Telemundo is bringing a wave of new reality shows, drama series and events to its programming lineup for the 2024-25 season as the NBCUniversal outlet seeks to build on its momentum as the most-watched Spanish-language TV network in primetime.
Telemundo has logged two consecutive months of drawing the largest audience in Spanish-language TV in primetime, topping the long-established Univision. Telemundo is preparing to make its pitch on May 13 to advertisers and media buyers at an evening event, separate from the larger NBCUniversal programming presentation to be held the same day at Radio City Music Hall.
“As the number one Spanish-language broadcast network in primetime, we are proud to unveil a programming slate for the next season that continues to innovate and redefine Hispanic media,” said Luis Fernandez, chairman of NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises. “Latinos represent the single largest growth opportunity for businesses in America. They are young, wielding a tremendous purchasing...
Telemundo has logged two consecutive months of drawing the largest audience in Spanish-language TV in primetime, topping the long-established Univision. Telemundo is preparing to make its pitch on May 13 to advertisers and media buyers at an evening event, separate from the larger NBCUniversal programming presentation to be held the same day at Radio City Music Hall.
“As the number one Spanish-language broadcast network in primetime, we are proud to unveil a programming slate for the next season that continues to innovate and redefine Hispanic media,” said Luis Fernandez, chairman of NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises. “Latinos represent the single largest growth opportunity for businesses in America. They are young, wielding a tremendous purchasing...
- 5/9/2024
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
Mark Marshall has been given a lot of time to prepare for NBC Universal’s annual presentation to advertisers. Last year, he only had 72 hours.
Marshall, a longtime second-in-command at NBCU’s ad-sales division, at about this time last year found himself unexpectedly in charge of the company’s “upfront” process — an annual sale of advertising that has in recent years generated approximately $7 billion in commitments from sponsors — after the abrupt departure of his colorful predecessor, Linda Yaccarino. She had served in the role since 2012 and surprised her corporate bosses and dozens of clients by taking a new job as CEO of X, the social-media hub once known as Twitter.
NBC typically dazzles Madison Avenue with talk of BravoCon, “Sunday Night Football” and “Saturday Night Live.” Marshall was being asked to do just that when the chatter around the company was about anything else.
Within hours of Yaccarino’s departure becoming known,...
Marshall, a longtime second-in-command at NBCU’s ad-sales division, at about this time last year found himself unexpectedly in charge of the company’s “upfront” process — an annual sale of advertising that has in recent years generated approximately $7 billion in commitments from sponsors — after the abrupt departure of his colorful predecessor, Linda Yaccarino. She had served in the role since 2012 and surprised her corporate bosses and dozens of clients by taking a new job as CEO of X, the social-media hub once known as Twitter.
NBC typically dazzles Madison Avenue with talk of BravoCon, “Sunday Night Football” and “Saturday Night Live.” Marshall was being asked to do just that when the chatter around the company was about anything else.
Within hours of Yaccarino’s departure becoming known,...
- 5/9/2024
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
NBCUniversal plans to start using generative AI in its ad sales efforts, the company announced Wednesday at its One24 event for advertisers.
AI technology will specifically be used to drive audience targeting and advertiser performance as marketers continue to seek ways to make their messages more precise.
The AI initiative is one of several introduced during One24, which was held in Studio 8H in the company’s Rockefeller Center headquarters. The fourth annual event is a lead-up to the main NBCU upfront, which this year will be May 13 at Radio City Music Hall.
The AI offering analyzes large swaths of programming and digital content across the NBCU portfolio and pairs it with the company’s first-party data to produce “emotion-based, AI-powered audience segments,” in the words of an official announcement. NBCU says it has developed 300 segments that help advertisers match content to viewers.
Programmatic buying, an increasingly prevalent system that...
AI technology will specifically be used to drive audience targeting and advertiser performance as marketers continue to seek ways to make their messages more precise.
The AI initiative is one of several introduced during One24, which was held in Studio 8H in the company’s Rockefeller Center headquarters. The fourth annual event is a lead-up to the main NBCU upfront, which this year will be May 13 at Radio City Music Hall.
The AI offering analyzes large swaths of programming and digital content across the NBCU portfolio and pairs it with the company’s first-party data to produce “emotion-based, AI-powered audience segments,” in the words of an official announcement. NBCU says it has developed 300 segments that help advertisers match content to viewers.
Programmatic buying, an increasingly prevalent system that...
- 3/20/2024
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
The relationship between Peacock and the Olympics goes back to the launch event for the NBCUniversal streaming service.
In January 2020, with the world mostly oblivious of what was coming just a few months later, NBC executives touted live streams from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as a key selling point for Peacock’s launch.
Of course, the 2020 Olympics would be pushed to 2021 amid the Covid-19 pandemic, but Peacock has carried on, adding more live streams and more live programming at every subsequent Olympics since. In that context, the 2024 Paris Olympics mark a critical juncture for Peacock, with more live streaming coverage (Peacock will have everything, with original streaming shows and simulcasts of the primetime shows), and a bet that the platform is ready, finally, for its Olympic moment at the same time that the games will host its first real post-pandemic showing.
“I think the main thing we learned is that getting the content is table stakes,...
In January 2020, with the world mostly oblivious of what was coming just a few months later, NBC executives touted live streams from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as a key selling point for Peacock’s launch.
Of course, the 2020 Olympics would be pushed to 2021 amid the Covid-19 pandemic, but Peacock has carried on, adding more live streams and more live programming at every subsequent Olympics since. In that context, the 2024 Paris Olympics mark a critical juncture for Peacock, with more live streaming coverage (Peacock will have everything, with original streaming shows and simulcasts of the primetime shows), and a bet that the platform is ready, finally, for its Olympic moment at the same time that the games will host its first real post-pandemic showing.
“I think the main thing we learned is that getting the content is table stakes,...
- 3/20/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
NBCUniversal has confirmed the dates of its annual upfront event at Radio City Music Hall in May as well as the fourth edition of its “OnePlatform” showcase of advertising technology in March.
The upfront will be held on May 13, its usual Monday slot on the traditional week of upfront pitches to ad buyers in New York. NBCU’s Hispanic media subsidiary Telemundo will host a party on the evening of May 13 at The Shed in Hudson Yards.
Sellers are getting an early jump on the upfront season, which could be the first truly familiar one since before Covid. Warner Bros. Discovery has also put a marker down for its annual mid-May event. Paramount Global has said it will continue to hold smaller gatherings with its clients instead of its previous Carnegie Hall presentations. Those upfront extravaganzas were a longtime staple of CBS, which became a division of Paramount in 2019.
NBCU...
The upfront will be held on May 13, its usual Monday slot on the traditional week of upfront pitches to ad buyers in New York. NBCU’s Hispanic media subsidiary Telemundo will host a party on the evening of May 13 at The Shed in Hudson Yards.
Sellers are getting an early jump on the upfront season, which could be the first truly familiar one since before Covid. Warner Bros. Discovery has also put a marker down for its annual mid-May event. Paramount Global has said it will continue to hold smaller gatherings with its clients instead of its previous Carnegie Hall presentations. Those upfront extravaganzas were a longtime staple of CBS, which became a division of Paramount in 2019.
NBCU...
- 1/31/2024
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
NBCUniversal has set May 13 for its annual upfront presentation, returning to Radio City Music Hall to give advertisers a look at “what’s to come in entertainment, news, live sports and events, scripted programming and more.”
The event will be followed by a Telemundo Celebration at The Shed in NYC that evening. “With NBCUniversal’s diverse content slate and advertising technology, marketers of all sizes can activate within premium tentpole content in English and Spanish and across all platforms,” NBCU said today.
The Comcast-owned company also announced it will hold its fourth annual technology conference, One24, at 30 Rock’s Studio 8H, home of SNL, to present its latest capabilities in automation, data, ad innovations, and measurement. The combo events “will demonstrate the technological advancements that power NBCUniversal’s premium content as well as the celebrated IP and iconic talent that bring inspiring stories to life every day from across the company’s vast portfolio,...
The event will be followed by a Telemundo Celebration at The Shed in NYC that evening. “With NBCUniversal’s diverse content slate and advertising technology, marketers of all sizes can activate within premium tentpole content in English and Spanish and across all platforms,” NBCU said today.
The Comcast-owned company also announced it will hold its fourth annual technology conference, One24, at 30 Rock’s Studio 8H, home of SNL, to present its latest capabilities in automation, data, ad innovations, and measurement. The combo events “will demonstrate the technological advancements that power NBCUniversal’s premium content as well as the celebrated IP and iconic talent that bring inspiring stories to life every day from across the company’s vast portfolio,...
- 1/31/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Artificial intelligence is coming for TV advertising.
NBCUniversal on Monday used CES to unveil the latest update to its One Platform ad platform, called One Platform Total Audience. And yes, it has AI.
