Zucker to step down from NBC, CNN chief replaced

NBC Universal chief executive Jeff Zucker announced Friday he will step down after the merger with Comcast is complete.

The FCC has not yet approved Comcast's acquisition of a majority stake in NBC Universal but is expected to do so later this year despite objections from competing firms and advocacy groups, who fear the new entity would have unprecedented influence over the delivery and creation of media content.

"Jeff Zucker has devoted his entire professional life to NBC, and he has led the company with integrity and purpose. The success of NBC Universal puts us in a wonderful position as we plan for our joint venture with GE. We wish Jeff well in his future endeavors,” said Comcast chief executive Brian Roberts.

Zucker joined NBC shortly after graduating from Harvard with a B.A. in American history in 1986. He spent almost eight years as the executive producer of the "Today" show, which became the most profitable show on television under his leadership.

In an e-mail to staff he said leaving has "not been an easy or simple decision."

"Comcast will be a great new steward, just as GE (General Electric) has been, and they deserve the chance to implement their own vision," Zucker said. "I am proud that they will inherit a company in very good shape, with almost every one of our divisions enjoying their best year ever."

In another shakeup at the top of a media company on Friday, Time Warner announced the replacement of Jon Klein as head of CNN's U.S. division with Ken Lautz, who runs the sister channel HLN. Klein led CNN for six years but lost ground in the ratings against more opinion-centered content from Fox News and MSNBC.