Inside Move: Ex-boss zaps Zucker
Welch delivers public slap
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Asked by New York Magazine why the heir-apparent to NBC Universal still has a job, the legendary former GE chairman answered: " 'Cause I'm retired."
He left GE in 2001 after 20 years at the helm, replaced by Jeff Immelt. Many industryites were puzzled when Zucker kept racking up promotions even as the once-mighty Peacock's primetime lineup plunged off a cliff in 2004. It's been clawing its way back ever since, with Zucker's hand-picked successor as NBC Entertainment prexy -- Kevin Reilly -- methodically developing a new generation of hits.
Zucker is CEO of the NBC U Television Group and has been all but anointed successor to NBC U chairman-CEO Bob Wright in an announcement many expect sooner rather than later. That's in no small part due to his support from Immelt.
The GE chief has started touting the NBC U "turnaround." Just two weeks ago Immelt singled out NBC Universal -- in effect, Zucker -- for a public vote of confidence during GE's fourth-quarter earnings report. "NBC Universal's turnaround is advancing," he said.
Even Welch acknowledged, "I think they've got a little turnaround going on now. 'Heroes.' And 'Sunday Night Football' helps a lot." He might have also added success stories such as "My Name Is Earl," "The Office" and "Deal or No Deal."
Anyway, Welch was handing out slaps liberally. Asked about his splashy $100 million divorce to marry Suzy Wetlaufer, he asked the interviewer:
"Do you know why divorce is expensive?"
"Why?"
" 'Cause it's worth it."
