NBC UNIVERSAL STARS LEAD “DAY IN THE DIRT” VOLUNTEER PROJECT

WHAT:

Central Park beautification project in celebration of NBCUniversal’s “Earth Week.” NBCUniversal stars join employee volunteers to paint and preserve park benches, in partnership with the Central Park Conservancy.

GREEN IS UNIVERSAL:

Launched in May 2007, “Green is Universal” is NBCUniversal’s ongoing green initiative dedicated to raising Green awareness, effecting positive change to the environment, and greening its own operations. Throughout the year, NBC Universal uses it numerous media and entertainment platforms to educate the public on the environment, with over 250 hours of green-themed content airing across over 50 NBCU brands.

WHO:

Lauren Zalaznick, Chairman, NBCUniversal Entertainment & Digital Networks and Integrated Media

Kelly Bensimon, The Real Housewives of New York City

Jill Zarin, The Real Housewives of New York City

Ramona Singer, The Real Housewives of New York City

Alex McCord, The Real Housewives of New York City

Simon van Kempen, The Real Housewives of New York City

Michael Gargiulo, NBC 4 New York

Lauren Scala, NBC 4 New York

WHEN:

Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at 10:00AM

WHERE:

Central Park

(Enter via pedestrian pathway north of 5th and 85th Avenue)

“ACCESS HOLLYWOOD” & “ACCESS HOLLYWOOD LIVE” TO BROADCAST FROM LONDON DURING WEEK OF ROYAL WEDDING

FROM APRIL 25th – APRIL 29th GET UNPRECEDENTED ACCESS INSIDE THE WEDDING EVENT OF THE CENTURY!

AccessHollywood.com To Provide Extended Footage, Interviews, Photo Galleries And Up-To-The-Minute Information On The Latest Happenings

ACCESS HOLLYWOOD -- Pictured: (l-r) Shaun Robinson, Billy Bush, Maria Menounos -- Photo by: Mitchell Haaseth/NBC

Burbank, CA, April 20, 2011 – “Access Hollywood” and daytime counterpart “Access Hollywood Live” are heading “across the pond” to broadcast both shows from London the week leading up the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, beginning Monday, April 25th through Friday, April 29th (syndicated, check local listings).

“Access Hollywood” anchor Billy Bush will bring viewers a flavor of Great Britain as he reports live from various locations in and around London including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Kensington Palace and Big Ben, alongside “Access Hollywood Live” co-host Kit Hoover.

From Fleet Street and the West End, to the nightlife, the hot spots, the style and the trends, “Access Hollywood,” “Access Hollywood Live” and AccessHollywood.com will have the most up-to-date Royal Wedding information with special reports from London correspondent Tim Vincent and exclusive information from royal insider Neil Sean.

“Access Hollywood Live’s” on-air coverage will begin on Monday, April 25th and run through Friday, April 29th. Throughout the week, Bush and Hoover will explore London’s rich culture and history. Each show will feature special segments including a tour of Kate’s London, where she shops, dines and has fun with her friends, a lesson in “the Queen’s English” from a British linguist, a pub crawl, high-tea with an English etiquette expert, fashion segments, hat demos, and special guests including Natasha Bedingfield.

Online, AccessHollywood.com will feature special extended video footage of on-air pieces, photo galleries, and will showcase behind the scenes coverage of “Access Hollywood” and “Access Hollywood Live” in London. On-location blogging by staff, talent and producers will provide a first-hand account of the real royal wedding experience.

“Access Hollywood” and “Access Hollywood Live” are produced by NBC Subsidiary (KNBC-TV), Inc. and distributed by NBCUniversal Television Distribution. Rob K. Silverstein is the Executive Producer. For the latest news visit www.accesshollywood.com.

###

About “Access Hollywood”:

Currently in its 15th
season in national syndication, “Access Hollywood” is an entertainment
newsmagazine that provides viewers with the latest showbiz news, in-depth
celebrity interviews, and behind-the-scenes accounts of the most important
events in Hollywood. The newsmagazine, which is broadcast in HD, continues
efforts to break new ground by giving viewers the inside stories they want to
see helping the show gain substantial growth in popularity and ratings.

