Newly appointed Universal Studio Group head Pearlena Igbokwe outlined, in a Thursday memo to staff, her new leadership team amid NBCUniversal’s greater corporate restructure.
That includes Masami Yamamoto as president of business affairs and operations, Brad Melnick as CFO, Tracy St. Pierre as exec VP of communications and marketing, Bryan Mu as senior VP of content and cultural insights, Jodi Dicenzo as global head of human resources, and Marni Pedorella as general counsel. The move marks a promotion for St. Pierre and Dicenzo.
“I look forward to working with this newly formed leadership team, along with Dawn Olmstead and Jeff Wachtel, to further the collaborative Universal Studio Group strategy,” wrote Igbokwe.
“I understand that change seems to be a constant for all of us these days and I appreciate your patience and resilience through these challenging times. Now that this team is in place, we will be able to...
That includes Masami Yamamoto as president of business affairs and operations, Brad Melnick as CFO, Tracy St. Pierre as exec VP of communications and marketing, Bryan Mu as senior VP of content and cultural insights, Jodi Dicenzo as global head of human resources, and Marni Pedorella as general counsel. The move marks a promotion for St. Pierre and Dicenzo.
“I look forward to working with this newly formed leadership team, along with Dawn Olmstead and Jeff Wachtel, to further the collaborative Universal Studio Group strategy,” wrote Igbokwe.
“I understand that change seems to be a constant for all of us these days and I appreciate your patience and resilience through these challenging times. Now that this team is in place, we will be able to...
- 9/17/2020
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
The leadership team for Universal Studio Group, which now comprises Universal Television, Ucp and NBCUniversal International Studios, has been set.
Pearlena Igbokwe, who was promoted from Universal TV President to Chairman of Universal Studio Group earlier this month, revealed the execs who will oversee the divison’s business affairs, finance, communications, research, Hr and legal teams.
The execs below will report to Igbokwe, who sent out a note to internal staff this morning.
Masami Yamamoto is set as President, Business Affairs and Operations, overseeing all aspects of business affairs for the global studio group including negotiations and deal-making for Universal Television, Ucp and NBCUniversal International Studios.
Brad Melnick is Chief Financial Officer, with financial oversight of the television studios. He will be responsible for financial performance, production finance, long-range planning and strategy.
Tracy St.Pierre has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Communications and Marketing.
Bryan Mu becomes Senior Vice President,...
Pearlena Igbokwe, who was promoted from Universal TV President to Chairman of Universal Studio Group earlier this month, revealed the execs who will oversee the divison’s business affairs, finance, communications, research, Hr and legal teams.
The execs below will report to Igbokwe, who sent out a note to internal staff this morning.
Masami Yamamoto is set as President, Business Affairs and Operations, overseeing all aspects of business affairs for the global studio group including negotiations and deal-making for Universal Television, Ucp and NBCUniversal International Studios.
Brad Melnick is Chief Financial Officer, with financial oversight of the television studios. He will be responsible for financial performance, production finance, long-range planning and strategy.
Tracy St.Pierre has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Communications and Marketing.
Bryan Mu becomes Senior Vice President,...
- 9/17/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Pearlena Igbokwe wasted no time in setting her leadership team for the Universal Studio Group, which covers all aspects of TV production at the company.
Masami Yamamoto was named president of business affairs and operations, overseeing all aspects of business affairs for the global studio group including negotiations and deal-making for Universal Television, Ucp and NBCUniversal International Studios.
Brad Melnick will be chief financial officer, responsible for financial performance, production finance, long-range planning and strategy.
Tracy St. Pierre was promoted to EVP of communications and marketing; Bryan Mu was made SVP of content and cultural insights, leading resarch and analytics to drive strategic planning and audience insights.
Jodi Dicenzo was elevated to global head of human resources, and Marni Pedorella was named general counsel of Universal Studio Group reporting to both Igbokwe and Kim Harris, EVP and general counsel for NBCUniversal.
Universal Studio Group is comprised of Universal Television, Ucp and NBCUniversal International Studios.
Masami Yamamoto was named president of business affairs and operations, overseeing all aspects of business affairs for the global studio group including negotiations and deal-making for Universal Television, Ucp and NBCUniversal International Studios.
Brad Melnick will be chief financial officer, responsible for financial performance, production finance, long-range planning and strategy.
Tracy St. Pierre was promoted to EVP of communications and marketing; Bryan Mu was made SVP of content and cultural insights, leading resarch and analytics to drive strategic planning and audience insights.
Jodi Dicenzo was elevated to global head of human resources, and Marni Pedorella was named general counsel of Universal Studio Group reporting to both Igbokwe and Kim Harris, EVP and general counsel for NBCUniversal.
Universal Studio Group is comprised of Universal Television, Ucp and NBCUniversal International Studios.
- 9/17/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Exclusive: The edict by major film and television companies to work from home is beginning to look like when we were kids and you listened to the radio to see if your school was among those canceling classes in a snowstorm.
We assume by tomorrow, most companies will have incorporated the work from home edict that is sweeping Hollywood and New York companies. NBCUniversal chief Jeff Shell is among those advocating that staff stay at home to help stop the spread of coronavirus. His edict is not a full shutdown as much as a strong suggestion. See the memo below that he sent company-wide today:
More from DeadlineUniversal Ordered To Pay Fired Exec Josh Goldstine $20M By Arbitrator; Seth Byers Cleared Of "Inappropriate" Behavior - UpdateNBCUniversal Anoints Jeff Shell As CEO, Setting New Year's Day Start To TenureFrom NBCU To WarnerMedia To Disney, CEO Transitions Are Creating Real-Life 'Succession' Dramas
Hi Everyone,...
We assume by tomorrow, most companies will have incorporated the work from home edict that is sweeping Hollywood and New York companies. NBCUniversal chief Jeff Shell is among those advocating that staff stay at home to help stop the spread of coronavirus. His edict is not a full shutdown as much as a strong suggestion. See the memo below that he sent company-wide today:
More from DeadlineUniversal Ordered To Pay Fired Exec Josh Goldstine $20M By Arbitrator; Seth Byers Cleared Of "Inappropriate" Behavior - UpdateNBCUniversal Anoints Jeff Shell As CEO, Setting New Year's Day Start To TenureFrom NBCU To WarnerMedia To Disney, CEO Transitions Are Creating Real-Life 'Succession' Dramas
Hi Everyone,...
- 3/12/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
NBCUniversal will not be conducting an additional, outside investigation into the accusations of sexual misconduct against Matt Lauer, a network spokesperson told THR Thursday.
“We fired Matt Lauer within 24 hours of learning what he did, and promptly launched a corporate investigation. Based on our investigative findings, we have swiftly taken appropriate actions to address the situation and improve workplace culture,” Hilary Smith told The Hollywood Reporter. “There is no additional investigation being conducted. We are very confident in the report that was conducted.”
In 2017 NBC conducted an internal investigation into the accusations of sexual misconduct against Lauer, who denied one accusation that he raped a former colleague but broadly apologized for “the pain I have caused.” Led by NBCUniversal’s general counsel Kim Harris, the final report from the investigation stated that the network “found no evidence indicating that any NBC News or Today Show leadership, News Hr, or others...
“We fired Matt Lauer within 24 hours of learning what he did, and promptly launched a corporate investigation. Based on our investigative findings, we have swiftly taken appropriate actions to address the situation and improve workplace culture,” Hilary Smith told The Hollywood Reporter. “There is no additional investigation being conducted. We are very confident in the report that was conducted.”
In 2017 NBC conducted an internal investigation into the accusations of sexual misconduct against Lauer, who denied one accusation that he raped a former colleague but broadly apologized for “the pain I have caused.” Led by NBCUniversal’s general counsel Kim Harris, the final report from the investigation stated that the network “found no evidence indicating that any NBC News or Today Show leadership, News Hr, or others...
- 10/17/2019
- by J. Clara Chan
- The Wrap
In Megyn Kelly’s first televised interview since exiting NBC, the former Fox News and NBC News anchor took to “Tucker Carlson Tonight” Wednesday evening to criticize NBC News management for its handling of the outlet’s Harvey Weinstein coverage and internal Matt Lauer investigation.
In an appearance that spanned three segments of Carlson’s show — the Fox News host bumped a recorded segment with Dennis Rodman to extend Kelly’s time on the air — Kelly and Carlson discussed the “mainstream” media’s coverage of Trump, CNN’s Jeff Zucker and Ronan Farrow’s reporting on NBC News in his new book, “Catch and Kill.” Farrow says in the book that NBC News looked to contain his reporting on sexual harassment claims against Weinstein; the outlet has maintained that it backed up Farrow’s reporting efforts.
