Licata Rejoins Greenblatt at NBC Entertainment as EVP, Communications

After heading Showtime turnaround, jumps to NBC to lead media relations

By Lindsay Rubino -- Broadcasting & Cable, 7/26/2011 5:31:03 PM

As has been rumored for months, NBC Entertainment named Richard Licata to the newly created position of executive vice president, communications, Robert Greenblatt, chairman, NBC Entertainment announced Tuesday.

Reporting directly to Greenblatt, Licata will oversee the strategic creative development of programming and media relations initiatives, program publicity, talent relations, photography, events and awards campaigns while working closely with Rebecca Marks, EVP, press and publicity. He will also serve as the company's chief press officer, where he will manage press relations relating to industry issues and public affairs.

Licata joins NBC from Showtime Networks Inc. where he spearheaded its publicity and corporate communications campaigns in an effort to transform the network's image. He was involved in the launching of Showtime's original programming including Nurse Jackie, Weeds, Dexter, upcoming Homeland and others during Greenblatt's tenure at the network.

"After having worked closely with Rich twice before at networks that were in challenging transitions, I'm so pleased he will be joining NBC as we look to set a new course for this company," said Greenblatt. "I don't believe we could have orchestrated the dramatic turnaround at Showtime without him, and I know he has the skills, the showmanship, and the passion to oversee the kind of strong and multi-faceted press and public relations campaigns needed at NBC and UMS at this moment in time."