The weekday half-hour edition of “Access Hollywood” is dedicated to providing comprehensive coverage of the most important entertainment stories of the day in a sophisticated, fun-to-watch style. From delivering exclusive breaking news and revealing discussions with the biggest stars in Hollywood to previews and access to the latest motion pictures, television and music projects, the daily edition provides one-stop shopping for viewers hungry for the latest in entertainment news and the hottest fashions. The expanded one-hour weekend edition of “Access Hollywood” allows for in-depth feature stories and theme shows, including annual previews of major award shows (the Oscars®, the Emmys®), the summer rock tours, the new fall television season, countdowns of top actors, top models, top movie blockbusters, greatest bands of all time and behind-the-scenes looks at hotspots in New York and Los Angeles, to name a few.

“Access Hollywood’s” website, AccessHollywood.com, is a reliable source for pop culture fans to find out the latest information on what’s really happening in entertainment news. In its fifth year since re-launching online, AccessHollywood.com has developed a proven track record for breaking news and delivering accurate and balanced reporting. Additionally, Access online expands upon the television show by offering more of the great video footage that is shot every day and night — in Hollywood, NYC and beyond.

About “Access Hollywood Live”:

A new spin-off of the hit entertainment newsmagazine, “Access Hollywood,” “Access Hollywood Live,” debuted in September 2010, and was recently featured in Entertainment Weekly’s coveted ‘Must List’ as the magazine called hosts Billy Bush and Kit Hoover a “refreshingly hilarious duo.” The daily show, broadcast live in HD, premiered on September 13, 2010 in select markets (syndicated, check local listings).

“Access Hollywood Live” focuses on the latest celebrity dish, pop-culture, opinions, Hollywood happenings and all the day’s big news. It features in-studio celebrity guests, and a cast of regular contributors to keep viewers up-to-date with female-friendly segments on the most current styles, fashion, design trends and more.

LISTINGS FOR ACCESS HOLLYWOOD LIVE – APRIL 18 – April 22, 2011

LISTINGS FOR ‘ACCESS HOLLYWOOD LIVE’

Monday, April 18th guests include Jenny McCarthy, Josh Hopkins (“Couger Town”), Nico Evers Swindell &

Camilla Luddington (Lifetime’s “William and Kate”) and a surprise guest from “Celebrity

Apprentice”

Tuesday, April 19th guests include Hines Ward & Kym Johnson, Lynda Carter, Gail

O’Grady

Wednesday, April 20th guests include Jennie Garth, Jason Priestley, Sara

Rue, Trudie Styler

Thursday, April 21st guests include Pia Toscano, Meatloaf, Shane West

Friday, April 22nd guests include Barbara Eden, Maria Menounos, Lisa

Edelstein

These listings are subject

to change. For the latest information, please visit www.accesshollywoodlive.com.

About “Access Hollywood Live”:

A new spin-off of the hit

entertainment newsmagazine, “Access Hollywood,” “Access Hollywood

Live,” debuted in September 2010, and was recently featured in

Entertainment Weekly’s coveted ‘Must List’ as the magazine called hosts Billy

Bush and Kit Hoover a “refreshingly hilarious duo.” The daily show,

broadcast live in HD, premiered on September 13, 2010 in select markets

(syndicated, check local listings).

“Access Hollywood Live”

focuses on the latest celebrity dish, pop-culture, opinions, Hollywood

happenings and all the day’s big news. It features in-studio celebrity guests,

and a cast of regular contributors to keep viewers up-to-date with

female-friendly segments on the most current styles, fashion, design trends and

more.

“Access

Hollywood Live” is distributed by NBC Universal Domestic Television

Distribution. Rob K. Silverstein is the executive producer.

“EARTH WEEK” GROWS GREENER WITH EVEN MORE ECO-THEMED CONTENT ACROSS THE NEWLY EXPANDED NBCUNIVERSAL PORTFOLIO

Green is Universal Kicks Off Its Annual “Earth Week” April 17^th-24^th, Focusing On The Theme of Reuse

New York, NY – April 13, 2011 – “Green is Universal” will kick off its most robust “Earth Week” ever April 17–24, marking the first company-wide environmentally themed week since the Comcast merger. More than 45 different brands across NBCUniversal’s broad portfolio will feature 100 plus hours of environmentally themed content throughout the week—both online and on-air. Rallying around the theme of “reuse,” NBCUniversal brands will highlight greener lifestyle habits for consumers, and provide them with some of today’s most pressing environmental news.

