CBS' Nancy Tellem Named Senior Advisor to Moonves

New position will see CBS Network Television Entertainment Group chief step back from day-to-day operations and pursue new domestic and global business opportunities

By B&C Staff -- Broadcasting & Cable, 12/17/2009 2:55:56 PM

Podcast: Hear CBS' Nancy Tellem discuss free streaming and future of the broadcast TV model

In a role change that has been expected since it was first reported in October, CBS veteran Nancy Tellem has been named senior advisor to CBS Corp. CEO Leslie Moonves, a new position that will see her transition from day-to-day oversight of the CBS Network Television Entertainment Group to focus on new domestic and global business opportunities.

In addition to forging content partnerships, Tellem will explore new production models, technologies and emerging media, while continuing to oversee The CW, a joint venture between CBS and Warner Bros. CBS Entertainment President Nina Tassler and CBS Television Studios President David Stapf will continue to oversee network and production operations.

"This is a new role in a fast-changing landscape for a very gifted executive," said Moonves Dec. 17 in a statement.  "Nancy has been my friend, colleague and trusted advisor for more than 20 years.  She has been instrumental in the growth and success of CBS's television business, helping to lead our network entertainment and television studio operations to great heights.  She has been looking for a new challenge and is very passionate about this transformative time in our business."

"Leslie has been an extraordinary boss, mentor and friend," said Tellem in a statement.  "I share his belief that great content companies such as CBS are well-positioned to capitalize on the developing business models and emerging technologies that will be part of the new television landscape. The timing for this transition couldn't be better."

Tellem joined CBS in 1997 as executive VP of business affairs for CBS Entertainment and soon became entertainment president, developing such CBS mainstays as Survivor, CSI and The Amazing Race.