Maria Shriver Back at NBC News

Maria Shriver, the Peabody and Emmy award-winning journalist, producer and

Through a series of special projects, prime-time reports and appearances across multiple NBCUniversal properties – including NBC News, CNBC, MSNBC and NBC Sports -- Shriver will examine the profound impact that women's rising influence and leadership has had on all aspects of American culture and society.

best-selling author, joins NBC News as a special anchor reporting on the shifting roles, emerging power and evolving needs of women in modern life.

In addition, she will serve as an Editor at Large for women's issues across the NBC News Digital properties, working with the teams to expand on editorial content and news programming that touches on women's multi-faceted lives. Overall, the partnership with Shriver represents one of the largest commitments NBC News has made to coverage of women’s issues.

“I’ve always believed that television can inspire and elevate humanity, and that’s my mission with this new partnership,” said Maria Shriver. "I look forward to shining a light on all areas of a woman's experience – from faith and finances, wellness and work, to relationships and the new realities of modern life– and exploring these issues in a way that brings the voices of men into these critically important conversations."

NBC News will also have exclusive broadcast access to Shriver's award-winning series of Shriver Reports, multiplatform investigations into the status of American women and their central role in the key issues facing our nation. The next Shriver Report, to be released in early 2014, will address the alarming financial insecurity among American women and families.

“Through her reports, her books, her events, her activism and the powerful social community that she has built, Maria Shriver has become a leading voice for empowering women and inspiring all of us to be architects of change in our lives,” said Pat Fili-Krushel, Chairman of the NBCUniversal News Group. “We are delighted that Maria will play such a key role in our efforts to examine this important topic, and all of us at the NBC family are excited to welcome her home.”

Shriver previously served as an anchor and correspondent for NBC News from 1986 until 2004. She won a Peabody Award for a Dateline special report on single mothers and welfare.

Shriver's new role at the network will build upon her pioneering work as First Lady of California when, from 2003-2011, she championed a number of women’s-focused initiatives, created the prestigious Minerva Awards honoring remarkable women, and produced the annual Women's Conference, which under her leadership became the nation's preeminent live forum for news-making conversations and interviews about women today.

A mother of four, Shriver will remain based in Los Angeles and continue to produce outside television, film, book and live event projects under the auspices of her own production company.

In addition to her groundbreaking work on women’s issues, Shriver is one of the nation's leading advocates for families struggling with Alzheimer's disease. In 2009, Shriver co-executive produced the Emmy Award-winning four-part HBO documentary series called The Alzheimer’s Project, which opened millions of people’s eyes to the devastating disease.

Shriver has also been a lifelong advocate for people with intellectual disabilities. She serves on the Board of Special Olympics International and is deeply involved in gaining friendship and employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities through Best Buddies. Shriver is an entrepreneur and investor in socially responsible companies such as Lovin’ Scoopful, which donates a significant portion of its profits to Special Olympics.

The Office Ends with a Wedding and a One-Hour Retrospective

NBC has announced an hour-long primetime special dedicated to “The Office.” It will air Thursday, May 16 (8-9 p.m. ET) as a prelude to the one-hour series finale of “The Office.”  The final episode is rumored to include a wedding and the return of most of the department characters, except for Michael Scott played by Steve Carell.

Produced by NBC News, this special offers an emotional farewell to the characters of “The Office,” and includes exclusive and original interviews with writers, producers and actors from the award-winning series. Among those who talk about their experience of being involved with “The Office” for all or part of its nine seasons on the air include executive producers Greg Daniels, Paul Lieberstein and Ben Silverman, as well as actors John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer, Rainn Wilson, Mindy Kaling, Ed Helms, Angela Kinsey, Craig Robinson, Oscar Nunez and BJ Novak.

Novak, Kaling and Lieberstein take viewers inside the writers’ room and reveal the creative process of “The Office,” which aired for nine seasons on NBC.

In addition to interviews, other features include a look at actor auditions back when the show was first being cast, favorite moments and a behind-the-scenes sneak peak of the finale. There will also be a segment on the May 4th fan event being held in the city of Scranton, Penn., which served as the home for “The Office” for its entire run.

Since its premiere on NBC in March 2005, “The Office” has established itself as a genuine hit, earning prestigious television honors such as the 2006 Emmy Award for comedy series, 2006 Peabody Award, 2006 and 2008 AFI Honors, Producers Guild Award, Writers Guild Award, SAG Award for performance by an ensemble in a comedy, Ace Eddie Award for editing and a Television Critics Award for achievement in comedy.

Based on the award-winning BBC hit, “The Office” is a fly-on-the-wall “docu-reality” parody of modern American office life that delves into the lives of the workers at Dunder Mifflin, a paper supply company.

Ben Affleck, Zack Galifianakis and Kristen Wiig to Close Out SNL Season

Zach Galifianakis returns to SNL for his third appearance as host. Galifianakis

Former cast member Kristen Wiig makes her hosting debut on May 11. The four-time Emmy nominated actress and Oscar nominated screenwriter appears in a string of upcoming films including “Girl Most Likely,” “Despicable Me 2,” “Anchorman: The Legend Continues” and “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.” Joining Wiig is Vampire Weekend, returning to the SNL stage for their third appearance as musical guest. The Grammy nominated band’s upcoming album, “Modern Vampires of the City,” is set for a May 14 release.

