Wayward NBC Executive Ben Silverman Finally Ousted

In a considerable shakeup that surprised pretty much no one, Ben Silverman was replaced yesterday as the chairman of NBC Universal TV Entertainment after a wayward tenure that began in 2007.

Silverman had become a favorite of the Hollywood press, which documented his cavalier attitude toward NBC’s fortunes and his legendary appetite for week-long partying. As Variety notes, though, he arrived as head of NBC while it placed fourth among the major broadcast networks and leaves it in the same position, though he does leave a legacy of some innovative deals, like the partnership with DirecTV that led to the novel renewal of Friday Night Lights.

Silverman moves on to a producing partnership with the network; Jeff Gaspin, a rising star, will replace him. Gaspin has said the fall schedule will go ahead as planned.