Breaking: Insiders tells us Jamie Horowitz, the recently-hired SVP and GM of the “Today” show is no longer with NBC News. A source tells us Horowitz and his boss, NBC News president Deborah Turness, were not seeing eye to eye, leading to Horowitz’s departure from the network late today.
Horowitz, who was heavily recruited from ESPN for the top job at “Today” — and had to sit out several months before taking the job — only arrived at NBC a few months ago. At the time of his hiring in May, Turness wrote, “Jamie is the perfect person for this crucial role — he is a visionary leader, a creative thinker and a seasoned expert in developing and driving brands that truly connect.”
Just last week, Page Six reported that, due to some internal unrest and lackluster news ratings, Turness’ job may be on the line, and that Horowitz was among those being considered for the job. NBC shot down that report, throwing its full support behind Turness. “Deborah is not going anywhere. She’s just getting started. She has the full support of NBCU brass all the way to the top,” a spokesperson said. Turness joined NBC News 16 months ago.
More: Horowitz’s official start date was to be Dec. 1, but he had been at NBC having meetings with the “Today” show team since September.
More: In a memo to staff, obtained by TVNewser, Turness writes, “[T]ogether, he and I have come to the conclusion that this is not the right fit.”
Dear All:
I want to let you know that, effective today, Jamie Horowitz will be leaving NBC News.
Jamie joined us in September as General Manager of the TODAY brand. He’s a talented producer and executive, but, together, he and I have come to the conclusion that this is not the right fit.
Because of the hard work of so many of you, and an anchor team that is hitting on all cylinders, the show has great momentum and is closing the ratings gap. The exclusives keep coming and there is a great energy both on- and off-air, and in digital and social. My focus – as always – is to support this special brand and its amazing and dedicated staff, and to position it for continued success.
The role of General Manager remains an important one, and will be filled in due course. In the interim, I will work closely with both Don Nash and Jen Brown to oversee TODAY.
Please join me in thanking Jamie and wishing him the best.
Deborah