“What did they know, and when did they know it?” asked Kelly of NBC News,...
In an appearance that spanned three segments of Carlson’s show — the Fox News host bumped a recorded segment with Dennis Rodman to extend Kelly’s time on the air — Kelly and Carlson discussed the “mainstream” media’s coverage of Trump, CNN’s Jeff Zucker and Ronan Farrow’s reporting on NBC News in his new book, “Catch and Kill.” Farrow says in the book that NBC News looked to contain his reporting on sexual harassment claims against Weinstein; the outlet has maintained that it backed up Farrow’s reporting efforts.
“What did they know, and when did they know it?” asked Kelly of NBC News,...
- 10/17/2019
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
NBC News President Noah Oppenheim is pushing back on Ronan Farrow’s claims that network executives knew about sexual misconduct allegations against Matt Lauer yet failed to act on them before he was terminated in November, 2017.
In a lengthy letter sent to staff on Monday, Oppenheim refuted Farrow’s claim that employees who reported on Lauer’s behavior before he was fired and then were paid settlements in which they had to remain silent.
“Not only is this false, the so-called evidence Farrow uses in his book to support the charge collapses under the slightest scrutiny,” Oppenheim wrote.
“We have no secrets and nothing to hide,” he wrote, “Now that we’ve read Farrow’s book, it’s clear — his smear rests on the allegation that NBC’s management knew about and took steps to hide Matt Lauer’s misconduct before his firing in November of 2017. Without that, he has...
In a lengthy letter sent to staff on Monday, Oppenheim refuted Farrow’s claim that employees who reported on Lauer’s behavior before he was fired and then were paid settlements in which they had to remain silent.
“Not only is this false, the so-called evidence Farrow uses in his book to support the charge collapses under the slightest scrutiny,” Oppenheim wrote.
“We have no secrets and nothing to hide,” he wrote, “Now that we’ve read Farrow’s book, it’s clear — his smear rests on the allegation that NBC’s management knew about and took steps to hide Matt Lauer’s misconduct before his firing in November of 2017. Without that, he has...
- 10/14/2019
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
NBC News President Noah Oppenheim sent a lengthy memo to his staff on Monday denying Ronan Farrow’s report that NBC News management was aware of — or participated in — any pre-2017 settlements tied to accusations of sexual misconduct against former “Today” show anchor Matt Lauer.
TheWrap has acquired the note, which also includes a detailed “fact-check” conducted by NBC News attacking Farrow’s specifics in his new book, “Catch and Kill.” NBC News also shared the full findings of its investigation into Lauer’s conduct in the workplace.
Finally, the media organization has shared with media its report on an investigation into Farrow’s accusation that management unjustly buried his reporting against disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein’s own alleged sexual misconduct, which directly led to the formation of the #MeToo movement.
Also Read: Harvey Weinstein Denies Pressuring NBC Over Ronan Farrow Reporting With Matt Lauer Allegations
“Matt Lauer’s actions were abhorrent,...
TheWrap has acquired the note, which also includes a detailed “fact-check” conducted by NBC News attacking Farrow’s specifics in his new book, “Catch and Kill.” NBC News also shared the full findings of its investigation into Lauer’s conduct in the workplace.
Finally, the media organization has shared with media its report on an investigation into Farrow’s accusation that management unjustly buried his reporting against disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein’s own alleged sexual misconduct, which directly led to the formation of the #MeToo movement.
Also Read: Harvey Weinstein Denies Pressuring NBC Over Ronan Farrow Reporting With Matt Lauer Allegations
“Matt Lauer’s actions were abhorrent,...
- 10/14/2019
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Updated with comment from Comcast
Linda Vester, a former NBC News correspondent who accused Tom Brokaw of sexual assault earlier this year, is calling on the Comcast board of directors to do a thorough investigation of harassment at NBC.
Vester took out an ad in Thursday’s New York Times, calling on the board to end non-disclosure agreements and forced arbitration in sexual harassment cases. Thursday is the one-year anniversary of Matt Lauer’s firing from “Today” for sexual misconduct.
“The women who speak to me say the climate of fear is worse than ever, the silencing is worse than ever,” Vester told Variety on Wednesday. “NBC News management should not be allowed to get away with this any further.”
NBC conducted an internal probe in the wake of the firing, which found that senior executives were unaware of any complaints about Lauer. Critics blasted the investigation because it was conducted in-house,...
Linda Vester, a former NBC News correspondent who accused Tom Brokaw of sexual assault earlier this year, is calling on the Comcast board of directors to do a thorough investigation of harassment at NBC.
Vester took out an ad in Thursday’s New York Times, calling on the board to end non-disclosure agreements and forced arbitration in sexual harassment cases. Thursday is the one-year anniversary of Matt Lauer’s firing from “Today” for sexual misconduct.
“The women who speak to me say the climate of fear is worse than ever, the silencing is worse than ever,” Vester told Variety on Wednesday. “NBC News management should not be allowed to get away with this any further.”
NBC conducted an internal probe in the wake of the firing, which found that senior executives were unaware of any complaints about Lauer. Critics blasted the investigation because it was conducted in-house,...
- 11/29/2018
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Dawn Olmstead has been promoted to President, Universal Cable Productions and Wilshire Studios. She will oversees creative development and operations for both studios, reporting to Bonnie Hammer, Chairman, NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment.
Additionally, Andra Shapiro has been elevated to Evp & General Counsel, Legal and Business Affairs, NBCU Cable Entertainment. The appointments were just announced by Hammer in a company memo. (you can read it in full under the post.)
Olmstead most recently served as Co-President, Ucp and Wilshire Studios alongside George Cheeks who a couple of weeks ago was named Co-Chairman of NBC Entertainment alongside Paul Telegdy.
The promotion is a recognition of Olmstead’s role in growing Ucp over the past four and a half years into a leading supplier to the NBCU cable networks as well a streaming platforms. She becomes the only solo female head of a traditional media TV studio who oversees both scripted and unscripted content.
Additionally, Andra Shapiro has been elevated to Evp & General Counsel, Legal and Business Affairs, NBCU Cable Entertainment. The appointments were just announced by Hammer in a company memo. (you can read it in full under the post.)
Olmstead most recently served as Co-President, Ucp and Wilshire Studios alongside George Cheeks who a couple of weeks ago was named Co-Chairman of NBC Entertainment alongside Paul Telegdy.
The promotion is a recognition of Olmstead’s role in growing Ucp over the past four and a half years into a leading supplier to the NBCU cable networks as well a streaming platforms. She becomes the only solo female head of a traditional media TV studio who oversees both scripted and unscripted content.
- 10/16/2018
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
NBC has offered to look into sexual harassment and assault allegations against Tom Brokaw by former NBC correspondent Linda Vester. But Vester has declined the request at this point, because the network wouldn’t bring in outside counsel to run the investigation.
“We will not be participating in any investigation by NBC of NBC,” Ari Wilkenfeld, Vester’s attorney, told Variety. He added that he informed the news organization that his client would be “more than willing” to participate if there was an investigation commissioned by outside counsel.
Wilkenfeld says he has not heard back yet from NBC about his request.
“NBCUniversal has reached out to Ms. Vester via her attorney to discuss her allegations, and so far she has not accepted our offer,” a spokesperson for NBCUniversal said in a statement to Variety.
After “Today” anchor Matt Lauer was fired last November over a series of sexual misconduct allegations,...
“We will not be participating in any investigation by NBC of NBC,” Ari Wilkenfeld, Vester’s attorney, told Variety. He added that he informed the news organization that his client would be “more than willing” to participate if there was an investigation commissioned by outside counsel.
Wilkenfeld says he has not heard back yet from NBC about his request.
“NBCUniversal has reached out to Ms. Vester via her attorney to discuss her allegations, and so far she has not accepted our offer,” a spokesperson for NBCUniversal said in a statement to Variety.
After “Today” anchor Matt Lauer was fired last November over a series of sexual misconduct allegations,...
- 5/10/2018
- by Elizabeth Wagmeister
- Variety Film + TV
Several women’s advocacy groups on Wednesday criticized NBC News’ handling of its investigation into the Matt Lauer sexual harassment scandal and whether senior managers were aware of allegations about the star “Today” anchor.
NBC News’ internal investigation on Matt Lauer found that executives at “Today” and elsewhere at NBC News had no knowledge of inappropriate behavior by before last November, when an NBC News staffer came forward with a complaint.
Press Forward, an initiative to stop sexual harassment and assault in newsrooms, released a statement urging NBCUniversal to commission an independent investigation by an outside entity — a step that has also been called for by other activists galvanized by the #MeToo movement.