“According to our new research[1], an overwhelming 93% of consumers say they have a personal responsibility to take care of the environment,” said Beth Colleton, Vice President, Green is Universal. “Earth Week is prime opportunity to tap the power of NBCUniversal’s newly expanded portfolio to keep consumers informed on this important subject and highlight ways to live a more a eco-friendly lifestyle.”

Following are highlights of some original programming and Earth Week events for the week:

Note: Several NBCUniversal brands, including NBC, USA, Syfy, and Bravo, will be offering viewers custom “Earth Week” stickers from GetGlue for checking-in to particular green-themed shows during the week.

Oxygen: Tori and Dean plan a shabby chic wedding on “STORIbook Weddings.” Using old chairs and couches as seating for the guests and mason jars as candleholders to line the aisle, the couple demonstrates the real meaning of reuse.

Sprout will feature daily eco-friendly crafts, games and activities designed for preschoolers and parents to do together on “The Sunny Side Up Show.” On Earth Day, special guest and winner of Bravo’s Top Chef, Richard Blais, will join hosts Sean and Chica the Chicken on the show’s 1000^th episode to create a preschool friendly dish and recycled craft. Sprout will also air back-to-back episodes of “dirtgirlworld,” the first green living series for preschoolers.

The Style Network will showcase all things eco, by wrapping their signature Style Nightcap with environmentally themed tips, as well as interstitials featuring ideas on how to repurpose everything from old clothing to food storage bags. Style will also run a 3-hour “Style-A-Thon” of its makeover series “How Do I Look?,” as well as on-air marathons of “Clean House” and “Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?”– featuring even more green content.

E! Entertainment will showcase green celebrities on “E! News,” including interviews with Pharell about his eco-friendly product line, and Ludacris on the “Change Your Oil! Change The World” campaign. The network will also incorporate green themes on its hit shows, including “Chelsea Lately,” “The Soup” and “Fashion Police.”

TODAY: Hosts Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford will feature items from the “Art of Reuse” contest, which was launched in partnership by Green is Universal and Etsy. Kotb and Gifford are both are judges for this contest. Consumers were asked to submit handcrafted items made of purely recycled and repurposed materials. The two will also take part in an interactive game with audience members called “Earth Week/Who Knew?” Other green-themed content to air throughout the week includes: a profile on a family who produces zero-waste and a segment called “Test Your Green/Earth IQ” with Julie Bain from Ladies’ Home Journal.

CNBC will premiere the documentary, “Fuel,” that takes a look at the history of energy in America. Viewers can also learn more about the business of green throughout the week on “Fast Money,” “Mad Money” and “The Suze Orman Show.”

MSNBC: Throughout the week, NBC News Environment and Science Expert Jeff Corwin will cover the one-year anniversary of the Gulf oil spill. Additionally, “Your Business” will focus on an environmentally friendly small business.

Nightly News: On the first anniversary of the recent oil disaster, Brian Williams will look at the lingering impact on the region and its residents and where recovery efforts now stand. NBC News’ Chief Environmental Affairs correspondent, Anne Thompson will also report on the environmental health of the Gulf and look at the state of its tourist industry. Additionally, Brian Williams will interview Ted Danson on his new book “Oceana,” to help raise awareness around ocean protection and preservation.

The Weather Channel will air a special town hall event moderated by NBC News Special Correspondent Tom Brokaw at Yale University, entitled “Changing Planet,” one in a series of three events intended to encourage student learning and dialogue about climate science. Online, The Weather Channel will feature green content relating to lifestyle interests, travel, outdoors, health and home & garden.

Comcast Sports Group regional networks will air local vignettes showcasing the various environmental efforts of players, teams and leagues, such as a feature on Lincoln Financial Field, home of the Philadelphia Eagles and the first major sports stadium to convert to renewable energy.

Golf Channel: Morning Drive and Golf Central will cover environmental trends in the industry through interviews with eco-minded golf course leaders that will run daily, both on air and online.

G4: On “Attack of the Show” (ATOS), “Green Pron” will spotlight eco-friendly gadgets and technology, including solar backpacks, energy measurement tools, water-powered devices and even human-powered chargers. In addition, AOTS will showcase the new Japanese car that can travel 206 miles on a single charge, and a Green Map iPhone app that connects people to the ‘Green Movement. “X-Play” will highlight and recommend eco-friendly games available at GamesforChange.org, as well as list five simple ways that any gamer can be more environmentally conscious with the “X-List: Top 5 Ways to Game Green.”