Mark Marshall, NBCUniversal’s advertising sales chairman, tells The Hollywood Reporter that the company is serious about incorporating machine learning into its ad processes.
“It’s creating the media plan. So where an agency might create a media plan saying, ‘we should put this much in linear, we should put this much in digital,’ then when it comes to us, we’re able to take it really down to the granular level,” Marshall says. “Probably where you’ll see AI continue to make a difference with us is, our schedules are always fluid. So when we add a new special, when we add a new movie, we’ll use AI to figure out based on genre tone,...
NBCUniversal on Monday used CES to unveil the latest update to its One Platform ad platform, called One Platform Total Audience. And yes, it has AI.
Mark Marshall, NBCUniversal’s advertising sales chairman, tells The Hollywood Reporter that the company is serious about incorporating machine learning into its ad processes.
“It’s creating the media plan. So where an agency might create a media plan saying, ‘we should put this much in linear, we should put this much in digital,’ then when it comes to us, we’re able to take it really down to the granular level,” Marshall says. “Probably where you’ll see AI continue to make a difference with us is, our schedules are always fluid. So when we add a new special, when we add a new movie, we’ll use AI to figure out based on genre tone,...
- 1/8/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
TV has long been the place where advertisers go to get the broadest audiences in media. But NBCUniversal is touting it as a venue where Madison Avenue can also find some of its narrowest.
The company, which has spent months pressing advertisers to envision deals that encompass both traditional TV and new-tech streaming, is planning for a year in which half of all advertising agreements are based on a search for niches of consumers built around an interest in a particular product or attribute, not on typical definitions such as viewers between the ages of 18 and 49. Such audience pockets might develop around people in the market for a new car, or a consumer interested in attending a first-run movie. New technology NBCU is unveiling aims to provide new ways to reach viewers through a single buy across linear and streaming, rather than with separate plans for each.
The market is...
The company, which has spent months pressing advertisers to envision deals that encompass both traditional TV and new-tech streaming, is planning for a year in which half of all advertising agreements are based on a search for niches of consumers built around an interest in a particular product or attribute, not on typical definitions such as viewers between the ages of 18 and 49. Such audience pockets might develop around people in the market for a new car, or a consumer interested in attending a first-run movie. New technology NBCU is unveiling aims to provide new ways to reach viewers through a single buy across linear and streaming, rather than with separate plans for each.
The market is...
- 1/8/2024
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Plan your bathroom breaks accordingly: An upcoming NFL game will cut back on the commercials in a big way.
Peacock announced Thursday that its Dec. 23 broadcast of the Buffalo Bills-Los Angeles Chargers match-up will feature a commercial-free fourth quarter, marking an NFL first. Aside from a “branded moment” at the top of the fourth quarter — featuring Capital One, Hyundai and Walmart as sponsors — there will be no ad breaks for the remainder of the game, resulting in more than 12 additional minutes of game-related coverage.
More from TVLineTVLine Items: Molly Parker Is Fox's Doc, Maya Rudolph and Natasha Lyonne's...
Peacock announced Thursday that its Dec. 23 broadcast of the Buffalo Bills-Los Angeles Chargers match-up will feature a commercial-free fourth quarter, marking an NFL first. Aside from a “branded moment” at the top of the fourth quarter — featuring Capital One, Hyundai and Walmart as sponsors — there will be no ad breaks for the remainder of the game, resulting in more than 12 additional minutes of game-related coverage.
More from TVLineTVLine Items: Molly Parker Is Fox's Doc, Maya Rudolph and Natasha Lyonne's...
- 12/21/2023
- by Rebecca Iannucci
- TVLine.com
NBCUniversal and the NFL said the Peacock Holiday Exclusive matchup between the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday will include the league’s first-ever commercial-free fourth quarter, promising “a groundbreaking fan experience” with a reduction in standard NFL ad load of over 40% resulting in more than 12 minutes of additional game-related content.
The move is possible thanks in large part to presenting sponsors Capital One, Hyundai and Walmart, the media giant said.
Coverage for Peacock’s exclusive NFL game begins at 8 p.m. Et from SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
“We are proud to work with our partners at the NFL to present this first-of-its kind experience,” said NBC Sports President Rick Cordella. “NBC Sports’ best-in-class NFL production, Peacock’s fan-friendly viewer experience, and this innovative advertising model will allow NFL fans an exciting new way to watch the game’s conclusion.”
At the top of the fourth quarter,...
The move is possible thanks in large part to presenting sponsors Capital One, Hyundai and Walmart, the media giant said.
Coverage for Peacock’s exclusive NFL game begins at 8 p.m. Et from SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
“We are proud to work with our partners at the NFL to present this first-of-its kind experience,” said NBC Sports President Rick Cordella. “NBC Sports’ best-in-class NFL production, Peacock’s fan-friendly viewer experience, and this innovative advertising model will allow NFL fans an exciting new way to watch the game’s conclusion.”
At the top of the fourth quarter,...
- 12/21/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
NBCUniversal has laid off less than 50 employees across three divisions: Peacock marketing, NBCUniversal Entertainment and ad sales.
The majority of these cuts, approximately 30 to 40, were made at Peacock as part of a restructuring under CMO Shannon Willett, a source within the company told Variety.
The insider says the layoffs are not part of a cost-cutting initiative at the Comcast-owned company, but rather a revamp of the vision for the department that will see Willett fill almost all of these roles with new staffers. The Peacock marketing team is being broken into five business areas under Willett: Brand Creative and Marketing; Title Creative and Marketing; Marketing Strategy, Planning, Analysis and Performance Media; Growth and Lifecycle Marketing; and Publicity, Events and Talent Engagement.
Willett will be looking to fill two key new roles: executive vice president of brand creative and marketing and senior vice president of title creative and marketing.
“We...
The majority of these cuts, approximately 30 to 40, were made at Peacock as part of a restructuring under CMO Shannon Willett, a source within the company told Variety.
The insider says the layoffs are not part of a cost-cutting initiative at the Comcast-owned company, but rather a revamp of the vision for the department that will see Willett fill almost all of these roles with new staffers. The Peacock marketing team is being broken into five business areas under Willett: Brand Creative and Marketing; Title Creative and Marketing; Marketing Strategy, Planning, Analysis and Performance Media; Growth and Lifecycle Marketing; and Publicity, Events and Talent Engagement.
Willett will be looking to fill two key new roles: executive vice president of brand creative and marketing and senior vice president of title creative and marketing.
“We...
- 11/9/2023
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
NBCUniversal has named former Roku veteran Alison Levin as president of advertising and partnerships, while promoting Karen Kovacs to president of client partnerships amid a tough domestic TV ad market.
The moves follow Mark Marshall being named advertising and partnerships global chairman, replacing Linda Yaccarino as ad chief after she departed the company to serve as CEO of Twitter. Joining NBCU next month, Levin will oversee all advertising sales across national, local, Peacock, sports and Olympic and Paralympic Games sales as NBCUniversal makes a streaming-centric push.
Levin, who will report directly into Marshall, comes to the studio from serving as vp of global ad revenue and marketing solutions at Roku, where she was the digital platform’s first major ad sales hire. Before that, Levin was a sales exec with YuMe, and held sales positions at Iac and BusinessWeek.
“Alison is extremely well-respected across the advertising ecosystem for her focus...
The moves follow Mark Marshall being named advertising and partnerships global chairman, replacing Linda Yaccarino as ad chief after she departed the company to serve as CEO of Twitter. Joining NBCU next month, Levin will oversee all advertising sales across national, local, Peacock, sports and Olympic and Paralympic Games sales as NBCUniversal makes a streaming-centric push.
Levin, who will report directly into Marshall, comes to the studio from serving as vp of global ad revenue and marketing solutions at Roku, where she was the digital platform’s first major ad sales hire. Before that, Levin was a sales exec with YuMe, and held sales positions at Iac and BusinessWeek.
“Alison is extremely well-respected across the advertising ecosystem for her focus...
- 11/8/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
NBCUniversal is shaking up its ad sales division with the hire of a newly promoted Roku executive.
Alison Levin, who was promoted to head of global media revenue at Roku only last month, is joining NBCU as president of advertising and partnerships.
She will report to NBCU’s Advertising and Partnerships Global Chairman Mark Marshall, who was promoted to the role in August following the departure of Linda Yaccarino to become CEO of X, formerly known as Twitter.
It is the latest change in the ad sales division of NBCU, which has also seen the departure of high-level execs including Krishan Bhatia and Laura Molen.
Elsewhere, Karen Kovacs has been promoted to president of client partnerships for its ad division, also reporting to Marshall. Kovacs was previously EVP, Client Partnerships for NBCUniversal’s Advertising and Partnership’s division.
Levin will join next month and will oversee all advertising sales initiatives for NBCUniversal across national,...
