“Unless it was a great deal, you...
- 11/8/2018
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Sony Pictures Entertainment will be receiving the Visionary Award at the 2nd Annual Autfest International Film Festival presented by The Autism Society at a VIP Reception on Sunday, April 29 at 7:30pm at the Writers Guild of America Theater in Los Angeles.
Honorees include Jeff Frost, President of Sony Pictures Television Studios, and Co-Presidents of Sony Pictures Television Chris Parnell and Jason Clodfelter. The announcement was made by Matthew Asner, VP of Development for The Autism Society. Autfest is sponsored by Hyundai Motor America and SAG-AFTRA.
Said Scott Badesch, President of Autism Society of America: "To think that one studio can represent almost one full day of programming at Autfest Film Festival is almost unthinkable. Obviously, Sony Pictures understands that autism is a part of all of our lives and we are very proud to honor them with our Visionary Award at this year’s Autfest. Each of...
Honorees include Jeff Frost, President of Sony Pictures Television Studios, and Co-Presidents of Sony Pictures Television Chris Parnell and Jason Clodfelter. The announcement was made by Matthew Asner, VP of Development for The Autism Society. Autfest is sponsored by Hyundai Motor America and SAG-AFTRA.
Said Scott Badesch, President of Autism Society of America: "To think that one studio can represent almost one full day of programming at Autfest Film Festival is almost unthinkable. Obviously, Sony Pictures understands that autism is a part of all of our lives and we are very proud to honor them with our Visionary Award at this year’s Autfest. Each of...
- 4/16/2018
- Look to the Stars
Ron Meyer has won a new five-year contract as president and COO of Universal Studios.
His corporate parents might have added the title of chief continuity officer. Taking over at the studio in 1995 after a storied agency career, Meyer has held a firm rein atop Uni through a succession of owners and any number of corporate cultures.
But Meyer, a famously casual personality held in great affection on the Uni lot, exudes gratitude for his professional life.
"I really consider it an extraordinary group of executives," he said. "I love coming to work. I love working with the people that I do (and) I feel very fortunate to come to the studio every day."
Meyer's new contract coincides with his recently getting a new boss after NBC topper Jeff Zucker assumed the mantle of NBC Universal CEO from the retiring Bob Wright. Meyer most recently renewed his contract in 2005, when he was given a five-year deal superseded by his new pact.
Zucker has been "supportive of the creative and business processes," Meyer said. "He's as involved as we want him to be. He's not intrusive, he's smart and he's a believer in our business."
Right back atcha, Zucker said, after extending Meyer's run through 2012.
His corporate parents might have added the title of chief continuity officer. Taking over at the studio in 1995 after a storied agency career, Meyer has held a firm rein atop Uni through a succession of owners and any number of corporate cultures.
But Meyer, a famously casual personality held in great affection on the Uni lot, exudes gratitude for his professional life.
"I really consider it an extraordinary group of executives," he said. "I love coming to work. I love working with the people that I do (and) I feel very fortunate to come to the studio every day."
Meyer's new contract coincides with his recently getting a new boss after NBC topper Jeff Zucker assumed the mantle of NBC Universal CEO from the retiring Bob Wright. Meyer most recently renewed his contract in 2005, when he was given a five-year deal superseded by his new pact.
Zucker has been "supportive of the creative and business processes," Meyer said. "He's as involved as we want him to be. He's not intrusive, he's smart and he's a believer in our business."
Right back atcha, Zucker said, after extending Meyer's run through 2012.
Newly installed NBC Universal chief Jeff Zucker announced his new cabinet Thursday, promoting three executives in a realignment of the conglomerate's television and digital operations.
Beth Comstock, Marc Graboff and Jeff Gaspin are all taking on additional responsibilities under Zucker, who was appointed NBC Uni president and CEO this month by parent company General Electric. He succeeds Bob Wright, who continues as vice chairman at GE.
While Graboff remains president of NBC Uni Television, West Coast, his area of responsibility now expands to all aspects of NBC's entertainment division, the television studio and the marketing division. NBC Entertainment president Kevin Reilly, NBC Uni TV Studio president Angela Bromstad and NBC Agency president/chief marketing officer John Miller now report solely to Graboff -- instead of a split line of reporting to Graboff in business-related matters and Zucker on creative and programming concerns.
Comstock, previously president of digital media and market development, has shifted to the new position of president of integrated media, where she will extend her oversight to advertising sales.
Gaspin, whose title was president of cable entertainment, digital content and cross-network strategy, is now president of cable and digital content.
