Ben Silverman news stories on Newser

Sometimes, Celeb Tweets Bring Real News

Evann Gastaldo — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:32:00 CDT

Surprise! Celebrities do, occasionally, use Twitter to break actual news. Don’t believe it? USA Today lists some examples: Paula Abdul: Bid adieu to American Idol before an official statement was released. Ryan Seacrest: Told the world Ben Silverman was out at NBC before NBC did.

Silverman Leaves NBC, Goes Digital

Evann Gastaldo — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 11:00:00 CDT

Ben Silverman is leaving NBC Entertainment and hitting the Internet, according to the Hollywood Reporter. The division's co-chair—who may have jumped and may have been pushed—will partner with Barry Diller and IAC to create “a next generation enterprise that bridges the gap between traditional television and the Internet,...

As NBC Falters, Real Drama Is Behind the Scenes

Kevin Spak — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 11:27:01 CST

When NBC announced a sweeping shakeup last week, it confirmed just how bad things are at the network, the Los Angeles Times reports. Ratings are down 14% this season, just as companies are dramatically slashing advertising budgets in the face of recession. “This is not a good time to be...

In Tough Times, TV Goes Blue-Collar

Leela de Kretser — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 13:43:18 CDT

As the financial crisis deepens, expect TV to trade upper-crust environs for jokes about crustiness, reports the New York Post. Entertainment execs are pushing the development of blue-collar comedies that allow for a little old-fashioned escapism. "I don't think audiences want to see a show about the fall of Lehman...

NBC Prez Will Party for His Right to Fight

Zach Samalin — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 15:07:33 CST

Whether it's his tendency to casually insult other executives, his "totally sick" parties, or his precocious ascension from independent producer to network boss, NBC President Ben Silverman has acquired a devoted posse of friends—and an ample group of enemies. Esquire profiles the brash 37-year-old, self-styled the "luckiest young Jew...

Kevin Reilly Quits NBC

Dustin Lushing — Tue, 29 May 2007 06:35:42 CDT

Kevin Reilly is bolting from his gig as NBC's entertainment president, reports Variety , after network capo Jeff Zucker recruited Reveille head Ben Silverman for a position over him. Reilly—who produced several hits including Heroes and Deal or No Deal —will take his multi-million dollar severance package and most likely...