NBCU To Debut Wide-Ranging Streaming Service, Shifts Senior Execs
- by Wayne Friedman , January 14, 2019
The as-yet-unnamed service will pull in NBCUniversal’s large programming library featuring big TV and film franchises, original programming and content from outside TV production partners.
The ad-supported service will be available free to NBCUniversal’s pay TV subscribers in the U.S. and major international markets. Comcast Cable and Sky will provide the service to 52 million U.S. and global subscribers. An ad-free version will be available for a fee.
Veteran NBCUniversal executive Bonnie Hammer has been upped to chairman, direct-to-consumer and digital enterprises for NBCUniversal to run the service. She had been chairman of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment and Cable Studios, having oversight of USA Network, Syfy, Bravo, Oxygen, E! Entertainment and Universal Kids.
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Steve Burke, CEO, NBCUniversal, stated: “People are watching premium content more than ever, but they want more flexibility and value.”
He added that this builds on NBCU’s “deep relationships with advertisers and distribution partners, as well as our data-targeting capabilities. Advertising continues to be a major part of the entertainment ecosystem, and we believe that a streaming service, with limited and personalized ads, will provide a great consumer experience,” Burke said.
NBC also announced a shift of other senior company executives.
Mark Lazarus has been named chairman of NBCUniversal Broadcast, Cable, Sports and News. He had been chairman, NBC Broadcasting & Sports, since September 2016.
Jeff Shell has been named chairman of NBCUniversal Film and Entertainment, adding NBC Entertainment to his responsibilities. Most recently, he was chairman, Universal Filmed Entertainment Group (UFEG).
Donna Langley has been promoted to chairman, Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, which includes the addition of Global Theatrical Distribution and Home Entertainment. She has been chairman of Universal Pictures since 2013.