“To truly assess culture and get honest responses from employees, we recommend hiring an independent third party, as is common practice,” Press Forward co-founder Eleanor McManus said. “No one is going to be fully candid when speaking...
NBC News’ internal investigation on Matt Lauer found that executives at “Today” and elsewhere at NBC News had no knowledge of inappropriate behavior by before last November, when an NBC News staffer came forward with a complaint.
Press Forward, an initiative to stop sexual harassment and assault in newsrooms, released a statement urging NBCUniversal to commission an independent investigation by an outside entity — a step that has also been called for by other activists galvanized by the #MeToo movement.
“To truly assess culture and get honest responses from employees, we recommend hiring an independent third party, as is common practice,” Press Forward co-founder Eleanor McManus said. “No one is going to be fully candid when speaking...
- 5/9/2018
- by Kirsten Chuba
- Variety Film + TV
NBC News is facing some tough questions after a long-waited report released Wednesday broadly cleared company executives and human resources of responsibility over the sexual misconduct accusations aimed at former “Today” show star, Matt Lauer.
The report, which came after an internal investigation from the company, said that neither management nor H.R. had any knowledge of Lauer’s transgressions before Nov. 27, 2017.
NBC’s decision to employ their own general counsel, Kim Harris, to spearhead the investigation raised questions from many about whether the results were suspect. (Harris reports to NBCUniversal CEO Steve Burke.)
Also Read: NBC News Chief Sends Memo on Matt Lauer, New Harassment Standards: 'We Endured a Painful Period'
The decision to employ Harris contrasts sharply with Fox News — who investigated former network president Roger Ailes — with the outside law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison.
In a statement, NBC Universal defended the Harris investigation.
“Two outside law firms, Proskauer Rose and Davis Polk have reviewed the methodology, findings and conclusions and given their stamp of approval,” a spokesperson told TheWrap.
Already on Wednesday, at least one prominent journalist, Yashar Ali, publicly called into question Harris’ broad exoneration.
“I’m just going through the report now but I can tell you I have two sources who were in management that knew of Lauer’s sexual predation,” he said on Twitter. “That’s not to say they were interviewed by NBC’s team or that they were forthcoming when interviewed but just want to note that some people knew.”
Free Beacon reporter Alex Griswold tweeted: “Matt Lauer was one of the few ‘open secrets’ where I, some nobody a city away, had heard whispers of it. The notion that NBC management hadn’t is ludicrous.”
I'm just going through the report now but I can tell you I have 2 sources who were in management that knew of Lauer's sexual predation. That's not to say they were interviewed by NBC's team or that they were forthcoming when interviewed but just want to note that some people knew https://t.co/rJ6Gdqasb3
— Yashar Ali ???? (@yashar) May 9, 2018
NBC clears NBC of wrongdoing https://t.co/rjrJi0oWVf
– Alex Griswold (@HashtagGriswold) May 9, 2018
Their skepticism was echoed by many.
NBC investigation by NBC general counsel finds no one in NBC management knew of misbehavior by Matt Lauer at NBC.
— Michael M. Grynbaum (@grynbaum) May 9, 2018
NBC issues report on Matt Lauer pic.twitter.com/Md1XPz2wHQ
— Lisa Tozzi (@lisatozzi) May 9, 2018
Special Counsel Matt Lauer’s work here is done. https://t.co/PT7Ls9hADX
— Siraj Hashmi (@SirajAHashmi) May 9, 2018
The details in this thread from the report are outrageous. I can't imagine any woman wanting to come forward after this. https://t.co/BWw4JpghpP
— marisa kabas (@MarisaKabas) May 9, 2018
Read original story NBC News Blasted for ‘Ludicrous’ Internal Probe Clearing Management Over Matt Lauer Scandal At TheWrap...
The report, which came after an internal investigation from the company, said that neither management nor H.R. had any knowledge of Lauer’s transgressions before Nov. 27, 2017.
NBC’s decision to employ their own general counsel, Kim Harris, to spearhead the investigation raised questions from many about whether the results were suspect. (Harris reports to NBCUniversal CEO Steve Burke.)
Also Read: NBC News Chief Sends Memo on Matt Lauer, New Harassment Standards: 'We Endured a Painful Period'
The decision to employ Harris contrasts sharply with Fox News — who investigated former network president Roger Ailes — with the outside law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison.
In a statement, NBC Universal defended the Harris investigation.
“Two outside law firms, Proskauer Rose and Davis Polk have reviewed the methodology, findings and conclusions and given their stamp of approval,” a spokesperson told TheWrap.
Already on Wednesday, at least one prominent journalist, Yashar Ali, publicly called into question Harris’ broad exoneration.
“I’m just going through the report now but I can tell you I have two sources who were in management that knew of Lauer’s sexual predation,” he said on Twitter. “That’s not to say they were interviewed by NBC’s team or that they were forthcoming when interviewed but just want to note that some people knew.”
Free Beacon reporter Alex Griswold tweeted: “Matt Lauer was one of the few ‘open secrets’ where I, some nobody a city away, had heard whispers of it. The notion that NBC management hadn’t is ludicrous.”
I'm just going through the report now but I can tell you I have 2 sources who were in management that knew of Lauer's sexual predation. That's not to say they were interviewed by NBC's team or that they were forthcoming when interviewed but just want to note that some people knew https://t.co/rJ6Gdqasb3
— Yashar Ali ???? (@yashar) May 9, 2018
NBC clears NBC of wrongdoing https://t.co/rjrJi0oWVf
– Alex Griswold (@HashtagGriswold) May 9, 2018
Their skepticism was echoed by many.
NBC investigation by NBC general counsel finds no one in NBC management knew of misbehavior by Matt Lauer at NBC.
— Michael M. Grynbaum (@grynbaum) May 9, 2018
NBC issues report on Matt Lauer pic.twitter.com/Md1XPz2wHQ
— Lisa Tozzi (@lisatozzi) May 9, 2018
Special Counsel Matt Lauer’s work here is done. https://t.co/PT7Ls9hADX
— Siraj Hashmi (@SirajAHashmi) May 9, 2018
The details in this thread from the report are outrageous. I can't imagine any woman wanting to come forward after this. https://t.co/BWw4JpghpP
— marisa kabas (@MarisaKabas) May 9, 2018
Read original story NBC News Blasted for ‘Ludicrous’ Internal Probe Clearing Management Over Matt Lauer Scandal At TheWrap...
- 5/9/2018
- by Jon Levine
- The Wrap
NBC News president Andy Lack sent a memo to the news division following the NBCUniversal general counsel’s “NBC News Workplace Investigation” findings and recommendations. The memo is a Clifffs Notes of the long-ish report.
Dear Colleagues,
As you know, the NBCUniversal team has completed its investigation stemming from the Matt Lauer matter. By now you should have received a summary of the findings and recommendations from Kim Harris, General Counsel of NBCU.
The last few months have been extraordinarily difficult, with our dedicated journalists doing some of our best work ever while we endured a painful period in the spotlight including a thorough and deserved examination. This has been felt by everyone in the organization, most importantly several of our colleagues who were deeply affected. I admire their bravery and am profoundly grateful for their candor.
When we first told you about the decision to dismiss Matt Lauer, I...
Dear Colleagues,
As you know, the NBCUniversal team has completed its investigation stemming from the Matt Lauer matter. By now you should have received a summary of the findings and recommendations from Kim Harris, General Counsel of NBCU.
The last few months have been extraordinarily difficult, with our dedicated journalists doing some of our best work ever while we endured a painful period in the spotlight including a thorough and deserved examination. This has been felt by everyone in the organization, most importantly several of our colleagues who were deeply affected. I admire their bravery and am profoundly grateful for their candor.
When we first told you about the decision to dismiss Matt Lauer, I...
- 5/9/2018
- by Lisa de Moraes
- Deadline Film + TV
NBC has released the findings from its internal investigation into multiple sexual harassment accusations against Matt Lauer. In part, the report states that the very first accusation against the ousted “Today” show host came to light in November — the same month he was fired — and that no complaints about Lauer were made prior to that point.
“We found no evidence indicating that any NBC News or Today Show leadership, News Hr or others in positions of authority in the News Division received any complaints about Lauer’s workplace behavior prior to November 27, 2017,” the report, released Wednesday by NBCUniversal General Counsel Kim Harris, reads. “All four women who came forward confirmed that they did not tell their direct manager or anyone else in a position of authority about their sexual encounters with Lauer. Current and former members of NBC News and Today Show leadership, as well as News Hr, stated that they had never received a complaint about inappropriate workplace behavior by Lauer, and we did not find any contrary evidence.”
