• by Karlene Lukovitz  @KLmarketdaily, October 14, 2020

Meredith Ahr is out as president of NBC Entertainment’s Alternative and Reality Group.

Ahr had been in that role since 2018, overseeing all unscripted programming, first-run syndication and the Universal Television Alternative Studio. Previously, she had overseen the launch of that studio, as its president. She first joined NBC in 2001 in New York, as a page.

Ahr’s departure comes two months after the exit of her former boss, NBC Entertainment chief Paul Telegdy.

The exits followed an investigation by NBC into claims that both executives fostered a “toxic culture” at the network. The probe was spurred by a report by TheHollywood Reporter containing allegations of homophobic, misogynistic and racist behavior within the reality division in particular.

“That inquiry was separate from a broader culture assessment ordered by NBCUniversal streaming and TV chairman Mark Lazarus, which has also concluded,” notes THR. “It's unclear what that inquiry might have revealed; the next step will be to brief the new leadership of the company's television operations.”

NBCU is in the process of a restructuring that has already seen  Lifestyle Networks President Frances Berwick promoted to the top business position overseeing NBC, USA, Syfy and other networks, and former Warner Bros. co-president Susan Rovner promoted to head NBCU’s entertainment programming.