VERSUS will air spots throughout the week, during the network’s outdoor programming, that will feature environmental and conservation-related issues from the perspective of outdoor enthusiasts.

DailyCandy will feature green deals in their daily newsletter throughout the week, along with a green-themed edition of its new online shopping guide, “The Round Up.”

Fandango will be highlighting movies that feature environmental themes, and celebrities who are known for their green practices

iVillage will offer recommendations on all things green, including “Stuff We Love: Green Finds,” “25 Stores That Will Keep You Eco-Friendly and Stylish” and “Easy Eco-Friendly Changes That Can Make You Happier.”

Telemundo will air daily green reports in Levántate on food, fashion, children and construction. All Telemundo stations, including NY, LA, Dallas, Miami, Chicago and Las Vegas, will feature green stories in evening newscasts throughout the week.

Universal Picture’s current box office hit “Hop” implemented sustainable production practices while making the live action and animated family feature. The entire cast and crew worked together to compost and recycle on location, preventing 34 tons of material (85% of location set waste) from ending up in a landfill.

Access Hollywood and Access Hollywood Live will air green segments on celebrity, lifestyle and beauty, as well as a special earth-themed weekend show featuring eco-conscious celebrities.

NBCUniversal’s Emmy-Award winning “The More You Know” public service campaign will launch new public service messages this week. Talent including Alec Baldwin, Brian Williams, Andy Cohen, Maria Bartiromo and Matt Bomer will play a significant role in encouraging viewers to adopt greener habits. Click here to watch.

NBCUniversal employees will also participate in a number of environmental community service activities, such as park beautification projects and tree plantings, in more than 15 cities including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Philadelphia and London. Employees will also be encouraged to participate in weeklong electronics and clothing drives at many of these NBCUniversal locations.

Click here to see the full slate of “EW” programming.

About Green is Universal:
Launched in May 2007, “Green is Universal” is NBCUniversal’s ongoing green initiative dedicated to raising Green awareness, effecting positive change to the environment, and greening its own operations. Throughout the year, NBC Universal uses it numerous media and entertainment platforms to educate the public on the environment, with over 250 hours of green-themed content airing across over 50 NBCU brands.

ACCESS HOLLYWOOD’S ROYAL WEDDING BOOK TAKES FANS INSIDE GLAMOUR EVENT OF A LIFETIME

BURBANK, CA, April 4, 2011 – It’s without question the glamour event of a lifetime, and
the syndicated entertainment newsmagazine, Access Hollywood, is giving fans
a seat in the front pew at the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate
Middleton. All the excitement, splendor, star power, romance, and style of a
global media frenzy explodes to life in Access Hollywood Presents: The
Royal Wedding, the 144-page commemorative book, published in
collaboration with Rylin Media, that will allow fans to relive the wedding of
the century for centuries to come. Access Hollywood Presents: The Royal
Wedding is licensed through NBCUniversal Television Consumer Products.

Only hours
after the carriage carries off the most famous bride and groom in the world,
finishing touches will be made to Access Hollywood Presents: The Royal
Wedding, a comprehensive and elegant book produced on the enchanting
affair taking place on April 29. It will be printed just hours after the vows
and available in stores throughout the U.S. beginning on Monday, May 2. Pre-sales began April 1. Visit AccessHollywood.com to learn more about
how to purchase the book. Major retailers will carry the book including
Barnes & Noble, Target, Wal-Mart, Costco and Walgreen’s, and the book will
have prominent distribution and promotion in more than 300 stores in all major
U.S. airports.

The book will leverage
the full force of Access Hollywood’s team of experts who will be on the
scene and will have access in and around London the entire week preparing for
the wedding. It will feature pages of beautiful full color photographs printed
on high quality paper, setting it apart from the competition. Simply put, Access
Hollywood Presents: The Royal Wedding will be the next best thing to
being there for fans.

• Among other special
  features, the book includes:
• Stunning
  images inside and outside of Westminster Abbey
• Details
  on the ring
• The
  gorgeous gown
• Celebrity
  guests and stars
• Wedding
  cakes
• Royal
  vows
• Royal
  Wedding Party
• Fashion
  - who wore what
• After
  parties
• History
  of William and Kate’s romance

“The royal wedding will be watched by audiences
worldwide and Access Hollywood will be on the ground in London to catch all the action and all the
memorable moments featured in this one-of-a-kind book,” said Rob K.
Silverstein, Access Hollywood Executive Producer.