Alison Levin, who was promoted to head of global media revenue at Roku only last month, is joining NBCU as president of advertising and partnerships.
She will report to NBCU’s Advertising and Partnerships Global Chairman Mark Marshall, who was promoted to the role in August following the departure of Linda Yaccarino to become CEO of X, formerly known as Twitter.
It is the latest change in the ad sales division of NBCU, which has also seen the departure of high-level execs including Krishan Bhatia and Laura Molen.
Elsewhere, Karen Kovacs has been promoted to president of client partnerships for its ad division, also reporting to Marshall. Kovacs was previously EVP, Client Partnerships for NBCUniversal’s Advertising and Partnership’s division.
Levin will join next month and will oversee all advertising sales initiatives for NBCUniversal across national,...
- 11/8/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
NBCUniversal has named Alison Levin as its new president of advertising and partnerships. Additionally, Karen Kovacs has been promoted to president of client partnerships for the advertising and partnerships division.
This move comes after Levin recently left Roku. During her time with the streaming and device company, Levin served as vice president of global ad revenue and marketing solutions and was the company’s first ad sales hire.
Levin will officially join NBCUniversal next month and will assume oversight of all advertising sales initiatives across national, local, Smb Growth, Peacock, sports and Olympic and Paralympic sales. Additionally, she will help shape the division’s new audience-focused sales strategy. Levin will report directly to Mark Marshall, the company’s newly appointed advertising and partnerships global chairman. Marshall was promoted to his position in late August of this year.
As for Kovacs, in her new role she will continue to lead all...
This move comes after Levin recently left Roku. During her time with the streaming and device company, Levin served as vice president of global ad revenue and marketing solutions and was the company’s first ad sales hire.
Levin will officially join NBCUniversal next month and will assume oversight of all advertising sales initiatives across national, local, Smb Growth, Peacock, sports and Olympic and Paralympic sales. Additionally, she will help shape the division’s new audience-focused sales strategy. Levin will report directly to Mark Marshall, the company’s newly appointed advertising and partnerships global chairman. Marshall was promoted to his position in late August of this year.
As for Kovacs, in her new role she will continue to lead all...
- 11/8/2023
- by Kayla Cobb
- The Wrap
In an unexpected Madison Avenue shake-up, NBCUniversal has poached Alison Levin, a senior advertising executive at Roku, who will take on one of the media giant’s most senior sales roles.
Levin, who was named a president of NBCU’s ad-sales unit, will report to Mark Marshall, global chairman. Levin, who will join NBC in December, will take oversight of ad-sales work across national and local media as well as sports and Olympics efforts. She will also be charged with shaping strategy as NBCU — and its rivals — focus increasingly on helping advertisers connect with specific types of consumers across a broad portfolio of media properties. Levin was just last month promoted to head of global revenue at Roku in a reorganization.
NBCUniversal also elevated Karen Kovacs to president of client partnerships, also reporting to Marshall. She will be tasked with working more closely with chief marketing officers at various advertisers.
Levin, who was named a president of NBCU’s ad-sales unit, will report to Mark Marshall, global chairman. Levin, who will join NBC in December, will take oversight of ad-sales work across national and local media as well as sports and Olympics efforts. She will also be charged with shaping strategy as NBCU — and its rivals — focus increasingly on helping advertisers connect with specific types of consumers across a broad portfolio of media properties. Levin was just last month promoted to head of global revenue at Roku in a reorganization.
NBCUniversal also elevated Karen Kovacs to president of client partnerships, also reporting to Marshall. She will be tasked with working more closely with chief marketing officers at various advertisers.
- 11/8/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Krishan Bhatia, a key architect of NBCUniversal’s recent forays into new kinds of advertising revenue, is leaving the company, and has informed his direct reports of his decision to exit at the end of 2023.
Bhatia helped develop new revenue systems and infrastructure at NBCUniversal’s ad-sales unit, which for a time was very vocal about its efforts to strike e-commerce and data partnerships with advertisers. Those were key initiatives under Linda Yaccarino, the company’s former ad-sales chief. Since her abrupt exit in May to take the reins as CEO of X, the social-media venue formerly known as Twitter, NBCU has been less vocal about its work in these areas but is said to remain strongly interested in developing them.
“Krishan has been an integral leader for NBCUniversal’s Advertising and Partnerships division, making huge contributions to the growth of our business and helping shepherd our industry forward during critical times of change,...
Bhatia helped develop new revenue systems and infrastructure at NBCUniversal’s ad-sales unit, which for a time was very vocal about its efforts to strike e-commerce and data partnerships with advertisers. Those were key initiatives under Linda Yaccarino, the company’s former ad-sales chief. Since her abrupt exit in May to take the reins as CEO of X, the social-media venue formerly known as Twitter, NBCU has been less vocal about its work in these areas but is said to remain strongly interested in developing them.
“Krishan has been an integral leader for NBCUniversal’s Advertising and Partnerships division, making huge contributions to the growth of our business and helping shepherd our industry forward during critical times of change,...
- 9/22/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Mark Marshall, a nearly 10-year veteran of NBCUniversal, has been promoted to Chairman of Global Advertising and Partnerships.
The elevation follows a hectic period last May when Marshall took on new duties on short notice at the NBCU upfront presentation at Radio City Music Hall. Marshall was pressed into service to handle the day’s lead remarks and spearhead the event after his former boss, Linda Yaccarino, abruptly decamped during rehearsals to join Twitter (now X) as CEO. Marshall and NBCUniversal Media Group Chairman Mark Lazarus both addressed the stunning departure of Yaccarino (as well as the exit of former NBCU CEO Jeff Shell in April) in scripted onstage comments.
As interim chairman, Marshall presided over an upfront process yielding cash commitments described by NBCU as “roughly in line” with record-setting 2022 results. The ad market has been turbulent for all sellers of late, with labor strife adding to a cluster of economic stresses.
The elevation follows a hectic period last May when Marshall took on new duties on short notice at the NBCU upfront presentation at Radio City Music Hall. Marshall was pressed into service to handle the day’s lead remarks and spearhead the event after his former boss, Linda Yaccarino, abruptly decamped during rehearsals to join Twitter (now X) as CEO. Marshall and NBCUniversal Media Group Chairman Mark Lazarus both addressed the stunning departure of Yaccarino (as well as the exit of former NBCU CEO Jeff Shell in April) in scripted onstage comments.
As interim chairman, Marshall presided over an upfront process yielding cash commitments described by NBCU as “roughly in line” with record-setting 2022 results. The ad market has been turbulent for all sellers of late, with labor strife adding to a cluster of economic stresses.
- 8/30/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Mark Marshall, the executive who led NBCUniversal’s ad-sales outreach on an interim basis, will take the role officially.
Marshall, who was given oversight of NBCU’s ad-sales after former leader Linda Yaccarino departed abruptly to take the CEO role at X, the social-media company previously known as Twitter, will report to Mark Lazarus, chairman of the company’s media operations.
“Mark stepped into this role on an interim basis at one of the most critical times of year for the ad sales business, and over the past three months he has more than proven himself to be the leader NBCU needs to guide this team into the future,” said Lazarus, in a prepared statement. “Mark’s relationships are second to none, and coupled with his transformative vision, I have no doubt that under his leadership we will continue to reinvent and innovate the sales business while super-serving our clients and partners.
Marshall, who was given oversight of NBCU’s ad-sales after former leader Linda Yaccarino departed abruptly to take the CEO role at X, the social-media company previously known as Twitter, will report to Mark Lazarus, chairman of the company’s media operations.
“Mark stepped into this role on an interim basis at one of the most critical times of year for the ad sales business, and over the past three months he has more than proven himself to be the leader NBCU needs to guide this team into the future,” said Lazarus, in a prepared statement. “Mark’s relationships are second to none, and coupled with his transformative vision, I have no doubt that under his leadership we will continue to reinvent and innovate the sales business while super-serving our clients and partners.
- 8/30/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Mark Marshall has been named chairman of global advertising and partnerships for NBCUniversal. Marshall, who has served as the interim chairman since May following Linda Yaccarino’s exit, will start in this new role immediately.
He will report directly to Mark Lazarus, chairman of NBCUniversal Media Group and be based in New York.
“Mark stepped into this role on an interim basis at one of the most critical times of year for the ad sales business, and over the past three months he has more than proven himself to be the leader NBCU needs to guide this team into the future,” Lazarus said. “Mark’s relationships are second to none, and coupled with his transformative vision, I have no doubt that under his leadership we will continue to reinvent and innovate the sales business while super-serving our clients and partners.”
In his role as interim chairman, Marshall led his team...
He will report directly to Mark Lazarus, chairman of NBCUniversal Media Group and be based in New York.