"With my new responsibilities, I am making some organizational adjustments to set us up for continued momentum and growth," Zucker said. "Fortunately, we have a tremendous bench of skilled executives."
The structural changes reflect more than Zucker reassigning his responsibilities at NBC Uni TV. The division was hit with a string of defections by senior execs late last year, including president and COO Randy Falco, who left to run AOL; David Zaslav, president of cable, domestic TV and new-media distribution, who left to run Discovery Communications; and president of advertising sales Keith Turner. Moreover, the conglomerate continues to adjust to advances in digital media while rebounding from broad cuts to its work force announced last year.
Comstock, who was considered a potential rival to Zucker for the top job when she came over from GE in December 2005, will now report to him with digital media and ad sales under her belt.
Beth Comstock, Marc Graboff and Jeff Gaspin are all taking on additional responsibilities under Zucker, who was appointed NBC Uni president and CEO this month by parent company General Electric. He succeeds Bob Wright, who continues as vice chairman at GE.
While Graboff remains president of NBC Uni Television, West Coast, his area of responsibility now expands to all aspects of NBC's entertainment division, the television studio and the marketing division. NBC Entertainment president Kevin Reilly, NBC Uni TV Studio president Angela Bromstad and NBC Agency president/chief marketing officer John Miller now report solely to Graboff -- instead of a split line of reporting to Graboff in business-related matters and Zucker on creative and programming concerns.
Comstock, previously president of digital media and market development, has shifted to the new position of president of integrated media, where she will extend her oversight to advertising sales.
Gaspin, whose title was president of cable entertainment, digital content and cross-network strategy, is now president of cable and digital content.
"With my new responsibilities, I am making some organizational adjustments to set us up for continued momentum and growth," Zucker said. "Fortunately, we have a tremendous bench of skilled executives."
The structural changes reflect more than Zucker reassigning his responsibilities at NBC Uni TV. The division was hit with a string of defections by senior execs late last year, including president and COO Randy Falco, who left to run AOL; David Zaslav, president of cable, domestic TV and new-media distribution, who left to run Discovery Communications; and president of advertising sales Keith Turner. Moreover, the conglomerate continues to adjust to advances in digital media while rebounding from broad cuts to its work force announced last year.
Comstock, who was considered a potential rival to Zucker for the top job when she came over from GE in December 2005, will now report to him with digital media and ad sales under her belt.
- 2/16/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
NEW YORK -- Continuing the primetime ratings turnaround at NBC and expanding revenue streams in the digital age are among the key priorities for Jeff Zucker, who was named CEO of NBC Universal on Tuesday.
NBC Uni and its parent General Electric made the change at the top of the entertainment company official early in the day, unveiling the promotion of Zucker, 41, to the post of president and CEO. The move had been in the works for weeks.
Zucker succeeds Bob Wright, 63, who immediately drops his title of CEO of NBC Uni but will remain a vice chairman of GE, a post in which his current contract runs until early 2008. Wright will remain chairman of NBC Uni's internal board until May, with GE chairman and CEO Jeffrey Immelt, who has been sitting on the board, then taking over that role.
Related story: Creativity, focus appeal to Immelt
Zucker will continue to report to Wright and then to Immelt, but Immelt made clear Tuesday that Zucker, effective immediately, is the top guy at NBC Uni and the person in charge.
"Jeff Zucker is a terrific talent and the right person to guide NBC Universal on the next stage of its growth," Immelt said during a conference call with reporters. The GE chief emphasized that Zucker will be in charge of all day-to-day operations. GE controls 80% of NBC Uni, with Vivendi owning the other 20%.
Immelt added that he feels the entertainment arm has "real business momentum" and believes that "the future for NBCU is bright."
Similarly, Zucker said the company is "well positioned for future growth" and promised to "take NBC Universal to the next level."
Asked about key priorities, Zucker said he wants to "continue the momentum we have rediscovered on the NBC primetime side" and make the firm's "great content available on as many platforms as possible and getting paid for it."
He also said that the NBC 2.0 initiative has shown good results and will continue as the company tries to keep costs aligned with business trends and emerging growth opportunities. "That's a never-ending process", he said.
Asked about his approach to online companies that use entertainment content on their sites without licensing deals, Zucker said his team has issued take-down notices as they have seen fit and feels they have been more aggressive than industry peers.
Zucker's previous post of CEO of the NBC Universal Television Group will not be filled. Immelt said Zucker got that position as a test of his ability to run an expanded portfolio. "Now, there can be a leaner way" to run things, the GE boss added, without providing specifics.