“We
have never seen anything like the anticipation for the royal wedding between
Prince William and Kate Middleton. It’s like taking the Oscars and Super Bowl,
multiplying it by 100, and packaging it inside the most suspenseful, romantic
and glamorous TV show that’s ever been broadcast in front of the eyes of the
world. It’s an honor to produce this this book with Access Hollywood,
and if fans want the ultimate keepsake and memory of these royal vows, we’re
going to give it to them,” said Tom Zenner, Rylin Media Editor in Chief.

NBC UNIVERSAL REVEALS RESULTS OF ITS ANNUAL “STAND-UP FOR DIVERSITY” COMIC SEARCH AS COMEDIAN SHENG WANG WINS TALENT DEAL WITH NBC UNIVERSAL

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. – January 12, 2011 – Comedian Sheng Wang captured the top honors at NBC Universal’s seventh-annual “Stand-Up for Diversity” comedy search held recently at The Comedy Store in West Hollywood, Calif. Hosted by comedian/actor Russell Peters, the event concluded a three-city search for the nation’s funniest diverse comics.

As a result, Wang was signed to a one-year talent holding deal with NBC Universal.

“We were impressed by all of the talented and promising new voices who auditioned for our showcase this year,” said Grace Wu, Executive Vice-President, Casting, NBC Universal.

“We selected our winner, Sheng Wang, because of his smart, insightful writing and his hilarious stand up performance. He is well deserving of this talent deal and we welcome him to the NBC Universal family.”

Chosen finalists received the honor of joining the touring company of the NBC’s “Stand-Up for Diversity College Tour.” This year’s finalists included Phoebe Robinson, Thomas Dale, Mike Britt, Ron Funches, Samuel J. Comroe, JJ Williamson, Amir K, Tony Baker and Wang.

In partnership with the National Association for Campus Activities (N.A.C.A.), the tour is expected to perform at more than 50 college campuses nationwide. Additionally, select finalists will be featured in February at the N.A.C.A convention in Boston, Massachusetts.

Wang is a “Taiwanese Texan” who developed and honed his comedy in the thriving standup community of the San Francisco Bay Area. He performs jokes based on personal experiences and addresses common nonsense with honesty and logic. His affable stage presence, combined with a healthy penchant for absurdity and self-deprecation, make his act universally accessible and hilarious.

Wang has toured with the Comedians of Comedy and American Eagle’s “Campus Comedy Challenge.” He also has appeared on Comedy Central’s “Live at Gotham” and attended the “Just for Laughs” comedy festival in Montreal. His half-hour “Comedy Central Presents” will air later this year. Wang currently resides in New York City.

In response to NBC Universal’s tremendous success in 2009 with the “Stand-Up for Diversity” open calls and showcases, this year’s hunt for the funniest comics of diverse backgrounds included such cities as Los Angeles, San Antonio and San Francisco.

The talent search was overseen by Kendra Carter, Director, NBC Talent Diversity Initiatives. All comedians were evaluated on the originality of their material, delivery, cast-worthiness and overall performance. The nine finalists were selected from a pool of over 50 semi-finalists.

WATCH “THE REAL HOUSEWIVES” DRAMA UNFOLD FROM THE VERY BEGINNING IN NATIONAL SYNDICATION ON SEPTEMBER 13

“The Real Housewives of Orange County” Will Kick Off The Season Airing Five-Days-A-Week On Local Broadcast Stations

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. – September 9, 2010 –The breakout hit franchise “The Real Housewives” of Orange County, New York and Atlanta are coming to daytime airing five-days-a-week, starting Monday, September 13.

The nationally syndicated run will kick off with “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” seasons one through five, airing consecutively. Following the OC, catch all the drama and jaw-dropping moments from the very beginning of “The Real Housewives of New York” and “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” (* Please see below for local station information)

Bravo’s “The Real Housewives” is an up-close and personal look at the lives of elite, ambitious women as they balance motherhood, demanding careers and a fast-paced social calendar in the most exclusive areas of Orange County, New York City, and Atlanta. Botox injections and mansions can’t keep reality from intruding for too long. The ladies strive to live the good life, but in reality, the perfect lives of contemporary women juggling family, friends, and careers aren’t always as fabulous as it seems.

