NBCUniversal restructures TV Division under Pearlena Igbokwe and Frances Berwick

NBCUniversal has announced a significant reorganization of its television business. In a memo shared with staff on January 23, Donna Langley, chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment and Studios, revealed plans to merge its TV studios, NBC Entertainment, Bravo, and Peacock into a single unit called Universal Television Entertainment Group. This new structure aims to integrate marketing and content strategy, a move designed to “enhance collaboration, streamline decision making, and amplify our ability to deliver world-class television experiences to audiences everywhere,” Langley stated in the memo.

Pearlena Igbokwe, chair of Universal Studio Group, will expand her responsibilities to include NBC Entertainment and scripted programming for Peacock as chairman of television studios, NBC Entertainment, and Peacock scripted. Frances Berwick, who previously oversaw Bravo, will return to oversee the network and unscripted programming at Peacock as NBCU Entertainment chairman. Corie Henson, NBCU’s executive vice president of unscripted content, competition, and game shows, is departing as part of the changes.

In addition, Liz Jenkins, chief business officer, will now handle content strategy, TV acquisitions, strategy, and business operations for both the entertainment and studio divisions. Jenny Storms, currently chief marketing officer for entertainment and sports, will become the CMO for NBCU Television & Streaming. NBCUniversal COO Adam Miller also announced the promotion of Jen Friedman to chief communications officer for the company.

These changes coincide with plans by NBCUniversal’s parent company, Comcast, to spin off most of its cable networks, excluding Bravo, into a new entity called SpinCo. This new company, led by Mark Lazarus, will include CNBC, MSNBC, USA Network, Syfy, E!, Oxygen True Crime, and Golf Channel.

Langley, who took on oversight of NBCUniversal’s TV and streaming divisions in 2023 and was promoted to chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment and Studios in November 2024, emphasized the potential of the new structure. “The formation of this group is a testament to the incredible talent we have here at NBCUniversal,” her memo reads. “With our shared vision and combined expertise, we are poised to lead our dynamic industry in creativity and innovation, and seize growth opportunities for our business while delighting audiences across all platforms.”