The investigation, led by Harris who reports to NBCUniversal CEO Steve Burke, examined complaints made from four women late last year about Lauer’s behavior and included interviews with 68 current and former NBCU employees.
Also Read: NBC News Chief Sends Memo on Matt Lauer, New Harassment Standards: 'We Endured a Painful Period'
According to the report, the women who brought accusations against Lauer “confirmed that they did not tell their direct manager or anyone else in a position of authority about their sexual encounters with Lauer. Current and former members of NBC News and Today Show leadership, as well as News Hr, stated that they had never received a complaint about inappropriate workplace behavior by Lauer, and we did not find any contrary evidence.”
“We were also unable to establish that any of those interviewed, including NBC News and Today Show leadership, News Hr and others in positions of authority in the News Division, knew that Lauer had engaged in sexual activity with other employees,” the report states. “Every such individual credibly responded that they had no such knowledge. Most witnesses interviewed stated that they had heard or read rumors about Lauer’s personal life, including tabloid stories about the troubled state of his marriage and the possibility of extramarital affairs, but those witnesses believed, with limited exceptions, that the rumored extramarital affairs were with women outside of the Company.”
The report also spoke to the “button” in Lauer’s office, which was said to close and lock the door from the inside.
“According to the NBCUniversal facilities team, the button is a commonly available feature in executive offices in multiple NBCUniversal facilities to provide an efficient way to close the door without getting up from the desk,” the findings said. “The button releases a magnet that holds the door open. It does not lock the door from the inside.”
Also Read: Matt Lauer Says He 'Acted Inappropriately as a Husband, Father and Principal at NBC'
NBC News and MSNBC Chairman Andy Lack sent a company-wide email Wednesday offering his thoughts on the findings.
“The last few months have been extraordinarily difficult, with our dedicated journalists doing some of our best work ever while we endured a painful period in the spotlight including a thorough and deserved examination,” Lack said.
The internal investigation into Lauer’s behavior began soon after he was fired on Nov. 29, 2017 for what NBCU deemed “inappropriate sexual behavior” with a young female staffer that started at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi and which Lack called “appalling.” Lauer apologized at the time, but denied some of the accusations.
Also Read: Katie Couric Talks Matt Lauer, Sexual Harassment at TheWrap's Power Women Breakfast Austin
Here is more, straight from the report:
Many interviewed expressed shock upon reading press reports regarding Lauer’s alleged behavior, including employees who spent significant amounts of time with Lauer as a result of their job duties or having known him for years. Two of the four complainants who came forward said that they believe former NBC News or Today Show leadership knew or must have known about Lauer’s alleged inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace. The former leaders with whom we spoke denied any such knowledge, however, and we were unable to otherwise substantiate it.
Most witnesses had positive things to say about Lauer’s demeanor in the workplace. Lauer also was described as a very private person who acted as a friend and professional mentor to both men and women alike over decades at the Today Show.
A number of individuals interviewed said that Lauer could be flirtatious, would frequently make jokes, some with sexual overtones, and would openly engage in sexually-oriented banter in the workplace. Several women also credibly described to the investigation team being the subject of what they believed was a sexual overture from Lauer in which he complimented them on their appearance in sexually suggestive ways. According to these women, Lauer did not pursue them further when they deflected or ignored the overture, and they did not experience any retaliation. All these women stated that they did not report this behavior to anyone in a position of authority.
The findings conclude:
Every witness we interviewed was asked whether they had concerns about inappropriate workplace behavior by any other employees. A small number of those interviewed raised additional concerns in their interview, including about rumored extramarital affairs among employees. Most of the concerns already had been reported, investigated and addressed through disciplinary action where warranted. The remainder that were not previously known involved allegations of conduct less egregious than that pertaining to Lauer, and they are being investigated and addressed in a manner consistent with Company policies and procedures. Based on the nature and number of complaints reviewed, including the allegations related to Lauer’s conduct and the other workplace complaints that have been raised through existing channels, the investigation team does not believe that there is a widespread or systemic pattern of behavior that violates Company policy or a culture of harassment in the News Division.
See the report in its entirety below.
NBC News Workplace Investigation
On November 22, 2017, a member of the Human Resources department for the News Division1 received an email from a woman stating that she had a serious concern to report. News Hr immediately reported the matter to a senior employment lawyer at NBCUniversal (the “Company”), the corporate parent of the News Division. The complainant ultimately agreed to be interviewed by News Hr and the same senior NBCUniversal employment lawyer on November 27, 2017. During that interview, the complainant alleged that Matt Lauer had engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace with her on several occasions in 2014. The interview team found her detailed allegations to be credible.
On November 28, 2017, Lauer was interviewed by senior members of NBCUniversal corporate Hr and Legal. During the interview, Lauer admitted to engaging in sexual activity with the complainant. The Company determined that his conduct violated Company policy and terminated Lauer’s employment on November 28, effective immediately. Within the two weeks after Lauer’s termination was announced publicly by NBC News on November 29, 2017, the Company received information about three additional women, who each alleged that Lauer had engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace with them in 2000, 2001 and 2007, respectively.2
On November 30, 2017, Steve Burke, CEO of NBCUniversal, instructed Kim Harris, NBCUniversal General Counsel,3 to assemble and supervise a team of experienced lawyers and Hr professionals from outside the News Division to investigate whether: (1) any current members of NBC News or Today Show leadership, News Hr or anyone else in a position of authority in the News Division had any information about inappropriate workplace behavior by Lauer prior to November 27, 2017, and, if so, what, if anything, was done to address the behavior; (2) there have been other incidents of inappropriate workplace behavior in the News Division, and if so, whether such incidents were reported and addressed appropriately; and (3) employees in the News Division are comfortable reporting concerns about workplace behavior, and if not, why not.
The ultimate goal of this investigation was to understand whether current News Division leadership addresses inappropriate workplace behavior promptly and appropriately, and to determine whether there is a need to make improvements in the News Division to create a more respectful climate and to increase the willingness of employees to report concerns.
The investigation team consulted with two outside law firms about this investigation. Both firms have concluded that the investigation team took appropriate investigative steps and that the factual findings and related conclusions in this report appear to have been carefully and thoughtfully drawn from the evidence available.
A summary of the fact-gathering conducted as part of the investigation, our findings and our recommendations to improve the workplace environment in the News Division follow.
Fact-Gathering
The investigation team interviewed 68 individuals who were identified by the investigation team as possibly having information relevant to the investigation. The current leadership of the News Division was interviewed, as well as members of the News Hr and communications functions. Current and former members of the Today Show staff were also interviewed, including producers at all seniority levels, on-air talent (both anchors and certain correspondents and contributors), and employees in the booking and production groups that support that program. Former members of NBC News leadership and former News Hr leaders were also contacted for information. Given the sensitive nature of the topics discussed and the desire expressed by numerous witnesses for their identity and the information they provided to remain confidential, all interview notes have been maintained in a secure location that only the investigation team can access. No one in the News Division has had access to the interview notes.
The investigation team also conducted targeted email account searches and reviews, including the email accounts of Lauer and NBC News and Today Show leadership, reviewed text messages on Lauer’s work-issued phones, and reviewed other relevant documents and information. NBCUniversal Legal department records and Hr records for both NBCUniversal and the News Division were reviewed, together with records from the Comcast NBCUniversal complaint helplines and web portal, to determine whether there were any prior complaints about Lauer. None were found. Overall, the availability of evidence was impacted by the passage of time.
Factual Findings
We found no evidence indicating that any NBC News or Today Show leadership, News Hr or others in positions of authority in the News Division received any complaints about Lauer’s workplace behavior prior to November 27, 2017. All four women who came forward confirmed that they did not tell their direct manager or anyone else in a position of authority about their sexual encounters with Lauer.4 Current and former members of NBC News and Today Show leadership, as well as News Hr, stated that they had never received a complaint about inappropriate workplace behavior by Lauer, and we did not find any contrary evidence.5
We were also unable to establish that any of those interviewed, including NBC News and Today Show leadership, News Hr and others in positions of authority in the News Division, knew that Lauer had engaged in sexual activity with other employees. Every such individual credibly responded that they had no such knowledge. Most witnesses interviewed stated that they had heard or read rumors about Lauer’s personal life, including tabloid stories about the troubled state of his marriage and the possibility of extramarital affairs, but those witnesses believed, with limited exceptions, that the rumored extramarital affairs were with women outside of the Company.6 Many interviewed expressed shock upon reading press reports regarding Lauer’s alleged behavior, including employees who spent significant amounts of time with Lauer as a result of their job duties or having known him for years. Two of the four complainants who came forward said that they believe former NBC News or Today Show leadership knew or must have known about Lauer’s alleged inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace. The former leaders with whom we spoke denied any such knowledge, however, and we were unable to otherwise substantiate it.