“Mark stepped into this role on an interim basis at one of the most critical times of year for the ad sales business, and over the past three months he has more than proven himself to be the leader NBCU needs to guide this team into the future,” Lazarus said. “Mark’s relationships are second to none, and coupled with his transformative vision, I have no doubt that under his leadership we will continue to reinvent and innovate the sales business while super-serving our clients and partners.”
In his role as interim chairman, Marshall led his team...
- 8/30/2023
- by Kayla Cobb
- The Wrap
Mark Marshall has been named chairman of global advertising and partnerships at NBCUniversal after filling in on an interim basis.
Marshall has been acting as interim chairman since May, when Linda Yaccarino departed the company to serve as CEO of Twitter. He stepped in to lead the team through its upfront, a day after Yaccarino’s departure, which NBCUniversal said resulted in cash commitments roughly in line with last year’s upfront, which was the company’s highest grossing to date, in the midst of a tough advertising environment.
Marshall has been reporting to Mark Lazarus, the chairman of NBCUniversal television and streaming, rather than to Comcast president Mike Cavanagh, who Yaccarino had last reported ot.
“Mark stepped into this role on an interim basis at one of the most critical times of year for the ad sales business, and over the past three months he has more than proven...
Marshall has been acting as interim chairman since May, when Linda Yaccarino departed the company to serve as CEO of Twitter. He stepped in to lead the team through its upfront, a day after Yaccarino’s departure, which NBCUniversal said resulted in cash commitments roughly in line with last year’s upfront, which was the company’s highest grossing to date, in the midst of a tough advertising environment.
Marshall has been reporting to Mark Lazarus, the chairman of NBCUniversal television and streaming, rather than to Comcast president Mike Cavanagh, who Yaccarino had last reported ot.
“Mark stepped into this role on an interim basis at one of the most critical times of year for the ad sales business, and over the past three months he has more than proven...
- 8/30/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
NBCUniversal has wrapped up one of the most unusual upfront ad seasons in history, managing to secure cash commitments comparable with last year’s record haul.
The upfront has been a complex undertaking for all major media players, dragging on through June and most of July. The WGA strike, which began May 1 and is continuing, threw a wrench into network presentations to ad buyers and also upended scheduling plans and production. The SAG-AFTRA walkout this month has exacerbated the labor woes, creating a cloud of uncertainty over the annual September launch of fall programming.
NBCU’s annual upfront extravaganza at Radio City Music Hall also had extra levels of intrigue this year after longtime sales chief Linda Yaccarino decamped on the eve of...
The upfront has been a complex undertaking for all major media players, dragging on through June and most of July. The WGA strike, which began May 1 and is continuing, threw a wrench into network presentations to ad buyers and also upended scheduling plans and production. The SAG-AFTRA walkout this month has exacerbated the labor woes, creating a cloud of uncertainty over the annual September launch of fall programming.
NBCU’s annual upfront extravaganza at Radio City Music Hall also had extra levels of intrigue this year after longtime sales chief Linda Yaccarino decamped on the eve of...
- 7/20/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
In a tough moment for the economics of TV, NBCUniversal went to market with a greater emphasis on big tentpole events and a little less on individual TV shows and specific networks.
The Comcast-backed media conglomerate believes advertiser interest in larger properties such as the 2024 Olympics, a planned celebration of the 50th season of “Saturday Night Live” and its annual “BravoCon” helped buoy its efforts in TV’s annual “upfront” market, when U.S. media companies try to sell the bulk of their advertising inventory ahead of their next cycle of programming. NBCU expects this year’s upfront negotiations to generate “total cash commitments roughly in line with last year,” says Mark Marshall, the company’s interim chairman of global advertising and partnerships, in an interview. Notching volume around flat compared to 2022is no small feat when advertisers have been wary of spending amidst spikes in inflation, fears of...
The Comcast-backed media conglomerate believes advertiser interest in larger properties such as the 2024 Olympics, a planned celebration of the 50th season of “Saturday Night Live” and its annual “BravoCon” helped buoy its efforts in TV’s annual “upfront” market, when U.S. media companies try to sell the bulk of their advertising inventory ahead of their next cycle of programming. NBCU expects this year’s upfront negotiations to generate “total cash commitments roughly in line with last year,” says Mark Marshall, the company’s interim chairman of global advertising and partnerships, in an interview. Notching volume around flat compared to 2022is no small feat when advertisers have been wary of spending amidst spikes in inflation, fears of...
- 7/20/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Amblin Partners has struck a new multi-year deal with Universal Pictures, which will provide the Steven Spielberg-led production company with more creative and financial flexibility while continuing to give the NBCUniversal-owned studio first-look status on all of its theatrical film projects.
A person familiar with the matter told TheWrap that Amblin will not be acquired by Universal and instead continue to operate independently under a straight overall deal with Spielberg retaining creative control. The individual added that the move may result in a mix of layoffs and some contracts not being renewed.
“Universal is my ancestral studio home, and this next chapter in our longstanding partnership will provide Amblin with the creative flexibility and autonomy that I know will allow us to succeed together in the future,” Spielberg said in a statement. “I’m eternally grateful to our entire team at Amblin for their work and dedication over the years,...
A person familiar with the matter told TheWrap that Amblin will not be acquired by Universal and instead continue to operate independently under a straight overall deal with Spielberg retaining creative control. The individual added that the move may result in a mix of layoffs and some contracts not being renewed.
“Universal is my ancestral studio home, and this next chapter in our longstanding partnership will provide Amblin with the creative flexibility and autonomy that I know will allow us to succeed together in the future,” Spielberg said in a statement. “I’m eternally grateful to our entire team at Amblin for their work and dedication over the years,...
- 7/11/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
Universal Filmed Entertainment Group chairman Donna Langley is taking oversight of all of NBCUniversal’s entertainment divisions, including film and TV, TheWrap has confirmed.
Langley replaces Susan Rovner, chairman of the NBCU Television and Streaming’s Entertainment Content division, who is exiting the company.
Additionally, Mark Lazarus has been promoted to NBCUniversal Media Group chairman. Lazarus will continue to run the company’s TV networks, direct to consumer business, including Peacock, as well as the NBC Sports Group and NBC affiliate stations. In addition, he will oversee advertising sales, which will continue to report to interim chairman of global advertising and partnerships Mark Marshall, and content distribution, which will continue to report to the division’s chairman Matt Bond.
“Together, these businesses comprised more than $20 billion in revenue last year,” Comcast president Mike Cavanagh said in a memo to employees. “Mark’s decades of experience running television, sports and advertising...
Langley replaces Susan Rovner, chairman of the NBCU Television and Streaming’s Entertainment Content division, who is exiting the company.
Additionally, Mark Lazarus has been promoted to NBCUniversal Media Group chairman. Lazarus will continue to run the company’s TV networks, direct to consumer business, including Peacock, as well as the NBC Sports Group and NBC affiliate stations. In addition, he will oversee advertising sales, which will continue to report to interim chairman of global advertising and partnerships Mark Marshall, and content distribution, which will continue to report to the division’s chairman Matt Bond.
“Together, these businesses comprised more than $20 billion in revenue last year,” Comcast president Mike Cavanagh said in a memo to employees. “Mark’s decades of experience running television, sports and advertising...
- 7/6/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
NBCUniversal is, for a quick moment, taking “Live, from New York” to a lounge found in a beach-side resort in France.
Fresh episodes of “Saturday Night Live” have been in short supply in the U.S. due to the Hollywood writers strike, but NBC’s late-night mainstay could generate some interest on Wednesday at the Cannes Lions advertising festival. In a showcase led by NBC News’ Willie Geist, “SNL” executive producer Lorne Michaels will hold forth with cast members Bowen Yang, Chloe Fineman, Mikey Day and Ego Nwodim as part of a broader bid by NBCUniversal to get Madison Avenue to align itself with the program at it nears its 50th season in the fall of 2024.
At Cannes, says Mark Marshall, NBCU’s interim chairman of advertising and partnerships, advertisers “have much more of an idea of what they are looking to do with their marketing,” as opposed to earlier in the year.
Fresh episodes of “Saturday Night Live” have been in short supply in the U.S. due to the Hollywood writers strike, but NBC’s late-night mainstay could generate some interest on Wednesday at the Cannes Lions advertising festival. In a showcase led by NBC News’ Willie Geist, “SNL” executive producer Lorne Michaels will hold forth with cast members Bowen Yang, Chloe Fineman, Mikey Day and Ego Nwodim as part of a broader bid by NBCUniversal to get Madison Avenue to align itself with the program at it nears its 50th season in the fall of 2024.
At Cannes, says Mark Marshall, NBCU’s interim chairman of advertising and partnerships, advertisers “have much more of an idea of what they are looking to do with their marketing,” as opposed to earlier in the year.
- 6/19/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
NBC Sports chief Pete Bevacqua is leaving NBCUniversal to take on a new role as the athletic director at the University of Notre Dame, marking the second exit of a major executive from the Comcast-owned media giant since the ouster of former CEO Jeff Shell.
