Shapiro Steps Down, Capus Steps Up: Changes At The Top Of NBC News

NBC News president Neal Shapiro resigns:

> The full memo

> “Shapiro asked to be released from the gig last May, though network executives believed that NBC Universal Television Group President Jeff Zucker was poised to swing the ax,” Broadcasting & Cable recaps.

> TV Week: An NBC News spokeswoman said Mr. Shapiro would be unavailable for comment.”

> LA Times Monday: “Shapiro has decided to leave, prompted by NBC Universal officials who have reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with his unassuming management style.”

> May 25: Lloyd Grove says that Zucker “has been actively seeking a replacement” for Shapiro, and “approaching specific candidates to gauge their interest.”

> May 25, NY Times: There was a disconnect in management styles: “Shapiro can be as easygoing as Mr. Zucker is intense.”

> An insider says: “So sad. Paying the price for success. Look at what his news division did this week…”

Steve Capus becomes acting president:

> Zucker’s memo

> Just three months ago, Steve Capus was the executive producer of NBC Nightly News. He was promoted to senior vice president in early June…

> Back in May, Drudge said Capus would take Shapiro’s job, but NBC denied it…

Future of NBC News:

> August 6: “Bob Wright, chairman and CEO of NBC Universal, is looking for a ‘news czar, with overall responsibility for all of the news operations, including the flagship NBC broadcast-news operations.'”

> Who will be the next president of NBC News?: round one and round two

> June 30: NBC Considers Merging MSNBC & CNBC