While Zucker signaled he will not be as hands-on in NBC network issues as in the past, it remained unclear how much change the network would see.
NBC Uni and its parent General Electric made the change at the top of the entertainment company official early in the day, unveiling the promotion of Zucker, 41, to the post of president and CEO. The move had been in the works for weeks.
Zucker succeeds Bob Wright, 63, who immediately drops his title of CEO of NBC Uni but will remain a vice chairman of GE, a post in which his current contract runs until early 2008. Wright will remain chairman of NBC Uni's internal board until May, with GE chairman and CEO Jeffrey Immelt, who has been sitting on the board, then taking over that role.
Related story: Creativity, focus appeal to Immelt
Zucker will continue to report to Wright and then to Immelt, but Immelt made clear Tuesday that Zucker, effective immediately, is the top guy at NBC Uni and the person in charge.
"Jeff Zucker is a terrific talent and the right person to guide NBC Universal on the next stage of its growth," Immelt said during a conference call with reporters. The GE chief emphasized that Zucker will be in charge of all day-to-day operations. GE controls 80% of NBC Uni, with Vivendi owning the other 20%.
Immelt added that he feels the entertainment arm has "real business momentum" and believes that "the future for NBCU is bright."
Similarly, Zucker said the company is "well positioned for future growth" and promised to "take NBC Universal to the next level."
Asked about key priorities, Zucker said he wants to "continue the momentum we have rediscovered on the NBC primetime side" and make the firm's "great content available on as many platforms as possible and getting paid for it."
He also said that the NBC 2.0 initiative has shown good results and will continue as the company tries to keep costs aligned with business trends and emerging growth opportunities. "That's a never-ending process", he said.
Asked about his approach to online companies that use entertainment content on their sites without licensing deals, Zucker said his team has issued take-down notices as they have seen fit and feels they have been more aggressive than industry peers.
Zucker's previous post of CEO of the NBC Universal Television Group will not be filled. Immelt said Zucker got that position as a test of his ability to run an expanded portfolio. "Now, there can be a leaner way" to run things, the GE boss added, without providing specifics.
While Zucker signaled he will not be as hands-on in NBC network issues as in the past, it remained unclear how much change the network would see.
NEW YORK - NBC Universal and its parent General Electric made it official Tuesday morning. Jeff Zucker, 41, has been promoted to the post of president and CEO of the entertainment company, succeeding Bob Wright, 63, who will remain a vice chairman of GE.
Zucker's appointment is effective immediately.
"Jeff Zucker is a terrific talent and the right person to guide NBC Universal on the next stage of its growth," said Jeffrey Immelt, chairman and CEO of General Electric, which controls 80% of NBC Uni. Immelt added that the entertainment arm has "real business momentum, and the time is right to make this important transition."
Overall, "I like the team we have in place today, and believe the future for NBCU is bright," the GE boss said.
In a memo, Wright said, "We have good momentum, a deep bench of experienced leaders, and, in Jeff, a skilled executive who knows this company inside and out, and has the right mix of business knowledge, programming savvy, and marketing creativity to lead NBC Universal into a bright new era."
In a statement, Zucker thanked Wright for being "a terrific mentor to me throughout my career." Zucker also said the company is "well positioned for future growth" and promised to "take NBC Universal to the next level."
Immelt Tuesday also lauded Wright as "one of the true giants in media" and "one of the most successful media executives ever," saying his "strategic vision and execution kept NBC growing." He also lauded him for transforming a broadcast network into a diversified media company.
Zucker's appointment is effective immediately.
"Jeff Zucker is a terrific talent and the right person to guide NBC Universal on the next stage of its growth," said Jeffrey Immelt, chairman and CEO of General Electric, which controls 80% of NBC Uni. Immelt added that the entertainment arm has "real business momentum, and the time is right to make this important transition."
Overall, "I like the team we have in place today, and believe the future for NBCU is bright," the GE boss said.
In a memo, Wright said, "We have good momentum, a deep bench of experienced leaders, and, in Jeff, a skilled executive who knows this company inside and out, and has the right mix of business knowledge, programming savvy, and marketing creativity to lead NBC Universal into a bright new era."
In a statement, Zucker thanked Wright for being "a terrific mentor to me throughout my career." Zucker also said the company is "well positioned for future growth" and promised to "take NBC Universal to the next level."
Immelt Tuesday also lauded Wright as "one of the true giants in media" and "one of the most successful media executives ever," saying his "strategic vision and execution kept NBC growing." He also lauded him for transforming a broadcast network into a diversified media company.
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