Bevacqua, who has played a large hand in steering NBCU’s sports efforts into digital arenas, will stay until the end of June, staffers were told in a memo Thursday. Executives at NBC Sports are expected to report to Mark Lazarus, the NBCU executive who once ran NBC Sports and currently oversees all of the company’s TV and streaming operations.
“Anyone who knows Pete will tell you that other than his family, Notre Dame is his next greatest love, and now he has been given the opportunity to have a huge impact on their storied sports programs and the institution in general,” Lazarus said in a statement.
Bevacqua, who has played a large hand in steering NBCU’s sports efforts into digital arenas, will stay until the end of June, staffers were told in a memo Thursday. Executives at NBC Sports are expected to report to Mark Lazarus, the NBCU executive who once ran NBC Sports and currently oversees all of the company’s TV and streaming operations.
“Anyone who knows Pete will tell you that other than his family, Notre Dame is his next greatest love, and now he has been given the opportunity to have a huge impact on their storied sports programs and the institution in general,” Lazarus said in a statement.
- 6/8/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
From the moment an animated “Ted” opened the NBCUniversal upfront, voiced by Seth MacFarlane prior to the writers strike, it was clear this was going to be an abbreviated event. For starters, until a week ago, this was still going to be Linda Yaccarino’s Radio City Music Hall show. But with Yaccarino off running Twitter (“Ted” making a crack about the crazies now at Twitter earned the biggest inadvertent laugh of the morning), it was up to Mark Marshall, NBCU interim chairman, global advertising & partnerships, to make the pitch to advertisers.
“In all of our conversations leading up today, regardless of client or category, there has been one constant…this is going to be a very important year for your businesses,” Marshall said, counting 32 pharma launches, 60 auto releases (including 46 electric vehicles) and over 100 movie releases (“which puts us back to pre-pandemic levels”) this year. “We know this is a competitive year.
“In all of our conversations leading up today, regardless of client or category, there has been one constant…this is going to be a very important year for your businesses,” Marshall said, counting 32 pharma launches, 60 auto releases (including 46 electric vehicles) and over 100 movie releases (“which puts us back to pre-pandemic levels”) this year. “We know this is a competitive year.
- 5/15/2023
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
If NBCUniversal’s upfront presentation Monday morning was any indication, the week ahead will be a relatively low-key affair, with plenty of pitching, with very little in the way of specifics.
There will be one constant, however: Striking writers.
Outside of Radio City Music Hall on Monday, a crowd of more than 200 writers marched in front of the venue’s various entrances, calling for a fair deal.
The strike was also present during the presentation itself, where the usual parade of actors and stars was replaced by a cavalcade of NBC News anchors, like Willie Geist and Savannah Sellers, who introduced clip packages for the company’s lineup of TV shows and films.
“If you squint a little bit, I could be Colin Jost,” Geist said, before introducing a Saturday Night Live clip reel.
But the strike was also addressed overtly, with executives resigned to navigate the upfront with the uncertainty it will create.
There will be one constant, however: Striking writers.
Outside of Radio City Music Hall on Monday, a crowd of more than 200 writers marched in front of the venue’s various entrances, calling for a fair deal.
The strike was also present during the presentation itself, where the usual parade of actors and stars was replaced by a cavalcade of NBC News anchors, like Willie Geist and Savannah Sellers, who introduced clip packages for the company’s lineup of TV shows and films.
“If you squint a little bit, I could be Colin Jost,” Geist said, before introducing a Saturday Night Live clip reel.
But the strike was also addressed overtly, with executives resigned to navigate the upfront with the uncertainty it will create.
- 5/15/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Updated with Mark Marshall comments. Mark Lazarus, chairman of NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, and interim ad sales chief Mark Marshall weren’t on the production call sheet until very recently for the company’s upfront at Radio City on Monday morning.
Pressed into action after the stunning, consecutive exits over the past few weeks of CEO Jeff Shell and ad sales and partnerships chief Linda Yaccarino, who left to become CEO of Twitter just last week, Lazarus opened the event with self-effacing humor. Following a song-and-dance sequence featuring Ted, Seth Macfarlane’s bawdy, talking teddy bear, Lazarus asked the crowd, “What was more surprising today? Being welcomed by a foul-mouthed teddy bear or seeing me here onstage?”
He continued, “In all seriousness, Linda and I worked together for many, many years here at NBC.” He expressed gratitude “for her many contributions and for building an excellent team here. We want...
Pressed into action after the stunning, consecutive exits over the past few weeks of CEO Jeff Shell and ad sales and partnerships chief Linda Yaccarino, who left to become CEO of Twitter just last week, Lazarus opened the event with self-effacing humor. Following a song-and-dance sequence featuring Ted, Seth Macfarlane’s bawdy, talking teddy bear, Lazarus asked the crowd, “What was more surprising today? Being welcomed by a foul-mouthed teddy bear or seeing me here onstage?”
He continued, “In all seriousness, Linda and I worked together for many, many years here at NBC.” He expressed gratitude “for her many contributions and for building an excellent team here. We want...
- 5/15/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
NBCUniversal’s Television and Streaming chairman Mark Lazarus addressed the shocking departure of advertising powerhouse Linda Yaccarino, who exited the company after more than a decade on Friday to serve as the new chief executive officer of Twitter.
“So what was more surprising today, being welcomed by a foul mouthed teddy bear or seeing me up here on stage?,” Lazarus told an audience of advertisers during the company’s Upfront presentation on Monday, referencing a raunchy musical opening from Seth MacFarlane’s Ted. “In all seriousness, Linda and I’ve worked together for many, many years here at NBC and in our time in sales at Turner, and for her many contributions and for building an excellent team here. We want to thank her and wish her well.”
Since joining NBCUniversal in 2011, Yaccarino’s team has generated more than $100 billion in ad sales, expanded the company’s reach globally and helped launch Peacock.
“So what was more surprising today, being welcomed by a foul mouthed teddy bear or seeing me up here on stage?,” Lazarus told an audience of advertisers during the company’s Upfront presentation on Monday, referencing a raunchy musical opening from Seth MacFarlane’s Ted. “In all seriousness, Linda and I’ve worked together for many, many years here at NBC and in our time in sales at Turner, and for her many contributions and for building an excellent team here. We want to thank her and wish her well.”
Since joining NBCUniversal in 2011, Yaccarino’s team has generated more than $100 billion in ad sales, expanded the company’s reach globally and helped launch Peacock.
- 5/15/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
“It ain’t good.”
That’s the reaction from one former television executive to advertising powerhouse Linda Yaccarino’s abrupt exit from NBCUniversal to become Twitter’s new CEO. It signals more turmoil for Comcast’s media arm, just three days before the company’s crucial upfronts presentation. On top of NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell’s recent ouster, the latest wave of corporate turmoil flooding 30 Rock feels like it’s straight out of an episode of “Succession.”
Twitter CEO Elon Musk surprised the industry Friday when he announced Yaccarino as his successor in the top role at the struggling social media company. Earlier that day, NBCUniversal said that Yaccarino would be stepping down as its chairman of global advertising and partnerships. It named Mark Marshall, a top ad-sales executive, Yaccarino’s successor on an interim basis.
Speculation about her jump to Twitter started Thursday after Musk tweeted about having found...
That’s the reaction from one former television executive to advertising powerhouse Linda Yaccarino’s abrupt exit from NBCUniversal to become Twitter’s new CEO. It signals more turmoil for Comcast’s media arm, just three days before the company’s crucial upfronts presentation. On top of NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell’s recent ouster, the latest wave of corporate turmoil flooding 30 Rock feels like it’s straight out of an episode of “Succession.”
Twitter CEO Elon Musk surprised the industry Friday when he announced Yaccarino as his successor in the top role at the struggling social media company. Earlier that day, NBCUniversal said that Yaccarino would be stepping down as its chairman of global advertising and partnerships. It named Mark Marshall, a top ad-sales executive, Yaccarino’s successor on an interim basis.
Speculation about her jump to Twitter started Thursday after Musk tweeted about having found...
- 5/12/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi and Jose Alejandro Bastidas
- The Wrap
2nd Update: Elon Musk has officially named Linda Yaccarino as Twitter’s new CEO.
“I am excited to welcome Linda Yaccarino as the new CEO of Twitter!, Musk tweeted Friday. “@LindaYacc will focus primarily on business operations, while I focus on product design & new technology. Looking forward to working with Linda to transform this platform into X, the everything app.”
I am excited to welcome Linda Yaccarino as the new CEO of Twitter!@LindaYacc will focus primarily on business operations, while I focus on product design & new technology.
Looking forward to working with Linda to transform this platform into X, the everything app. https://t.co/TiSJtTWuky
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 12, 2023
Previous Update: NBCUniversal confirmed that sales chief Linda Yaccarino is leaving the company, amid reports that she will become Twitter’s new CEO.
