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NBC Goes International in Search for News President

Apr 25, 2013  •  Post A Comment

NBC is expanding its search for a news division president. Writing in the Los Angeles Times, Joe Flint reports that the company is looking across the pond toward Deborah Turness, the news editor for the U.K.’s ITV Network.

"People close to the search said NBC News Chairman Pat Fili-Krushel is intrigued by Turness," Flint writes.

Another executive said to have held talks with NBC is Jon Banner, the former senior executive producer of ABC’s "World News Tonight," who currently works at PepsiCo in strategy and planning. Also being mentioned is CBS News President David Rhodes, although he’s under contract and not considered available, the story says.

"A rising media star in Britain, Turness in 2004 became the first female editor of an English news division — which is akin to news president in the U.S. — when she assumed the top position at ITV News. Before that she held several posts there, in England, Paris and Washington," Flint writes.

"Turness is credited with keeping ITV News competitive against much bigger rivals, including the BBC," he notes. "Turness has also become something of a celebrity herself in London media circles. In 2011, she was the only journalist who attended the 2011 state banquet held for President Obama at Buckingham Palace."

The position of NBC News president has been vacant since Steve Capus left the job last month.

deborah-turness.jpgDeborah Turness

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