NBC exec shake-up
Change at reality-TV unit after report on ‘toxic’ workplace
NBCUniversal is quietly looking to replace a top reality-TV exec who was accused of cultivating a toxic workplace in a bombshell report in late July, The Post has learned.
The takedown penned by The Hollywood Reporter called out NBC Entertainment Chairman Paul Telegdy and his right hand, Meredith Ahr, for bullying employees and talent.
Telegdy, who was the focus of the July 31 report, was ousted days later, and the company has since launched a probe into the workplace culture. Ahr remains at the company and is “fulfilling her role as normal,” an insider said.
Since Telegdy’s exit, NBCU promoted longtime exec Frances Berwick to lead the entertainment business amid a broader reorganization. As part of those shifts, NBC is poised to announce that it lured away Susan Rovner, a Warner Bros. TV exec, to oversee all programming for NBCU, according to multiple sources.
An insider told The Post that once the programming hire is made, the rest of the team will be determined by the new boss.
But those talks are already happening, according to a source, who said that Rovner’s Warner Bros. colleague Michael Darnell, who runs unscripted and alternative TV, is in talks for Ahr’s job.
NBC declined to comment. Darnell did not return requests seeking comment.
Darnell brought “American Idol,” “So You Think You Can Dance?” and “Family Guy” to the small screen while working at Fox in the early aughts.
Warner Bros. denied that Darnell is in talks to leave the company.
According to multiple insiders, a group of execs on Ahr’s team canceled drinks with people outside the company on Monday, giving the excuse of “an HR issue.” The eyebrow-raising move may suggest a bigger shake-up at the top of the reality-TV division, a source said.
While NBCU’s investigation is ongoing, THR’s report, which cited anonymous testimonial from over 30 current and former employees, said Telegdy and Ahr ran a “mean girls” club, with Telegdy setting the tone by mocking gay staffers, telling sexually explicit stories during meetings and making racially insensitive remarks.