Mark Marshall, who is currently president of advertising sales and client partnerships, will become interim chairman...
“I am excited to welcome Linda Yaccarino as the new CEO of Twitter!, Musk tweeted Friday. “@LindaYacc will focus primarily on business operations, while I focus on product design & new technology. Looking forward to working with Linda to transform this platform into X, the everything app.”
I am excited to welcome Linda Yaccarino as the new CEO of Twitter!@LindaYacc will focus primarily on business operations, while I focus on product design & new technology.
Looking forward to working with Linda to transform this platform into X, the everything app. https://t.co/TiSJtTWuky
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 12, 2023
Previous Update: NBCUniversal confirmed that sales chief Linda Yaccarino is leaving the company, amid reports that she will become Twitter’s new CEO.
Mark Marshall, who is currently president of advertising sales and client partnerships, will become interim chairman...
- 5/12/2023
- by Dade Hayes and Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Even without a once-in-a-generation strike or a Twitter bombshell, next week would already pose a challenge to media companies making their annual upfront pitches to ad buyers next week in New York.
An adverse economic climate and a number of existential questions are confronting those in the ad trenches. With live, linear tune-in continuing to decline, what is the meaning of a prime-time schedule anymore? In a cord-cutting world, how will the profit models of streaming play out? How will advertisers feel the same rush they used to get from putting their chips on the hottest new sitcom or procedural drama and seeing those bets pay off?
“Going into this upfront, there’s a lot of anxiety and excitement — a mix of both,” said Rita Ferro, president of ad sales and partnerships at Disney. “Buyers still love this time of year. They get to see the best of what’s coming from companies,...
An adverse economic climate and a number of existential questions are confronting those in the ad trenches. With live, linear tune-in continuing to decline, what is the meaning of a prime-time schedule anymore? In a cord-cutting world, how will the profit models of streaming play out? How will advertisers feel the same rush they used to get from putting their chips on the hottest new sitcom or procedural drama and seeing those bets pay off?
“Going into this upfront, there’s a lot of anxiety and excitement — a mix of both,” said Rita Ferro, president of ad sales and partnerships at Disney. “Buyers still love this time of year. They get to see the best of what’s coming from companies,...
- 5/12/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
In a dramatic shakeup just days before the TV upfronts, NBCUniversal says that Linda Yaccarino, its longtime head of ad sales, will depart the company effective immediately.
Yaccarino will be joining Twitter, where she will be the social platform’s new CEO. Twitter owner Elon Musk announced Yaccarino’s hire Friday.
Yaccarino “will focus primarily on business operations, while I focus on product design & new technology,” Musk tweeted. “Looking forward to working with Linda to transform this platform into X, the everything app.”
Musk previously said that he would “transition to being exec chair & Cto, overseeing product, software & sysops” when the new CEO started, suggesting that he will continue to oversee Twitter’s product and software development.
Meanwhile at NBCU, Yaccarino will be succeeded by Mark Marshall, who has been promoted to interim chairman of global advertising and partnerships. Marshall, however, will report to Mark Lazarus, the chairman of NBCUniversal television and streaming,...
Yaccarino will be joining Twitter, where she will be the social platform’s new CEO. Twitter owner Elon Musk announced Yaccarino’s hire Friday.
Yaccarino “will focus primarily on business operations, while I focus on product design & new technology,” Musk tweeted. “Looking forward to working with Linda to transform this platform into X, the everything app.”
Musk previously said that he would “transition to being exec chair & Cto, overseeing product, software & sysops” when the new CEO started, suggesting that he will continue to oversee Twitter’s product and software development.
Meanwhile at NBCU, Yaccarino will be succeeded by Mark Marshall, who has been promoted to interim chairman of global advertising and partnerships. Marshall, however, will report to Mark Lazarus, the chairman of NBCUniversal television and streaming,...
- 5/12/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
NBCUniversal shook up its ad-sales executive suite with just days to go before the company is slated to present its next slate of programing to advertisers.
Linda Yaccarino, the company’s longtime chairman of advertising and partnerships, is leaving the company. She has entered talks to become CEO of Twitter, according to a person familiar with the matter. Mark Marshall, a veteran executive who leads advertising sales for all of NBCU’s national media properties, has been named interim chairman of ad sales for the company. He will report to Mark Lazarus who oversees NBCU’s TV and streaming businesses.
“We are grateful for Linda Yaccarino’s leadership of NBCUniversal’s Advertising Sales business, and for the innovative team and platform she has built. Linda has made countless contributions to the company during her twelve year tenure, and we wish her the best,” said Mike Cavanagh, the president of Comcast...
Linda Yaccarino, the company’s longtime chairman of advertising and partnerships, is leaving the company. She has entered talks to become CEO of Twitter, according to a person familiar with the matter. Mark Marshall, a veteran executive who leads advertising sales for all of NBCU’s national media properties, has been named interim chairman of ad sales for the company. He will report to Mark Lazarus who oversees NBCU’s TV and streaming businesses.
“We are grateful for Linda Yaccarino’s leadership of NBCUniversal’s Advertising Sales business, and for the innovative team and platform she has built. Linda has made countless contributions to the company during her twelve year tenure, and we wish her the best,” said Mike Cavanagh, the president of Comcast...
- 5/12/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Linda Yaccarino, a hard-charging veteran of TV’s ad-sales wars with a knack for relentless promotion, is in talks to become the next chief executive of Twitter, according to a person familiar with the matter.
Yaccarino, who spent a good chunk of her career at WarnerMedia’s TV operations before joining NBCUniversal last decade, supervises the Comcast-owned company’s ad-sales efforts across the globe, with Peacock and NBC among the assets she helps fortify with revenue. In recent years, she has spearheaded initiatives to generate new cash flows through e-commerce, and worked to redefine the way the TV industry measures its audiences for advertisers in hopes of giving more credibility to the way Madison Avenue pays for people who watch their favorite programs via streaming video.
A spokesman for NBCUniversal’s ad-sales business said he did not know any details surrounding a change in Yaccarino’s status with the company.
Yaccarino, who spent a good chunk of her career at WarnerMedia’s TV operations before joining NBCUniversal last decade, supervises the Comcast-owned company’s ad-sales efforts across the globe, with Peacock and NBC among the assets she helps fortify with revenue. In recent years, she has spearheaded initiatives to generate new cash flows through e-commerce, and worked to redefine the way the TV industry measures its audiences for advertisers in hopes of giving more credibility to the way Madison Avenue pays for people who watch their favorite programs via streaming video.
A spokesman for NBCUniversal’s ad-sales business said he did not know any details surrounding a change in Yaccarino’s status with the company.
- 5/11/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
When NBCUniversal unveiled Peacock in Jan. 2020, it had a key differentiator that separated it from competitors like Netflix HBO Max, and Disney+: It would be proudly advertising-supported.
Three years later and advertising is the new norm, with HBO Max (soon to be Max), Disney+and Netflix all in the game.
“We were a bit of an island at that time, a lot of people were saying they wanted to be subscription only, they didn’t want to have advertising… and some were very vocal about not ever wanting to have advertising,” says Mark Marshall, NBCUniversal’s president of advertising and partnerships. We determined that we wanted to be the the ultimate place for streamers, for consumers as well as advertisers.”
Now Peacock is practically a mature business (if not quite as scaled as some of its streaming competitors), and the company is using it, in conjunction with its linear TV assets and digital platforms,...
Three years later and advertising is the new norm, with HBO Max (soon to be Max), Disney+and Netflix all in the game.
“We were a bit of an island at that time, a lot of people were saying they wanted to be subscription only, they didn’t want to have advertising… and some were very vocal about not ever wanting to have advertising,” says Mark Marshall, NBCUniversal’s president of advertising and partnerships. We determined that we wanted to be the the ultimate place for streamers, for consumers as well as advertisers.”
Now Peacock is practically a mature business (if not quite as scaled as some of its streaming competitors), and the company is using it, in conjunction with its linear TV assets and digital platforms,...
- 5/10/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The 50th season of “Saturday Night Live” isn’t slated to kick off until the fall of 2024. But that doesn’t mean NBC has to wait until then to start lining up sponsors.
NBCUniversal intends to start talking to advertisers about the possibilities in the industry’s annual “upfront” sales session, says Mark Marshall, the company’s president of advertising sales and partnerships, in a recent interview. NBC could start calling attention to the landmark season during its telecasts of the 2024 Summer Olympics from Paris, he says, which means the media company is eager to start discussing ideas soon.
TV’s “upfront,” when U.S. networks try to sell the bulk of their commercial inventory, is expected to kick into gear next week, when NBCU and its competitors hold a series of glitzy presentations for Madison Avenue. “Saturday Night Live” generated approximately $74,7 million dollars in ad sales in 2022, according to Vivvix,...