Most witnesses had positive things to say about Lauer’s demeanor in the workplace. Lauer also was described as a very private person who acted as a friend and professional mentor to both men and women alike over decades at the Today Show.
A number of individuals interviewed said that Lauer could be flirtatious, would frequently make jokes, some with sexual overtones, and would openly engage in sexually-oriented banter in the workplace. Several women also credibly described to the investigation team being the subject of what they believed was a sexual overture from Lauer in which he complimented them on their appearance in sexually suggestive ways. According to these women, Lauer did not pursue them further when they deflected or ignored the overture, and they did not experience any retaliation. All these women stated that they did not report this behavior to anyone in a position of authority.
The investigation team also inquired about the nature of the “button” in Lauer’s office that was alleged to have locked the door. According to the NBCUniversal facilities team, the button is a commonly available feature in executive offices in multiple NBCUniversal facilities to provide an efficient way to close the door without getting up from the desk. The button releases a magnet that holds the door open. It does not lock the door from the inside.
Every witness we interviewed was asked whether they had concerns about inappropriate workplace behavior by any other employees. A small number of those interviewed raised additional concerns in their interview, including about rumored extramarital affairs among employees. Most of the concerns already had been reported, investigated and addressed through disciplinary action where warranted. The remainder that were not previously known involved allegations of conduct less egregious than that pertaining to Lauer, and they are being investigated and addressed in a manner consistent with Company policies and procedures. Based on the nature and number of complaints reviewed, including the allegations related to Lauer’s conduct and the other workplace complaints that have been raised through existing channels, the investigation team does not believe that there is a widespread or systemic pattern of behavior that violates Company policy or a culture of harassment in the News Division.
Culture Assessment
The investigation team found current and former NBC News and Today Show leadership, News Hr, and others interviewed who were in positions of authority in the News Division to be credible in their denials of knowledge of Lauer’s inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace. The investigation team also found credible the complainants’ allegations about Lauer’s inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace, as well as other witnesses’ statements about Lauer’s sexual overtures and his sexual banter in the workplace. It was troubling, therefore, that no complaints appear to have been reported about Lauer’s behavior through any channel over a long period of time. This failure to report was a key focus of our interviews, as well as the broader cultural assessment.
Although the witnesses interviewed were generally aware of official Company channels to raise workplace issues, a number of them said they had concerns about reporting inappropriate workplace conduct to News Hr, including: a lack of familiarity with News Hr representatives; a fear of retaliation; a belief that complaints cannot or will not be kept confidential; and a lack of a private environment in which to raise issues, because News Hr sits in glass-walled offices among other News Division employees. Similar concerns regarding a lack of anonymity and fears of retaliation were raised about reporting complaints directly to management.
In order to gain a deeper and broader understanding of any cultural issues in the News Division that might be impeding reporting, the investigation team also initiated a comprehensive culture assessment. A special team from NBCUniversal’s corporate Labor and Employment Law group with experience in conducting these types of workplace assessments held over 30 voluntary one-hour sessions with small groups of employees randomly chosen from across the News Division at different levels of seniority. Over 400 employees were invited to attend a session and 262 employees participated. Names were not recorded in order to promote candor. In each meeting, the team asked the same three open-ended questions:
(1) Do you feel like you work in a respectful environment?
(2) What obstacles do you see, to you or others, to raising a concern about harassment or other inappropriate behavior?
(3) What suggestions do you have to make this a more respectful place to work?
Extensive notes were taken of each session to capture the views expressed. At the end of each session, the team provided participating employees with a questionnaire designed to obtain additional information on employees’ level of comfort with reporting concerns and knowledge of how to do so.
In their substantive comments, participants expressed many positive sentiments about their work environment, particularly in relation to the strong connections they feel with their colleagues and the pride in the important work they accomplish on a daily basis. While many employees expressed positive views of their managers, others pointed to a deficit in people management skills, which they felt contributed to a lack of respect in the workplace, particularly given the intense pressure of news deadlines.
The results of the questionnaire showed that a significant majority of participants would feel comfortable going to News Hr with a concern about inappropriate sexual behavior or other disrespectful conduct and were aware of channels other than News Hr to raise any concerns. However, a substantial number of employees indicated uncertainty about whether, if raised, their concerns would be promptly and thoroughly investigated or that appropriate action would be taken. Further, during the small group sessions, employees perceived a lack of connection with News Hr, an absence of transparent communication from both News Hr and their managers, a sense that News Hr was too closely aligned with management, and a fear of subtle retaliation, as barriers to reporting concerns.
To address these issues, employees suggested ways to build greater rapport with News Hr and to improve visibility into how workplace complaints are investigated. They also called for managers to create stronger lines of communication with employees.
Conclusions and Recommendations
As noted above, the investigation team found credible the four complainants’ allegations that Lauer engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace. The team also found credible the statements of NBC News and Today Show leadership, News Hr and others in positions of authority in the News Division, as well as numerous other News and Today Show employees, that they did not know about his behavior. The investigation team also found that Lauer frequently engaged in sexual banter or joking in open working environments with other employees present or in a position to overhear his comments. While the nature and frequency of that conduct did not rise to the level of creating a hostile work environment, and no witnesses described it as such, it may have contributed to an atmosphere where some employees who may have had concerns assumed nothing would be done to address them, particularly given Lauer’s perceived importance to the News Division. That being said, as noted above, the investigation team does not believe that there is a current widespread or systemic pattern of behavior that violates Company policy or a current culture of harassment in the News Division, based on our interviews, the cultural assessment and our review of the nature and number of workplace complaints in the News Division.
It is clear from this investigation and the cultural assessment that, although most employees understand that a number of channels exist both inside and outside of the News Division to report concerns (including anonymously), more work needs to be done to ensure that all employees have this information, feel comfortable reporting concerns and do not fear retaliation if they do. Similarly, more education is necessary to ensure employees understand how complaints are investigated and addressed, which will contribute to an environment where they feel secure in their ability to report concerns. The investigation team strongly recommends that the News Division take immediate, concrete steps to create a lasting culture that encourages a respectful work environment free of inappropriate sexual or other conduct and prompt reporting of concerns without fear of retaliation, and demonstrates that concerns raised will be addressed promptly, appropriately and effectively. We recommend a number of steps below, in addition to measures that will be taken at the NBCUniversal corporate level, to ensure that employees throughout the Company understand Company policy about workplace behavior, the existence of reporting channels, the investigative process, and the Company’s genuine commitment to prohibit and prevent retaliation.
Improve Training – Although a vast majority of the News Division completed the mandatory on- line “Preventing Workplace Harassment” training when it was last offered, the investigation team recommended interactive in-person training for the entire News Division shortly after the investigation began in order to jump start a shared knowledge of behavioral expectations in the workplace and a deeper understanding of complaint reporting channels and investigation procedures. Based on the team’s recommendation, the News Division engaged Seyfarth Shaw At Work (Ssaw), a corporate compliance services company that is a subsidiary business of the law firm Seyfarth Shaw Llp, to conduct in-person training for all its employees. The sessions, each attended by 20-25 employees, last two hours and are conducted by experienced facilitators. The trainers start each session by supplying attendees with an understanding of anti-harassment and retaliation law, as well as a review of the Company’s relevant policies and the various channels through which workplace concerns may be reported. The session then turns to interactive small-group discussions of scenarios customized to evoke situations that News employees may confront in their day-to-day work. The facilitator encourages constructive dialog on whether the scenarios describe problematic behavior, exploring the nuances of workplace interactions and the different perception colleagues may bring to the same set of facts. Participants leave with a set of tools and a common language that they can apply to actual workplace situations. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. To date, Ssaw has facilitated more than 90 sessions in New York, Washington D.C. and Los Angeles, to more than 83% of the News Division employee population. The entire News Division population, approximately 2,000 employees, will have been trained by June 30, 2018.
Efforts are also underway at the NBCUniversal corporate level to enhance the mandatory on-line training on preventing workplace harassment, which is offered biannually to all Us-based NBCUniversal employees. The new course will be available in the summer of 2018. We will also be exploring the use of in-person training more broadly and on a more regular basis.
