NBCU & Chernin Entertainment Enter TV Pact

UNIVERSAL CITY: Chernin Entertainment has signed a two-year overall deal involving a tie-up for its TV division with NBC Entertainment and Universal Television.

Through the new agreement with NBCUniversal, Chernin Television will be aligned with Universal Television and its roster of writers and producers, along with having the option of producing independently for cable and other streaming platforms. Supporting the move, Chernin Entertainment has promoted Jenno Topping to the role of president of film and television. She will now oversee television as well as film for the company. Plans also call for a head of television development and production to be named soon.

“Peter Chernin is, without a doubt, one of the most forward-thinking and successful producers and executives in the media business today,” said Robert Greenblatt, the chairman of NBC Entertainment. “He’s an innovator and strategist, but at the same time he loves entertaining broad audiences on a big scale with great storytelling. I can’t think of anyone better to help us aggressively expand our television business and build hits for all platforms through Universal Television. He’s also been a close friend and mentor for many years and I’m personally very happy to welcome his company to the fold.”

Peter Chernin, the chairman of Chernin Entertainment, commented: “This marks the fourth time that Bob and I have worked together. Over that time, I can’t think of a more talented, creative and visionary executive, so I’m particularly excited to establish a studio presence at NBCU alongside his talented leadership and his industry-leading creative team. This one-of-a-kind deal provides us with the ability to develop great programing while maintaining the autonomy and flexibility we need to continue to be successful in this new era of television.”

Jennifer Salke, the president of NBC Entertainment and head of Universal Television, added: “I grew up as an executive at News Corp. under Peter’s tenure when the company was transformed into a worldwide powerhouse and I know first-hand his mastery of both the big picture and the smallest detail. On behalf of myself and Bela Bajaria, President of Universal Television, we look forward to working with him and Jenno Topping to create distinctive new television series.”