NBC co-chairman Ben Silverman is leaving the network to form a new production company with Barry Diller's InterActiveCorp (IAC), Variety reports. The new company will reportedly "unite producers, creators, advertisers and distributors under one roof." Cable executive Jeff Gaspin will take over as chairman of NBC Universal Television Entertainment "effective immediately," according to the Wall Street Journal. Gaspin will also control NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios, in addition to his previous jobs.
Silverman's former colleague, Marc Graboff, will continue to serve as co-chairman, but will now report to Gaspin.
In the meantime, the network says Silverman -- who had reportedly signed an extension deal with NBC a few weeks ago -- will remain on board "for several weeks to assist in the launch of NBC's fall schedule."
Silverman served as co-chairman for just two years, during which NBC faced a number of key setbacks. Last season alone, the network finished fourth in both the coveted 18-49 demographic and the overall ratings race, behind Fox, ABC and CBS.
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