NBCUniversal intends to start talking to advertisers about the possibilities in the industry’s annual “upfront” sales session, says Mark Marshall, the company’s president of advertising sales and partnerships, in a recent interview. NBC could start calling attention to the landmark season during its telecasts of the 2024 Summer Olympics from Paris, he says, which means the media company is eager to start discussing ideas soon.
TV’s “upfront,” when U.S. networks try to sell the bulk of their commercial inventory, is expected to kick into gear next week, when NBCU and its competitors hold a series of glitzy presentations for Madison Avenue. “Saturday Night Live” generated approximately $74,7 million dollars in ad sales in 2022, according to Vivvix,...
- 5/10/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
At a moment when the advertising business is still adapting to a tough economic environment, media companies need to be creative and adaptable to meet the needs of clients.
With the 2023 TV upfronts set to begin in the next few weeks, companies are beginning to hone their pitches.
At NBCUniversal, the company will, among other offerings, highlight an offering that they’ve been workshopping over the past year or so, but that may make sense in the current climate: A global to local ad offering. One that can let a buyer buy ad time around the world (including through, say, Sky in the U.K.) or at a local market level (through Peacock or an NBC local station).
For advertisers, being able to move their ad budget around (scaling up or down), and in a flexible manner, is the sort of thing that NBCUniversal ad sales president Mark Marshall has become critical.
With the 2023 TV upfronts set to begin in the next few weeks, companies are beginning to hone their pitches.
At NBCUniversal, the company will, among other offerings, highlight an offering that they’ve been workshopping over the past year or so, but that may make sense in the current climate: A global to local ad offering. One that can let a buyer buy ad time around the world (including through, say, Sky in the U.K.) or at a local market level (through Peacock or an NBC local station).
For advertisers, being able to move their ad budget around (scaling up or down), and in a flexible manner, is the sort of thing that NBCUniversal ad sales president Mark Marshall has become critical.
- 4/5/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“Night Court,” the NBC sitcom that was recently rebooted, enjoyed its heyday after its debut on NBC’s Thursday-night schedule in 1984. But NBCUniversal is hoping the retooled comedy will lead Madison Avenue into the future.
When the original program launched, built around star Harry Anderson as a non-traditional metropolitan judge, NBC sold ads against the debut broadcast of each episode as well as a rerun later in the season. Now, says Mark Marshall, the executive recently given wider oversight over NBCUniversal’s national ad sales, the company is selling broad-reach ads attached to the linear debut of each episode as well as targeted advertising that appears adjacent to the series when it streams on Peacock.
“You have this big premiere on broadcast and then streaming takes over,” Marshall tells Variety. “On the day it launched, we had 5.6 million people watch it, and then over the next seven days, another 5.7 million.
When the original program launched, built around star Harry Anderson as a non-traditional metropolitan judge, NBC sold ads against the debut broadcast of each episode as well as a rerun later in the season. Now, says Mark Marshall, the executive recently given wider oversight over NBCUniversal’s national ad sales, the company is selling broad-reach ads attached to the linear debut of each episode as well as targeted advertising that appears adjacent to the series when it streams on Peacock.
“You have this big premiere on broadcast and then streaming takes over,” Marshall tells Variety. “On the day it launched, we had 5.6 million people watch it, and then over the next seven days, another 5.7 million.
- 2/21/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Linda Yaccarino, who spends most of her day trying to sell advertisers on NBCUniversal commercial inventory, will take on a new task of trying to do something similar with actors and artists.
Yaccarino was named global chair of Ymu, a British talent-management group, replacing Harvey Goldsmith, who left the company in 2021. Yaccarino will retain her role at NBCU, where she is global chairman of global advertising and partnerships.
“Linda’s appointment shows the scale of ambition for the Group – her value, knowledge and expertise will enable us to deliver an even better service to our clients and turbo charge our international growth,’ said Mary Bekhait, Ymu’s global CEO, in a statement.
In media and advertising circles, Yaccarino is known to have long held interest in other parts of the business, including distribution and content management. When CEO roles come open at companies like Univision or Paramount Global, allies and...
Yaccarino was named global chair of Ymu, a British talent-management group, replacing Harvey Goldsmith, who left the company in 2021. Yaccarino will retain her role at NBCU, where she is global chairman of global advertising and partnerships.
“Linda’s appointment shows the scale of ambition for the Group – her value, knowledge and expertise will enable us to deliver an even better service to our clients and turbo charge our international growth,’ said Mary Bekhait, Ymu’s global CEO, in a statement.
In media and advertising circles, Yaccarino is known to have long held interest in other parts of the business, including distribution and content management. When CEO roles come open at companies like Univision or Paramount Global, allies and...
- 2/16/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
NBCUniversal is the latest media and entertainment company to rework its organizational structure to account for a declining linear TV environment and a booming streaming ad market.
On Tuesday, NBCUniversal ad sales and partnerships chief Linda Yaccarino outlined a new structure that will combine brand and agency teams, and build infrastructure to try and bring in small and medium-sized businesses that have traditionally been priced out of TV, but have spent heavily on platforms like Facebook and Google.
The changes include new or reworked roles for a variety of top executives, including Maggy Chan, who joined from the BBC last month and will oversee global ad sales and partnerships; Mark Marshall, who will lead a centralized national sales team; Frank Comerford, who will lead local ad strategy; and Dan Lovinger, who leads a sales team dedicated to the Olympics.
Meanwhile, Tom Winiarski’s team will be tasked with bridging linear and digital inventory,...
On Tuesday, NBCUniversal ad sales and partnerships chief Linda Yaccarino outlined a new structure that will combine brand and agency teams, and build infrastructure to try and bring in small and medium-sized businesses that have traditionally been priced out of TV, but have spent heavily on platforms like Facebook and Google.
The changes include new or reworked roles for a variety of top executives, including Maggy Chan, who joined from the BBC last month and will oversee global ad sales and partnerships; Mark Marshall, who will lead a centralized national sales team; Frank Comerford, who will lead local ad strategy; and Dan Lovinger, who leads a sales team dedicated to the Olympics.
Meanwhile, Tom Winiarski’s team will be tasked with bridging linear and digital inventory,...
- 1/31/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Mark Marshall, a longtime senior NBCUniversal ad-sales executive, will take on broader responsibilities, including overseeing the company’s upfront negotiations, as part of an overhaul at the company’s advertising and partnerships division.
Marshall “will be leading a new, converged national sales team, serving all our agency and client partners,” said Linda Yaccarino, chairman of the company’s global advertising and partnerships business, in a statement. “This will enable central contact points to allow us to develop customized solutions across NBCU assets to achieve our marketers’ objectives.”
NBCU is reorganizing the division after the unexpected departure of Laura Molen, who had been viewed as a potential successor to Yaccarino. Sales of the NBCU portfolio had been split between Molen and Marshall, with the former overseeing outreach for Peacock and lifestyle-focused cable networks and the latter managing big-audience properties like NBC and USA as well as sports.
Now a single executive...
Marshall “will be leading a new, converged national sales team, serving all our agency and client partners,” said Linda Yaccarino, chairman of the company’s global advertising and partnerships business, in a statement. “This will enable central contact points to allow us to develop customized solutions across NBCU assets to achieve our marketers’ objectives.”
NBCU is reorganizing the division after the unexpected departure of Laura Molen, who had been viewed as a potential successor to Yaccarino. Sales of the NBCU portfolio had been split between Molen and Marshall, with the former overseeing outreach for Peacock and lifestyle-focused cable networks and the latter managing big-audience properties like NBC and USA as well as sports.
Now a single executive...
- 1/31/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
NBCUniversal’s advertising and partnerships group has formalized a new executive structure reflecting its recent moves to streamline efforts in broadcast, cable, sports and streaming.
In a blog post, Linda Yaccarino, chairman of global advertising and partnerships, said the new setup aims to “continue mirroring how our customers use One Platform,” the company’s system for advertisers.
The changes come as the company is looking to fortify its resources in data, distribution, ad tech, commercial innovation and measurement. NBCU is getting set to host its annual developer conference, One23, next month ahead of NewFronts and upfront presentations in May. While the blog post does not cite any departures from the ranks, some contraction has rippled through the total NBCU workforce in recent months, including in sales, amid an overall downturn in ad spending. Yaccarino’s longtime deputy, Laura Molen, recently announced plans to exit by the end of March.
At the same time,...
In a blog post, Linda Yaccarino, chairman of global advertising and partnerships, said the new setup aims to “continue mirroring how our customers use One Platform,” the company’s system for advertisers.
The changes come as the company is looking to fortify its resources in data, distribution, ad tech, commercial innovation and measurement. NBCU is getting set to host its annual developer conference, One23, next month ahead of NewFronts and upfront presentations in May. While the blog post does not cite any departures from the ranks, some contraction has rippled through the total NBCU workforce in recent months, including in sales, amid an overall downturn in ad spending. Yaccarino’s longtime deputy, Laura Molen, recently announced plans to exit by the end of March.
