NEW YORK —
NBC News President Steve Capus, who presided over years of strong ratings at the news division and expanded digital offerings but was hurt by the downfall of the “Today” show, said Friday that he was resigning.
The Philadelphia-area native joined NBC News 20 years ago and produced various newscasts for Brian Williams before being appointed news division president by Jeff Zucker, at the time chief of NBC Universal, on the week that Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans in 2005.
NBC parent company Comcast Corp.’s decision last year to appoint Pat Fili-Krushel to a supervisory role over the company’s news properties signaled to many that Capus’ tenure was nearing an end. His contract gave Capus an opt-out provision and he chose to exercise it. Capus said in an email to staff members that “it is now time to head in a new direction,” although he hasn’t said what that might be.
“I have seldom described my role as presiding over NBC News,” Capus said. “Instead, I have viewed it as leading a collaborative effort to pursue journalistic excellence.”
A primary yardstick for network news’ success is the ratings for the flagship evening news program, and NBC’s broadcast with Williams has held on to the top spot. Capus has expanded NBC’s reach with specialty websites aimed at black and Latino audiences, and reached a deal to take over all responsibility for the main NBC news site, buying out Microsoft’s stake.
Capus also oversaw the MSNBC news division. MSNBC has become profitable through its decision to skew liberal in its commentary.
Tim Russert’s sudden death forced Capus to revamp the Sunday morning political talk show “Meet the Press,” where David Gregory has run hot and cold since taking over.
The profitable “Today” show has taken a hard fall in the past year and now runs a consistent second to ABC’s “Good Morning America.” NBC was widely criticized for mismanagement of Ann Curry’s dismissal as “Today” anchor last summer. Jim Bell, the show’s executive producer, stepped down last fall.
Fili-Krushel set out a new temporary management structure, increasing the authority of executives Alex Wallace and Antoine Sanfuentes, until she names a successor.
“NBC News is America’s leading source of television news and Steve has been a big part of that success,” Fili-Krushel said in a memo to staff members.
Business
NBC News president Steve Capus stepping down
- Business
-
-
Stocks mixed as investors reassess Fed worries
Investors recovered their poise by midday Thursday after an early sell-off sent stocks sharply lower.
-
Between economy and trouble, Obama approval steady
The economy is recovering, the White House is dealing with multiple controversies, and President Barack Obama appears generally unaffected either way.
-
Other companies challenging contraception mandate
Hobby Lobby Stores Inc. is challenging the part of the federal health care law that requires for-profit companies to offer employees health coverage that includes products the business owners find morally objectionable, such as certain types of contraception.
-
Stricken Japan nuke plant struggles to keep staff
Keeping the meltdown-stricken Fukushima nuclear plant in northeastern Japan in stable condition requires a cast of thousands. Increasingly the plant’s operator is struggling to find enough workers, a trend that many expect to worsen and hamper progress in the decades-long effort to safely decommission it.
-
Birth control coverage up for federal appeal
In the most prominent challenge of its kind, Hobby Lobby Stores Inc. is asking a federal appeals court Thursday for an exemption from part of the federal health care law that requires it to offer employees health coverage that includes access to the morning-after pill.
-
Ammonia leak at Kan. plant sends 7 to hospital
Seven people have been released from an Emporia hospital after an ammonia leak at the city’s Tyson Foods plant.
-
Markets roiled by Nikkei’s 7.3 percent slide
Financial markets around the world were roiled Thursday after Japanese stocks suffered their biggest slide since the country was hit by a devastating tsunami more than two years ago.
-
BP donates $500K to Moore tornado relief effort
Oil company BP is donating $500,000 to the tornado relief effort in Moore.
-
First Look: New Xbox elegant, but much unknown
Will gamers want One?
-
Median CEO pay rises to $9.7 million in 2012
CEO pay has been going in one direction for the past three years: up.
- More Business Headlines
-
Obama Offers Drone Strike Defense
Raw: Heckler Interrupts Obama on Guantanamo
A Slice of Apple History Up for Grabs
Johnson: Don't Blame Islam or UK Policy
Raw: 80-Year-Old Climbs Mount Everest
Wash. State Man Arrested Following Ricin Scare
Chain-Reaction School Bus Crash Injures About 50
Raw: Scuffles in London After Hacking Death
Texas Students Coach Teachers on Fitness
New Forecasting Tool Eyed for Hurricane Season
Meet MJ, the Bike Riding Tabby Cat
Britain Attack Believed Linked to Radical Islam
Raw: Kevin Durant Tours Moore After $1M Pledge
Man Shot While Questioned in Boston Probe
Weiner Launches Bid to Become NYC Mayor
School Storm Protection Spotty in Tornado Zones
Moore Native Toby Keith Tours Tornado Damage