Improve Communication from Management – It is also important that News Division leadership consistently set the tone from the top by emphasizing as often as possible the Company’s commitment to a safe and respectful workplace, a willingness to take appropriate action no matter who is involved, and no tolerance for retaliation. Since this investigation began, News Division leadership has been communicating these points regularly with employees. In addition, it is important that managers throughout the News Division are visible and vocal on these commitments as well so that employees develop confidence that they are meaningful. As appropriate, more information should be shared with complainants about how their concerns are addressed, including details on the investigation process and what disciplinary action, if any, is taken.
NBCUniversal corporate soon will be issuing an updated Company-wide policy to provide greater detail on expectations regarding workplace behavior, to explain the investigations process and to ensure that all management employees understand their obligations to report concerns.
Improve Use of Reporting Channels – The investigation team also strongly recommends that the News Division take action to improve employees’ comfort with reporting concerns. At the NBCUniversal corporate level we are taking two steps to assist in this endeavor Company-wide. First, we will be establishing at the NBCUniversal corporate level a Fair Employment Practices Group comprised of experienced lawyers and other professionals to provide additional resources who will be available to receive and investigate concerns from anywhere in the Company, independent of any business unit. Second, we have and will continue to increase the visibility of the existing reporting channels, including the helpline and web portal, which provide for anonymous reporting to a third party provider, through an enhanced presence on the Company intranet and more frequent signage on Company electronic billboards, among other measures.
Within the News Division, steps should be taken to improve the visibility of News Hr and their familiarity with the employee base. Employees need to develop confidence that News Hr offers a safe space to report concerns and will act as employee advocates when necessary and appropriate. We also recommend considering whether additional independent reporting channels should be established for the News Division specifically until the level of comfort with existing internal channels improves. Of course, the investigation team will remain available to hear concerns from News Division employees at any time.
Read original story NBC Shares Findings From Matt Lauer Sexual Harassment Investigation At TheWrap...
“We found no evidence indicating that any NBC News or Today Show leadership, News Hr or others in positions of authority in the News Division received any complaints about Lauer’s workplace behavior prior to November 27, 2017,” the report, released Wednesday by NBCUniversal General Counsel Kim Harris, reads. “All four women who came forward confirmed that they did not tell their direct manager or anyone else in a position of authority about their sexual encounters with Lauer. Current and former members of NBC News and Today Show leadership, as well as News Hr, stated that they had never received a complaint about inappropriate workplace behavior by Lauer, and we did not find any contrary evidence.”
The investigation, led by Harris who reports to NBCUniversal CEO Steve Burke, examined complaints made from four women late last year about Lauer’s behavior and included interviews with 68 current and former NBCU employees.
Also Read: NBC News Chief Sends Memo on Matt Lauer, New Harassment Standards: 'We Endured a Painful Period'
According to the report, the women who brought accusations against Lauer “confirmed that they did not tell their direct manager or anyone else in a position of authority about their sexual encounters with Lauer. Current and former members of NBC News and Today Show leadership, as well as News Hr, stated that they had never received a complaint about inappropriate workplace behavior by Lauer, and we did not find any contrary evidence.”
“We were also unable to establish that any of those interviewed, including NBC News and Today Show leadership, News Hr and others in positions of authority in the News Division, knew that Lauer had engaged in sexual activity with other employees,” the report states. “Every such individual credibly responded that they had no such knowledge. Most witnesses interviewed stated that they had heard or read rumors about Lauer’s personal life, including tabloid stories about the troubled state of his marriage and the possibility of extramarital affairs, but those witnesses believed, with limited exceptions, that the rumored extramarital affairs were with women outside of the Company.”
The report also spoke to the “button” in Lauer’s office, which was said to close and lock the door from the inside.
“According to the NBCUniversal facilities team, the button is a commonly available feature in executive offices in multiple NBCUniversal facilities to provide an efficient way to close the door without getting up from the desk,” the findings said. “The button releases a magnet that holds the door open. It does not lock the door from the inside.”
Also Read: Matt Lauer Says He 'Acted Inappropriately as a Husband, Father and Principal at NBC'
NBC News and MSNBC Chairman Andy Lack sent a company-wide email Wednesday offering his thoughts on the findings.
“The last few months have been extraordinarily difficult, with our dedicated journalists doing some of our best work ever while we endured a painful period in the spotlight including a thorough and deserved examination,” Lack said.
The internal investigation into Lauer’s behavior began soon after he was fired on Nov. 29, 2017 for what NBCU deemed “inappropriate sexual behavior” with a young female staffer that started at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi and which Lack called “appalling.” Lauer apologized at the time, but denied some of the accusations.
Also Read: Katie Couric Talks Matt Lauer, Sexual Harassment at TheWrap's Power Women Breakfast Austin
Here is more, straight from the report:
Many interviewed expressed shock upon reading press reports regarding Lauer’s alleged behavior, including employees who spent significant amounts of time with Lauer as a result of their job duties or having known him for years. Two of the four complainants who came forward said that they believe former NBC News or Today Show leadership knew or must have known about Lauer’s alleged inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace. The former leaders with whom we spoke denied any such knowledge, however, and we were unable to otherwise substantiate it.
Most witnesses had positive things to say about Lauer’s demeanor in the workplace. Lauer also was described as a very private person who acted as a friend and professional mentor to both men and women alike over decades at the Today Show.
A number of individuals interviewed said that Lauer could be flirtatious, would frequently make jokes, some with sexual overtones, and would openly engage in sexually-oriented banter in the workplace. Several women also credibly described to the investigation team being the subject of what they believed was a sexual overture from Lauer in which he complimented them on their appearance in sexually suggestive ways. According to these women, Lauer did not pursue them further when they deflected or ignored the overture, and they did not experience any retaliation. All these women stated that they did not report this behavior to anyone in a position of authority.
The findings conclude:
Every witness we interviewed was asked whether they had concerns about inappropriate workplace behavior by any other employees. A small number of those interviewed raised additional concerns in their interview, including about rumored extramarital affairs among employees. Most of the concerns already had been reported, investigated and addressed through disciplinary action where warranted. The remainder that were not previously known involved allegations of conduct less egregious than that pertaining to Lauer, and they are being investigated and addressed in a manner consistent with Company policies and procedures. Based on the nature and number of complaints reviewed, including the allegations related to Lauer’s conduct and the other workplace complaints that have been raised through existing channels, the investigation team does not believe that there is a widespread or systemic pattern of behavior that violates Company policy or a culture of harassment in the News Division.
See the report in its entirety below.
NBC News Workplace Investigation
On November 22, 2017, a member of the Human Resources department for the News Division1 received an email from a woman stating that she had a serious concern to report. News Hr immediately reported the matter to a senior employment lawyer at NBCUniversal (the “Company”), the corporate parent of the News Division. The complainant ultimately agreed to be interviewed by News Hr and the same senior NBCUniversal employment lawyer on November 27, 2017. During that interview, the complainant alleged that Matt Lauer had engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace with her on several occasions in 2014. The interview team found her detailed allegations to be credible.
On November 28, 2017, Lauer was interviewed by senior members of NBCUniversal corporate Hr and Legal. During the interview, Lauer admitted to engaging in sexual activity with the complainant. The Company determined that his conduct violated Company policy and terminated Lauer’s employment on November 28, effective immediately. Within the two weeks after Lauer’s termination was announced publicly by NBC News on November 29, 2017, the Company received information about three additional women, who each alleged that Lauer had engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace with them in 2000, 2001 and 2007, respectively.2
On November 30, 2017, Steve Burke, CEO of NBCUniversal, instructed Kim Harris, NBCUniversal General Counsel,3 to assemble and supervise a team of experienced lawyers and Hr professionals from outside the News Division to investigate whether: (1) any current members of NBC News or Today Show leadership, News Hr or anyone else in a position of authority in the News Division had any information about inappropriate workplace behavior by Lauer prior to November 27, 2017, and, if so, what, if anything, was done to address the behavior; (2) there have been other incidents of inappropriate workplace behavior in the News Division, and if so, whether such incidents were reported and addressed appropriately; and (3) employees in the News Division are comfortable reporting concerns about workplace behavior, and if not, why not.
The ultimate goal of this investigation was to understand whether current News Division leadership addresses inappropriate workplace behavior promptly and appropriately, and to determine whether there is a need to make improvements in the News Division to create a more respectful climate and to increase the willingness of employees to report concerns.
The investigation team consulted with two outside law firms about this investigation. Both firms have concluded that the investigation team took appropriate investigative steps and that the factual findings and related conclusions in this report appear to have been carefully and thoughtfully drawn from the evidence available.
A summary of the fact-gathering conducted as part of the investigation, our findings and our recommendations to improve the workplace environment in the News Division follow.