At the same time,...
- 1/31/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Laura Molen, a senior ad-sales executive at NBCUniversal who was often viewed as a potential successor to the company’s chairman of advertising and partnerships, Linda Yaccarino, will leave the company early next year.
“These past few years have been full of enormous changes for all of us, both personally and professionally,” said Molen, a president in NBCU’s ad-sales division, in a statement to staffers. “While I love NBCUniversal and this team, it is time for me to re-prioritize my focus, have more family time and fully explore my numerous passions. I’m particularly interested in utilizing my expertise to partner with others and help companies succeed, including taking on more Board advisory roles, like so many leaders I admire.”
NBCUniversal has been seeking buyouts from a group of older executives, but the decision to leave is Molen’s, according to a person familiar with the matter. She is...
“These past few years have been full of enormous changes for all of us, both personally and professionally,” said Molen, a president in NBCU’s ad-sales division, in a statement to staffers. “While I love NBCUniversal and this team, it is time for me to re-prioritize my focus, have more family time and fully explore my numerous passions. I’m particularly interested in utilizing my expertise to partner with others and help companies succeed, including taking on more Board advisory roles, like so many leaders I admire.”
NBCUniversal has been seeking buyouts from a group of older executives, but the decision to leave is Molen’s, according to a person familiar with the matter. She is...
- 12/16/2022
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Laura Molen, the president of advertising sales at NBCUniversal, has decided to leave the company.
Molen shared her decision in a memo to staff Friday morning.
“This was not an easy decision for me to make – yet, once decided, one I am extremely confident (and excited) about,” Molen wrote. “These past few years have been full of enormous changes for all of us, both personally and professionally. While I love NBCUniversal and this team, it is time for me to re-prioritize my focus, have more family time and fully explore my numerous passions. I’m particularly interested in utilizing my expertise to partner with others and help companies succeed, including taking on more Board advisory roles, like so many leaders I admire.”
Molen has agreed to stay with the company through the end of Q1 2023, per a note from NBCUniversal ad sales chair Linda Yaccarino,...
Laura Molen, the president of advertising sales at NBCUniversal, has decided to leave the company.
Molen shared her decision in a memo to staff Friday morning.
“This was not an easy decision for me to make – yet, once decided, one I am extremely confident (and excited) about,” Molen wrote. “These past few years have been full of enormous changes for all of us, both personally and professionally. While I love NBCUniversal and this team, it is time for me to re-prioritize my focus, have more family time and fully explore my numerous passions. I’m particularly interested in utilizing my expertise to partner with others and help companies succeed, including taking on more Board advisory roles, like so many leaders I admire.”
Molen has agreed to stay with the company through the end of Q1 2023, per a note from NBCUniversal ad sales chair Linda Yaccarino,...
- 12/16/2022
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A new NBCUniversal advertising executive is taking on the task of tackling advertisers to link themselves to such sports properties as “Sunday Night Football” and the soon-to-launch Usfl.
Peter Lazarus will take the lead on selling ads behind the bulk of NBCUniversal’s sports programming, part of a gradual overhaul of the company’s work behind connecting Madison Avenue with some of TV’s biggest and most-watched properties.
Lazarus has been named executive vice president of sports ad-sales, taking up responsibilities previously held by Dan Lovinger, a longtime NBCU ad-sales exec who has been assigned to focus more intently on the company’s efforts behind Olympics advertising. Lovinger was elevated to president in January and will lead Olympics ad-sales efforts as NBCU works harder to fulfill a commitment it has made along the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, pledging to offer long-term deals to partners for TV, digital, and live event advertising,...
Peter Lazarus will take the lead on selling ads behind the bulk of NBCUniversal’s sports programming, part of a gradual overhaul of the company’s work behind connecting Madison Avenue with some of TV’s biggest and most-watched properties.
Lazarus has been named executive vice president of sports ad-sales, taking up responsibilities previously held by Dan Lovinger, a longtime NBCU ad-sales exec who has been assigned to focus more intently on the company’s efforts behind Olympics advertising. Lovinger was elevated to president in January and will lead Olympics ad-sales efforts as NBCU works harder to fulfill a commitment it has made along the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, pledging to offer long-term deals to partners for TV, digital, and live event advertising,...
- 3/18/2022
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
NBC hasn’t scheduled a new edition of its venerable “Tonight Show” after the Super Bowl, but viewers who stick around are going to see some new late-night antics courtesy of Jimmy Fallon.
As part of an alliance with Samsung Electronics, Fallon will star in a 60-second post-game commercial, paying homage to movies as part of a tie in to the Super Bowl taking place this year in Los Angeles. In doing so, he will also highlight how Samsung’s Galaxy S22 Ultra uses features such as super steady video capturing, “nightography,” and more.
“We are already doing traditional media advertising like 30 second and 15 second ads that we run, but we know the story comes through much more impactfully and in a much more resonant way when we tell a very contextual story,” says Janet Lee, who oversees marketing for Samsung’s mobile business in the U.S. Fallon’s “Tonight,...
As part of an alliance with Samsung Electronics, Fallon will star in a 60-second post-game commercial, paying homage to movies as part of a tie in to the Super Bowl taking place this year in Los Angeles. In doing so, he will also highlight how Samsung’s Galaxy S22 Ultra uses features such as super steady video capturing, “nightography,” and more.
“We are already doing traditional media advertising like 30 second and 15 second ads that we run, but we know the story comes through much more impactfully and in a much more resonant way when we tell a very contextual story,” says Janet Lee, who oversees marketing for Samsung’s mobile business in the U.S. Fallon’s “Tonight,...
- 2/11/2022
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
NBCUniversal is sold out of in-game commercial time for Super Bowl Lvi, the company said on Thursday, with some 30-second spots selling for as much as $7 million. That’s a new record, as is this year’s per-unit average.
The in-game ad sellout includes the NBC broadcast channel, Spanish-language broadcaster Telemundo and all digital platforms — including Peacock. “A handful” of pre-game spots remain available, NBCU said Thursday morning.
Every in-game advertiser will also run across the Telemundo Super Bowl Lvi telecast as well as NBC Sports’ streaming assets, including Peacock, for the first time. This year is also the first time a Super Bowl will be broadcast on a Spanish-language network.
NBCUniversal brought in more than 30 new advertisers for this year’s big game vs. 2021’s Super Bowl Lv. That’s a 40% rate of newcomers, most of which come from the automotive, technology and travel industries. Those three sectors, as...
The in-game ad sellout includes the NBC broadcast channel, Spanish-language broadcaster Telemundo and all digital platforms — including Peacock. “A handful” of pre-game spots remain available, NBCU said Thursday morning.
Every in-game advertiser will also run across the Telemundo Super Bowl Lvi telecast as well as NBC Sports’ streaming assets, including Peacock, for the first time. This year is also the first time a Super Bowl will be broadcast on a Spanish-language network.
NBCUniversal brought in more than 30 new advertisers for this year’s big game vs. 2021’s Super Bowl Lv. That’s a 40% rate of newcomers, most of which come from the automotive, technology and travel industries. Those three sectors, as...
- 2/3/2022
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Kickoff for Super Bowl Lvi is still days away, but NBC has scored at least one touchdown.
NBC has sold out all of its inventory for the Big Game, scheduled to be broadcast on Sunday, February 13, from SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. NBCUniversal said in a statement Thursday that it has sold every in-game unit available across NBC, Telemundo and all digital platforms including Peacock. Only a handful of pre-game slots remain open for sale.
In a statement, NBC suggested advertisers’ interest in the gridiron classic ramped up as viewership for recent playoff games surged. “The NFL has never been stronger and has led us to new records this year. From ‘Sunday Night Football’ to ‘Football Night in America’ and through the nail-biting Playoffs, we’ve seen an increased appetite for fans to watch the NFL across all our platforms,” said Mark Marshall, a president of NBCUniversal’s ad-sales and partnerships division.
NBC has sold out all of its inventory for the Big Game, scheduled to be broadcast on Sunday, February 13, from SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. NBCUniversal said in a statement Thursday that it has sold every in-game unit available across NBC, Telemundo and all digital platforms including Peacock. Only a handful of pre-game slots remain open for sale.
In a statement, NBC suggested advertisers’ interest in the gridiron classic ramped up as viewership for recent playoff games surged. “The NFL has never been stronger and has led us to new records this year. From ‘Sunday Night Football’ to ‘Football Night in America’ and through the nail-biting Playoffs, we’ve seen an increased appetite for fans to watch the NFL across all our platforms,” said Mark Marshall, a president of NBCUniversal’s ad-sales and partnerships division.
- 2/3/2022
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
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