Ex-NPR Chief Lands At NBC, Chief Digital Officer
- by Gavin O'Malley @mp_gavin, June 2, 2011
NBC News on Thursday named Vivian Schiller as chief digital officer. News of the appointment comes about three months after Schiller resigned as CEO of NPR following several high-profile controversies.
Expected to begin by mid-July, Schiller will lead digital strategy for both NBC News and MSNBC.
In this newly created role, Schiller's responsibilities include oversight of the network's digital extensions online and in mobile, and interaction with the Joint Venture that oversees the msnbc.com digital network. She will also offer direction to the network's newest properties, including EducationNation.com and theGrio.com.
Schiller will report directly to NBC News president Steve Capus, who said the appointment comes at a critical time for the network's digital strategy.
"Bringing Vivian on board enhances this network's mission of growth and the evolution of its digital businesses and strategy," Capus said on Thursday.
Still taking shape under Comcast's umbrella, NBC Universal has recently undergone a series of executives changes.
In March, Nicholas Lehman was named president of digital of E&DN/IM, where he is now overseeing the pure-play digital businesses within the division's portfolio, including iVillage, DailyCandy, Swirl and Fandango. Lehman is also working closely with the leaders of each of the TV network's online platforms, including the sites for Telemundo, Bravo Media, Oxygen Media, Style and mun2.
More recently, NBCU promoted both Cameron Blanchard and Tony Cardinale to the position of executive vice president of NBCUniversal Entertainment & Digital Networks and Integrated Media. In addition, Margaret Lazo was appointed executive vice president for the new division.
Prior to NPR, where she led worldwide media operations, Schiller served at The New York Times Company as SVP and general manager of NYTimes.com.
Earlier in her career, Schiller also served as the head of CNN Productions, where she led CNN's long-form programming efforts, including documentaries and series.