According to Nielsen Media research data, season 5 of “The Real Housewives of Orange County” increased 235% in Women 18-49 since its spring 2006 debut on Bravo. Season 2 of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” won the Thursday 10-11 p.m. time period against all cable programs in Adults and Women 18-49 averaging 1.542 million Women 18-49 per telecast making it the #1 primetime series among all cable networks. And the recently completed season 3 of “The Real Housewives of NYC” has grown every season to new series highs since its spring 2008 premiere.

As previously announced, NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution has sold “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” “The Real Housewives of New York” and “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” in more than 98% of the U.S. for its off-network syndication debut.

CREED BRATTON – STAR OF NBC’S “THE OFFICE” – GUEST-STARS IN EPISODE SEVEN OF NBC UNIVERSAL DIGITAL STUDIOS SERIES “IN GAYLE WE TRUST”

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. – August 12, 2010 – Creed Bratton from NBC’s “The Office” (Thursdays, 9-9:30 p.m. ET) makes a special appearance in this week’s episode of NBC Universal Digital Studios series “In Gayle We Trust” available at and clips and interviews are available at nbc.epk.tv.

Now in it’s second season, “In Gayle We Trust” is produced by NBC Universal Digital Studio  in association with Mindshare Entertainment.  It is part of the ongoing American Family Insurances’ larger multifaceted marketing campaign that integrates entertainment and education to engage consumers with the brand, its products and its agents which are uniquely suited to help families protect the things they love.

In addition to original episodic programming across all genres, the NBC Universal Digital Studio creates deep interactive experiences that drive high levels of engagement with audiences and presenting brands. The studio offers advertisers full service-solutions with access to top writers, producers and talent, high-quality production expertise, consumer insights, measurements and analytics and scale to reach their target audiences.

NBC UNIVERSAL KICKS OFF 2010 SEARCH FOR THE NATION’S FUNNIEST COMICS IN NEW YORK CITY

KEN JEONG (NBC’S ‘COMMUNITY’) IS NAMED SPOKESPERSON OF NBC’S SEVENTH-ANNUAL ‘STAND-UP FOR DIVERSITY’ COMIC SEARCH

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. — June 17, 2010 – NBC Universal’s (NBCU) Kendra Carter, Director of Talent Diversity Initiatives, announced today that acclaimed actor-comedian Ken Jeong (NBC’s “Community,” “The Hangover”) will be the spokesperson for NBCU’s 2010 “Stand-up for Diversity” comic search and will be the host of the event’s finale showcase.

The national search seeks to find the funniest comics of diverse backgrounds and will be holding open calls in three major U.S. markets. The most-promising diverse stand-up comedians will be awarded a talent holding deal with NBCU, along with other opportunities to be announced later this year.

“I’m honored to be a part of ‘Stand-Up for Diversity,’” said Jeong. “I’m excited that NBC Universal is making huge strides to further their diversity efforts.”

The highly anticipated talent search begins in New York City on June 28 — followed by auditions in San Antonio on August 1 and San Francisco on September 13. The search will culminate in Los Angeles with a final industry showcase in early December. The promising showcase will present the entire industry with a first look at the nation’s freshest comedic talent as selected by NBCU.

“NBCU is excited to enter its seventh year of ‘Stand-up for Diversity,’” said Carter. “Through this initiative, comedians have been able to launch new career milestones. Since the inception of the program, many participating comics have gone on to sign with top Hollywood managers, agents, and met with leading casting executives. Top ‘Stand-up for Diversity’ finalists also had the opportunity to perform at the National Association of Campus Activities (NACA) and have booked hundreds of college appearances through NBCU’s established partnership with NACA.”

“Being a finalist of NBC’s ‘Stand-up for Diversity,’ definitely opened many doors and presented me with opportunities,” said, Ian Edwards, the top finalist of the event’s 2004 launch. Since being named a top finalist of the first-ever NBC diversity showcase, Edwards has made appearances on “Late Night with Conan O’Brian,” “Bad Boys of Comedy,” “Live @ Gotham,” written for the “Boondocks,” Comedy Central’s “Chocolate News,” and also was a cast member on “PUNK’D.”