Fact-Gathering
The investigation team interviewed 68 individuals who were identified by the investigation team as possibly having information relevant to the investigation. The current leadership of the News Division was interviewed, as well as members of the News Hr and communications functions. Current and former members of the Today Show staff were also interviewed, including producers at all seniority levels, on-air talent (both anchors and certain correspondents and contributors), and employees in the booking and production groups that support that program. Former members of NBC News leadership and former News Hr leaders were also contacted for information. Given the sensitive nature of the topics discussed and the desire expressed by numerous witnesses for their identity and the information they provided to remain confidential, all interview notes have been maintained in a secure location that only the investigation team can access. No one in the News Division has had access to the interview notes.
The investigation team also conducted targeted email account searches and reviews, including the email accounts of Lauer and NBC News and Today Show leadership, reviewed text messages on Lauer’s work-issued phones, and reviewed other relevant documents and information. NBCUniversal Legal department records and Hr records for both NBCUniversal and the News Division were reviewed, together with records from the Comcast NBCUniversal complaint helplines and web portal, to determine whether there were any prior complaints about Lauer. None were found. Overall, the availability of evidence was impacted by the passage of time.
Factual Findings
We found no evidence indicating that any NBC News or Today Show leadership, News Hr or others in positions of authority in the News Division received any complaints about Lauer’s workplace behavior prior to November 27, 2017. All four women who came forward confirmed that they did not tell their direct manager or anyone else in a position of authority about their sexual encounters with Lauer.4 Current and former members of NBC News and Today Show leadership, as well as News Hr, stated that they had never received a complaint about inappropriate workplace behavior by Lauer, and we did not find any contrary evidence.5
We were also unable to establish that any of those interviewed, including NBC News and Today Show leadership, News Hr and others in positions of authority in the News Division, knew that Lauer had engaged in sexual activity with other employees. Every such individual credibly responded that they had no such knowledge. Most witnesses interviewed stated that they had heard or read rumors about Lauer’s personal life, including tabloid stories about the troubled state of his marriage and the possibility of extramarital affairs, but those witnesses believed, with limited exceptions, that the rumored extramarital affairs were with women outside of the Company.6 Many interviewed expressed shock upon reading press reports regarding Lauer’s alleged behavior, including employees who spent significant amounts of time with Lauer as a result of their job duties or having known him for years. Two of the four complainants who came forward said that they believe former NBC News or Today Show leadership knew or must have known about Lauer’s alleged inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace. The former leaders with whom we spoke denied any such knowledge, however, and we were unable to otherwise substantiate it.
Most witnesses had positive things to say about Lauer’s demeanor in the workplace. Lauer also was described as a very private person who acted as a friend and professional mentor to both men and women alike over decades at the Today Show.
A number of individuals interviewed said that Lauer could be flirtatious, would frequently make jokes, some with sexual overtones, and would openly engage in sexually-oriented banter in the workplace. Several women also credibly described to the investigation team being the subject of what they believed was a sexual overture from Lauer in which he complimented them on their appearance in sexually suggestive ways. According to these women, Lauer did not pursue them further when they deflected or ignored the overture, and they did not experience any retaliation. All these women stated that they did not report this behavior to anyone in a position of authority.
The investigation team also inquired about the nature of the “button” in Lauer’s office that was alleged to have locked the door. According to the NBCUniversal facilities team, the button is a commonly available feature in executive offices in multiple NBCUniversal facilities to provide an efficient way to close the door without getting up from the desk. The button releases a magnet that holds the door open. It does not lock the door from the inside.
Every witness we interviewed was asked whether they had concerns about inappropriate workplace behavior by any other employees. A small number of those interviewed raised additional concerns in their interview, including about rumored extramarital affairs among employees. Most of the concerns already had been reported, investigated and addressed through disciplinary action where warranted. The remainder that were not previously known involved allegations of conduct less egregious than that pertaining to Lauer, and they are being investigated and addressed in a manner consistent with Company policies and procedures. Based on the nature and number of complaints reviewed, including the allegations related to Lauer’s conduct and the other workplace complaints that have been raised through existing channels, the investigation team does not believe that there is a widespread or systemic pattern of behavior that violates Company policy or a culture of harassment in the News Division.
Culture Assessment
The investigation team found current and former NBC News and Today Show leadership, News Hr, and others interviewed who were in positions of authority in the News Division to be credible in their denials of knowledge of Lauer’s inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace. The investigation team also found credible the complainants’ allegations about Lauer’s inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace, as well as other witnesses’ statements about Lauer’s sexual overtures and his sexual banter in the workplace. It was troubling, therefore, that no complaints appear to have been reported about Lauer’s behavior through any channel over a long period of time. This failure to report was a key focus of our interviews, as well as the broader cultural assessment.
Although the witnesses interviewed were generally aware of official Company channels to raise workplace issues, a number of them said they had concerns about reporting inappropriate workplace conduct to News Hr, including: a lack of familiarity with News Hr representatives; a fear of retaliation; a belief that complaints cannot or will not be kept confidential; and a lack of a private environment in which to raise issues, because News Hr sits in glass-walled offices among other News Division employees. Similar concerns regarding a lack of anonymity and fears of retaliation were raised about reporting complaints directly to management.
In order to gain a deeper and broader understanding of any cultural issues in the News Division that might be impeding reporting, the investigation team also initiated a comprehensive culture assessment. A special team from NBCUniversal’s corporate Labor and Employment Law group with experience in conducting these types of workplace assessments held over 30 voluntary one-hour sessions with small groups of employees randomly chosen from across the News Division at different levels of seniority. Over 400 employees were invited to attend a session and 262 employees participated. Names were not recorded in order to promote candor. In each meeting, the team asked the same three open-ended questions:
(1) Do you feel like you work in a respectful environment?
(2) What obstacles do you see, to you or others, to raising a concern about harassment or other inappropriate behavior?
(3) What suggestions do you have to make this a more respectful place to work?
Extensive notes were taken of each session to capture the views expressed. At the end of each session, the team provided participating employees with a questionnaire designed to obtain additional information on employees’ level of comfort with reporting concerns and knowledge of how to do so.
In their substantive comments, participants expressed many positive sentiments about their work environment, particularly in relation to the strong connections they feel with their colleagues and the pride in the important work they accomplish on a daily basis. While many employees expressed positive views of their managers, others pointed to a deficit in people management skills, which they felt contributed to a lack of respect in the workplace, particularly given the intense pressure of news deadlines.
The results of the questionnaire showed that a significant majority of participants would feel comfortable going to News Hr with a concern about inappropriate sexual behavior or other disrespectful conduct and were aware of channels other than News Hr to raise any concerns. However, a substantial number of employees indicated uncertainty about whether, if raised, their concerns would be promptly and thoroughly investigated or that appropriate action would be taken. Further, during the small group sessions, employees perceived a lack of connection with News Hr, an absence of transparent communication from both News Hr and their managers, a sense that News Hr was too closely aligned with management, and a fear of subtle retaliation, as barriers to reporting concerns.
To address these issues, employees suggested ways to build greater rapport with News Hr and to improve visibility into how workplace complaints are investigated. They also called for managers to create stronger lines of communication with employees.
Conclusions and Recommendations
As noted above, the investigation team found credible the four complainants’ allegations that Lauer engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace. The team also found credible the statements of NBC News and Today Show leadership, News Hr and others in positions of authority in the News Division, as well as numerous other News and Today Show employees, that they did not know about his behavior. The investigation team also found that Lauer frequently engaged in sexual banter or joking in open working environments with other employees present or in a position to overhear his comments. While the nature and frequency of that conduct did not rise to the level of creating a hostile work environment, and no witnesses described it as such, it may have contributed to an atmosphere where some employees who may have had concerns assumed nothing would be done to address them, particularly given Lauer’s perceived importance to the News Division. That being said, as noted above, the investigation team does not believe that there is a current widespread or systemic pattern of behavior that violates Company policy or a current culture of harassment in the News Division, based on our interviews, the cultural assessment and our review of the nature and number of workplace complaints in the News Division.
It is clear from this investigation and the cultural assessment that, although most employees understand that a number of channels exist both inside and outside of the News Division to report concerns (including anonymously), more work needs to be done to ensure that all employees have this information, feel comfortable reporting concerns and do not fear retaliation if they do. Similarly, more education is necessary to ensure employees understand how complaints are investigated and addressed, which will contribute to an environment where they feel secure in their ability to report concerns. The investigation team strongly recommends that the News Division take immediate, concrete steps to create a lasting culture that encourages a respectful work environment free of inappropriate sexual or other conduct and prompt reporting of concerns without fear of retaliation, and demonstrates that concerns raised will be addressed promptly, appropriately and effectively. We recommend a number of steps below, in addition to measures that will be taken at the NBCUniversal corporate level, to ensure that employees throughout the Company understand Company policy about workplace behavior, the existence of reporting channels, the investigative process, and the Company’s genuine commitment to prohibit and prevent retaliation.
