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NBC Splits Off Studio for Cable

Shake-up hands key role to Sci-Fi channel boss

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 25, 2008 2:55 AM CDT

(Newser) – NBC is splitting its TV production unit into two companies. The units will share the same resources, but will be divided into separate cable and broadcast operations, according to the Hollywood Reporter. NBC's cable channels have been reaping the profits of hits like Battlestar Galactica and Monk, while its broadcast network has has been struggling in fourth place in recent years.

The shake-up at the studio—which NBC inherited in a merger four years ago—means a reduction in roles for some top NBC executives but a big step up for Sci-Fi Channel and USA Network boss Bonnie Hammer, who will run the cable division. "It just seemed natural for cable to control its own product from conception to completion," said Hammer, who emphasized that everyone is "still buddies."

Bonnie Hammer, president of the USA Network and Sci Fi Channel, arrives to the Sci Fi Channel's 2008 Upfront party in New York, Tuesday, March 18, 2008.
Bonnie Hammer, president of the USA Network and Sci Fi Channel, arrives to the Sci Fi Channel's 2008 Upfront party in New York, Tuesday, March 18, 2008.   (AP Photo/Stuart Ramson)
NBC Studios in Burbank, Calif., is shown in this file photo. NBC is splitting its television studio into broadcast and cable companies.
NBC Studios in Burbank, Calif., is shown in this file photo. NBC is splitting its television studio into broadcast and cable companies.   (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
This photo provided by the Sci-Fi Channel shows actor Nico Cortez as Young Adama in a scene from its two-minute Battlestar Galactica.
This photo provided by the Sci-Fi Channel shows actor Nico Cortez as Young Adama in a scene from its two-minute "Battlestar Galactica."   (AP Photo)
'Battlestar Galactica' cast member Jamie Bamber playfully lifts Bonnie Hammer, president of the USA Network and Sci Fi Channel, at the Sci Fi Channel's 2008 Upfront party in New York.
'Battlestar Galactica' cast member Jamie Bamber playfully lifts Bonnie Hammer, president of the USA Network and Sci Fi Channel, at the Sci Fi Channel's 2008 Upfront party in New York.   (AP Photo/Stuart Ramson)
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