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NBCUniversal CEO Shell departs over ‘inappropriate conduct’
Read full article: NBCUniversal CEO Shell departs over ‘inappropriate conduct’Jeff Shell, the chief executive of NBCUniversal, is departing the company after an investigation into inappropriate conduct, parent company Comcast announced Sunday.
Broadcasters urged to cancel plans to cover Beijing Olympics
Read full article: Broadcasters urged to cancel plans to cover Beijing OlympicsSome of the world's largest broadcasters including American network NBC are being asked by human rights groups to cancel plans to cover the upcoming Winter Olympics in Beijing.
Universal theme park revenue down 80% as pandemic continues
Read full article: Universal theme park revenue down 80% as pandemic continuesORLANDO, Fla. – In a quarterly earnings call, the CEO of Comcast called Universal’s theme parks the “single biggest drag” of the quarter. “While it will take some time for the parks to return to historical levels, we’ve made substantial progress,” CEO Brian Roberts said. “Universal Orlando and Osaka are operating at limited but growing attendance. I am very excited for next year’s launch of our frankly incredible new theme park in Beijing.”Comcast reported that Universal’s theme parks brought in $311 million during the third quarter, which runs from July through September. Dr. Duncan Dickson, a retired professor at UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management, sees the upcoming hurdles for Universal Orlando.
Top NBC exec Ron Meyer leaving after settlement with woman
Read full article: Top NBC exec Ron Meyer leaving after settlement with womanNEW YORK NBCUniversal Vice Chairman Ron Meyer, a Hollywood power player, is leaving the entertainment company after revealing he received threats of extortion following a settlement with a woman with whom he had an affair. Jeff Shell, CEO of NBCUniversal, said in a statement Tuesday that Meyer acted in a manner which we believe is not consistent with our company policies or values." NBC declined to elaborate. He said other people, whom he also did not name, tried to extort him after they learned of the settlement. He co-founded Creative Artists Agency, a top Hollywood talent agency, in 1975.
AMC, Universal agree to shrink theatrical window to 17 days
Read full article: AMC, Universal agree to shrink theatrical window to 17 daysNEW YORK In a sign of how the pandemic is remaking Hollywood traditions, AMC Theatres and Universal Studios on Tuesday announced an agreement to shorten the exclusive theatrical window to just 17 days for the studio's films. The standard window of theatrical exclusivity typically runs about 90 days. The shortened window only applies to premium video-on-demand which often means digital rentals of $20 not standard on-demand or other home platforms. The deal repairs a rift between AMC, the world's largest theater chain, and Universal, which is owned by Comcast Corp. The theatrical experience continues to be the cornerstone of our business," said Donna Langley, chairman of Universal Filmed Entertainment Group.