• by Wayne Friedman , November 21, 2007

NBC's new cable network acquisition, Oxygen, will be tucked into the Bravo Media group, headed by Lauren Zalaznick, president of Bravo Media.

NBC's deal for the network, with a transaction value of $874 million, will be added into Bravo's media platforms, which include BravoTV.com, OutZoneTV.com and the recently acquired TelevisionWithoutPity.com.

TV analysts say the pairing with Bravo makes sense--versus USA Network and Sci Fi Channel--given Bravo's strong upscale women viewing audience, which is similar to the TV audiences at Oxygen.

Oxygen co-founder Lisa Gersh, president and COO of Oxygen Media, will remain at the network for the next three months before taking a new position at NBC Universal.

NBC says that under Zalaznick's watch, Bravo has had record ratings and critical acclaim, as well the highest-rated quarter in its history among adults 18-49 and total viewers. The net claims that Bravo continues to be the most affluent basic cable entertainment network.

Debby Beece, former president of programming and marketing for Oxygen, resigned on Friday.

NBC Universal expects to save about $35 million in 2008 in revenue and cost synergies.