This year’s “Stand-up for Diversity” tour kicks off in New York City on June 28 with an open call at Comix Comedy Club — located at 353 West 14th Street — where auditions will begin promptly at 10 a.m. The first 100 comedians will have the opportunity to perform a one-minute stand-up set. Based upon performance, a select group of semi-finalists will have a chance to perform live at the NBCU showcase the following evening where industry executives are invited to attend.

The process will repeat itself in each city and the audience response will be a factor in determining which comic (or comics) will be selected for the “Best of Stand-up for Diversity” finale in Los Angeles.

Open calls and showcases will be held at the following locations:

NEW YORK CITY

Comix Comedy Club

Auditions: Monday, June 28 (10 a.m.-1 p.m.)

Showcase: Tuesday, June 29 (8 p.m.)

SAN ANTONIO

Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club

Auditions: Sunday, August 1 (10 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Rivercenter Comedy Club

Showcase: Monday, August 2 (8 p.m.)

SAN FRANCISCO

The Punchline

Auditions: Monday, September 13 (10 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Showcase: Tuesday, September 14 (8 p.m.)

Prospective participants and audiences can check for details online at www.standupnbc.com or www.diversecitynbc.com.

(Those interested in sponsorships can contact Claudia Nelson-Woodard at 973/313-0399 or Claudia@woodardmedia.com).

NBC UNIVERSAL ANNOUNCES TWO EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS IN CABLE ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS AFFAIRS

Lauren McCollester Promoted to Senior Vice President, NBC Universal Cable Entertainment Business Affairs
Jeeun Kim Named Vice President, NBC Universal Cable Entertainment Business Affairs

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. – October 21, 2009 – NBC Universal announced two key executive appointments as Lauren McCollester is promoted to Senior Vice President, NBC Universal Cable Entertainment Business Affairs, while Jeeun Kim has been named Vice President, NBC Universal Cable Entertainment Business Affairs as she arrives from her previous position at NBC Entertainment Business Affairs.

The announcements were made by Beth Roberts, Executive Vice President, NBC Universal Cable Entertainment and Universal Cable Productions Business Affairs, to whom both executives report.

“Lauren has been a valuable asset to NBC Universal and Cable Business Affairs for several years through her hard work and savvy negotiating skills,” said Roberts. “She truly deserves this promotion and this advancement will further enhance her ability to contribute in the future.”

Roberts continued: “Jeeun comes to the cable side from our broadcast network’s business affairs department, where she has demonstrated great initiative and versatility. She has an outstanding record of performance and a solid reputation here at NBCU, and we look forward to having her as part of our Cable Business Affairs team.”

McCollester will continue to be responsible for negotiations for all of NBCU’s cable entertainment networks, including USA, Syfy, Bravo and Oxygen , but will focus primarily on negotiations and strategy for Bravo and Oxygen.

Kim’s new responsibilities include servicing all Cable Entertainment Networks and Universal Cable Productions.

McCollester has been with the Business Affairs department since October 2004. She first joined NBC in February 2000 as Interactive Media Counsel in the NBC Law Department. In 2003, after the acquisition of Bravo, McCollester began working with NBC’s Program and Talent Contracts Department in addition to continuing with her interactive media responsibilities. She was promoted to Director in NBCU’s Television Business Affairs group in 2004, and was promoted to Vice President in 2006. In early 2007, the cable and broadcast business affairs groups were created and McCollester remained with the cable group.

Since then, McCollester has handled negotiations for USA, Syfy, Bravo and Oxygen. Recently, McCollester was elected to an additional new role as Brand Focus leader for Bravo, Oxygen and women@NBCU. In that new role, she will be responsible for, among other things, establishing business affairs policies and collaborating with the leaders of those business units to understand their goals and execute their strategies.

McCollester graduated Colgate University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and later received her J.D. degree from the College of William and Mary. She lives in New York City with her husband and two sons.

Kim comes to the cable side of NBCU from NBC Network Business Affairs, where she worked as a Vice President for Rick Olshansky, Executive Vice President, NBC Universal Network & Studio Business Affairs, since September 2007.

Prior to this role, she served in NBCU’s Television Legal Affairs group since January 2002. Kim also worked at Latham & Watkins as an associate in the Corporate Department.

Kim has a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from the University of California at Berkeley, and a J.D. degree from Columbia University in New York.

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