Improve Training – Although a vast majority of the News Division completed the mandatory on- line “Preventing Workplace Harassment” training when it was last offered, the investigation team recommended interactive in-person training for the entire News Division shortly after the investigation began in order to jump start a shared knowledge of behavioral expectations in the workplace and a deeper understanding of complaint reporting channels and investigation procedures. Based on the team’s recommendation, the News Division engaged Seyfarth Shaw At Work (Ssaw), a corporate compliance services company that is a subsidiary business of the law firm Seyfarth Shaw Llp, to conduct in-person training for all its employees. The sessions, each attended by 20-25 employees, last two hours and are conducted by experienced facilitators. The trainers start each session by supplying attendees with an understanding of anti-harassment and retaliation law, as well as a review of the Company’s relevant policies and the various channels through which workplace concerns may be reported. The session then turns to interactive small-group discussions of scenarios customized to evoke situations that News employees may confront in their day-to-day work. The facilitator encourages constructive dialog on whether the scenarios describe problematic behavior, exploring the nuances of workplace interactions and the different perception colleagues may bring to the same set of facts. Participants leave with a set of tools and a common language that they can apply to actual workplace situations. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. To date, Ssaw has facilitated more than 90 sessions in New York, Washington D.C. and Los Angeles, to more than 83% of the News Division employee population. The entire News Division population, approximately 2,000 employees, will have been trained by June 30, 2018.
Efforts are also underway at the NBCUniversal corporate level to enhance the mandatory on-line training on preventing workplace harassment, which is offered biannually to all Us-based NBCUniversal employees. The new course will be available in the summer of 2018. We will also be exploring the use of in-person training more broadly and on a more regular basis.
Improve Communication from Management – It is also important that News Division leadership consistently set the tone from the top by emphasizing as often as possible the Company’s commitment to a safe and respectful workplace, a willingness to take appropriate action no matter who is involved, and no tolerance for retaliation. Since this investigation began, News Division leadership has been communicating these points regularly with employees. In addition, it is important that managers throughout the News Division are visible and vocal on these commitments as well so that employees develop confidence that they are meaningful. As appropriate, more information should be shared with complainants about how their concerns are addressed, including details on the investigation process and what disciplinary action, if any, is taken.
NBCUniversal corporate soon will be issuing an updated Company-wide policy to provide greater detail on expectations regarding workplace behavior, to explain the investigations process and to ensure that all management employees understand their obligations to report concerns.
Improve Use of Reporting Channels – The investigation team also strongly recommends that the News Division take action to improve employees’ comfort with reporting concerns. At the NBCUniversal corporate level we are taking two steps to assist in this endeavor Company-wide. First, we will be establishing at the NBCUniversal corporate level a Fair Employment Practices Group comprised of experienced lawyers and other professionals to provide additional resources who will be available to receive and investigate concerns from anywhere in the Company, independent of any business unit. Second, we have and will continue to increase the visibility of the existing reporting channels, including the helpline and web portal, which provide for anonymous reporting to a third party provider, through an enhanced presence on the Company intranet and more frequent signage on Company electronic billboards, among other measures.
Within the News Division, steps should be taken to improve the visibility of News Hr and their familiarity with the employee base. Employees need to develop confidence that News Hr offers a safe space to report concerns and will act as employee advocates when necessary and appropriate. We also recommend considering whether additional independent reporting channels should be established for the News Division specifically until the level of comfort with existing internal channels improves. Of course, the investigation team will remain available to hear concerns from News Division employees at any time.
Read original story NBC Shares Findings From Matt Lauer Sexual Harassment Investigation At TheWrap...
- 5/9/2018
- by Tony Maglio and Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
NBCUniversal said managers at its venerable “Today” show and at NBC News had no knowledge of inappropriate behavior by star anchor Matt Lauer prior to November of last year, when he was summarily dismissed from NBC after allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced. The company detailed its findings in an internal report made public on Wednesday.
NBCU said Lauer admitted on Nov. 28, 2017, that he engaged in sexual activity with a female complainant who had one day earlier approached NBC News management. The company found his behavior to be in violation of company standards and fired him. “Within the two weeks after Lauer’s termination was announced publicly by NBC News on November 29, 2017, the company received information about three additional women, who each alleged that Lauer had engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace with them in 2000, 2001 and 2007, respectively.” NBCU decided to conduct an internal investigation of the matter and consulted...
NBCU said Lauer admitted on Nov. 28, 2017, that he engaged in sexual activity with a female complainant who had one day earlier approached NBC News management. The company found his behavior to be in violation of company standards and fired him. “Within the two weeks after Lauer’s termination was announced publicly by NBC News on November 29, 2017, the company received information about three additional women, who each alleged that Lauer had engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace with them in 2000, 2001 and 2007, respectively.” NBCU decided to conduct an internal investigation of the matter and consulted...
- 5/9/2018
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
NBC on Wednesday released the results of its internal investigation stemming from the misconduct allegations that toppled <em>Today </em>show star Matt Lauer in November. The report stated that the investigation turned up no evidence that leadership at NBC News, <em>Today</em> or human resources "received complaints" about Lauer's "workplace behavior prior to November 27, 2017."
The investigation, which was led by NBCUniversal general counsel Kim Harris, focused largely on Lauer's behavior and complaints from four women, who came forward late last year. It included interviews with 68 current and former employees, including current and former leadership of ...
The investigation, which was led by NBCUniversal general counsel Kim Harris, focused largely on Lauer's behavior and complaints from four women, who came forward late last year. It included interviews with 68 current and former employees, including current and former leadership of ...
Ari Wilkenfeld, the civil rights lawyer who represented the victim of sexual misconduct whose complaint got Matt Lauer fired, is calling on NBC News to hire an outside firm to investigate a growing number of sexual harassment allegations made by current and former employees.
In the days after Lauer was fired for inappropriate behavior last November, NBC News chairman Andy Lack said that NBCUniversal’s legal team would be conducting an inquiry. He also pledged sexual harassment training for employees and “cultural assessment” sessions within his organization.
“The problem is not just the superstar harassers, it’s the top management,” Wilkenfeld said in a statement to Variety. “The man who runs NBC News today oversaw a news division in which widespread harassment of women was allowed to occur, has appointed himself responsible for investigating and solving the problem. One important reason companies hire outside investigators is to send a strong...
In the days after Lauer was fired for inappropriate behavior last November, NBC News chairman Andy Lack said that NBCUniversal’s legal team would be conducting an inquiry. He also pledged sexual harassment training for employees and “cultural assessment” sessions within his organization.
“The problem is not just the superstar harassers, it’s the top management,” Wilkenfeld said in a statement to Variety. “The man who runs NBC News today oversaw a news division in which widespread harassment of women was allowed to occur, has appointed himself responsible for investigating and solving the problem. One important reason companies hire outside investigators is to send a strong...
- 4/29/2018
- by Elizabeth Wagmeister and Ramin Setoodeh
- Variety Film + TV
In time for NBC Nightly News to include it in a report about a sexual harassment allegation against former host Tom Brokaw, NBC News chairman Andy Lack sent a memo to staff acknowledging the claims had been made. In his memo, Lack also promised results of his division’s investigation into the Matt Lauer scandal as soon as next week.
In his note to staffers, about a day after The Washington Post and Variety published claims made against Brokaw, Lack said NBC News takes the allegations very seriously and acts on them quickly and decisively when facts dictate.
Lauer was fired in late-November after NBC News said it received a detailed complaint from a colleague about inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace.
In his memo, Lack noted Brokaw has “emphatically” denied allegations again him.
Early this morning, Brokaw sent a lengthy letter to colleagues excoriating former NBC-er Linda Vester over...
In his note to staffers, about a day after The Washington Post and Variety published claims made against Brokaw, Lack said NBC News takes the allegations very seriously and acts on them quickly and decisively when facts dictate.
Lauer was fired in late-November after NBC News said it received a detailed complaint from a colleague about inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace.
In his memo, Lack noted Brokaw has “emphatically” denied allegations again him.
Early this morning, Brokaw sent a lengthy letter to colleagues excoriating former NBC-er Linda Vester over...
- 4/27/2018
- by Lisa de Moraes and Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
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