Shapiro Steps Down: Jeff Zucker Names Steve Capus Acting President Of NBC News

Jeff Zucker‘s memo to colleagues:

“By now you have heard from Neal regarding his plans. I want to thank him for his nearly 13 years of tremendous leadership and particularly the past four years at the helm of NBC News.

Under his direction and stewardship, and with the help of each of you, Neal has presided over one of the most challenging and successful times in this news division’s history. From the tragedy of 9/11 and the anthrax attack to coverage of the war in Iraq and the unprecedented transition from Tom to Brian, Neal has been a steady hand in changing times, and our continued success through it all is a testament to his great leadership.

As Neal noted, he approached me several months ago about his desire to move on to the next phase of his life. And as he embarks on that, we all want to wish him nothing but the same tremendous success he has always enjoyed.

As for the future leadership of NBC News, I am currently undertaking a wide-ranging search for Neal’s successor. In the meantime, I am pleased to announce that Steve Capus will serve as acting president of NBC News.

It gives me great confidence to know that Steve will be at the helm while we navigate these complicated times. Steve’s experience over the past two decades, within NBC News, is virtually unparalleled. He has touched almost every part of the division, having worked in the NBC affiliate system, NBC News Channel, “NBC News at Sunrise,” “Today,” MSNBC and “NBC Nightly News.”

Over the course of the past two weeks, NBC News has done a remarkable job of reporting on the devastation of hurricane Katrina, and Steve has been integral in every aspect of our preparation, planning and coverage. Working alongside Steve, we have a talented team in place in the front office, and I’ll be working closely with all of them throughout this transition. As always, and particularly now, in the midst of an immensely challenging news cycle, thanks to all of you for continually making our news division the very best in the business.

–Jeff