Closing out the SNL season for his fifth time as host, Ben Affleck’s most recent directorial effort, “Argo,” won Best Picture at the 2013 Academy Awards and he can next be seen in “Runner Runner.” Kanye West also makes his fifth appearance as SNL’s musical guest. The 21-time Grammy Award winner’s newest album will be released later this year.
can next be seen in the highly anticipated “The Hangover Part III,” which hits theaters on May 24. Icelandic band Of Monsters and Men make their SNL debut. The band scored a Billboard Music Award nomination for Top Rock Album for “My Head Is an Animal,” and their platinum selling debut single “Little Talks” has topped the Billboard Alternative Chart.

NBC Renews Revolution, Chicago Fire, Parenthood, Grimm and Law & Order: SVU

NBC has announced the renewal of five key drama series for the 2013-14 season: “Revolution,” “Chicago Fire,” “Parenthood,” “Grimm” and “Law & Order: Special Victims

All have been given 22-episode orders.

The announcement was made by Jennifer Salke, president of NBC Entertainment.

“On the verge of our 2013 fall scheduling decisions, we’re pleased to renew five drama series that will be important to our new season line-up,” Salke said. “We’re proud and very appreciative of all of the actors, producers, writers and directors who work so hard to deliver such high-quality work week in and week out. These complex shows represent a broad range of genres and tones, and all of them stand out for us in a television landscape now filled with one-hour series. We’re especially pleased to be renewing “Revolution” and “Chicago Fire” — two first-season successes — and there will be more returning series announcements made in the next couple of weeks.”

“Revolution,” the Monday night drama that centers on a family trying to reunite amidst a worldwide power failure, is executive produced by Eric Kripke, J.J. Abrams and Bryan Burk (“Lost,” “Star Trek”). The series is produced by Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Bad Robot Productions, Kripke Enterprises and Warner Bros. Television.

“Revolution” is the season’s top-rated drama on ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox and top-rated new series among those networks in adults 18-49, scoring a 4.6 rating, 12 share and 11.8 million viewers overall in “most current” averages for the season to date. “Revolution” has teamed with “The Voice” to help improve NBC’s Mondays this season versus last by 24 percent in 18-49 (with a 3.6 rating vs. a 2.9).

“Chicago Fire,” from Emmy Award-winning executive producer Dick Wolf and creators Derek Haas and Michael Brandt, goes inside a Windy City firehouse and the lives of those who engage in one of our nation’s noblest professions.

In addition to Wolf, Haas and Brandt, executive producers also include Matt Olmstead, Joe Chappelle, Danielle Gelber and Peter Jankowski. The series is produced by Universal Television and Wolf Films.   

“Chicago Fire” has topped its premiere audience of 6.6 million persons a total of eight times this season, and the only other new drama on the broadcast networks to have done it even once this season is NBC’s “Hannibal.” “Chicago Fire” originals have improved the time period versus year-ago results by 24 percent (“live plus same day”).

“Parenthood,” adapted from the 1989 feature film, examines the colorful Braverman family, and all its foibles and triumphs. The series is executive produced by Oscar winners Ron Howard and Brian Grazer (“A Beautiful Mind,” “Frost/Nixon”), Emmy winner Jason Katims (“Friday Night Lights”) and Lawrence Trilling (“Pushing Daisies”). The series is produced by Universal Television and Imagine Entertainment.

“Parenthood” grew this season versus last by 8 percent in adults 18-49 (to a 2.8 rating from a 2.6) and also increased by 8 percent year-to-year in total viewers (7.1 million vs. 6.6 million). This season’s last seven “Parenthood” telecasts beat both the ABC and CBS drama competition in the time period in 18-49.

“Grimm,” inspired by the classic Grimm Brothers’ fairy tales, is a Universal Television and Hazy Mills production. The series was created by Stephen Carpenter, David Greenwalt, Jim Kouf. Sean Hayes, Todd Milliner and Norberto Barba also serve as executive producers along with Greenwalt and Kouf.

“Grimm” is Friday’s #1 series in adults 18-49 and is up versus one year ago by 14 percent in 18-49 rating (with a 2.4 vs. the year-ago 2.1, “most current”) and is up 12 percent in total viewers (6.9 million vs. 5.2 million).

“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” will enter its 15th season for NBC. The series chronicles the life and crimes of the Special Victims Unit of the New York City Police Department, an elite squad of detectives who investigate sexually based crimes.

“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” is a Wolf Films production in association with Universal Television. Dick Wolf is creator and executive producer. Warren Leight, Julie Martin and Peter Jankowski are also executive producers.

“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” originals this season have improved the time period versus year-ago results by 70 percent in adults 18-49 (“live plus same day”) and are building on the time slot’s lead-in by 31 percent in 18-49 and 70 percent in total viewers.
Unit.”

NBC and Brian Williams Beat the Competition in Boston Disaster Coverage

During the week that included the Boston marathon bombings and the fertilizer plant explosion in Texas, “NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams” was America’s most-watched and most-trusted choice for the latest news and analysis.

According to Nielsen Media Research data for the week ending April 19, 2013, the NBC broadcast averaged 9.834 million total viewers, +1.346 million more than ABC “World News,” and +2.553 million more than CBS “Evening News.”

Headlines:

• Nightly drew its highest total viewer delivery since the week of Nov 19, 2012 and highest rating A25-54 since the week of July 30, 2012 (London Olympics).
• Nightly had its widest total viewer advantage over World News since the week of Nov 19, 2012, and widest A25-54 lead (+629,000) since the week of Aug 6, 2012 (second week of London Olympics). In A25-54 rating, this marks the widest advantage since the week of Dec 10, 2012.
• On Monday, Nightly averaged 11.016 million viewers and a 3.3 A25-54 rating, the highest single-day audience delivery since Nov 23, 2012, and highest demo rating since Feb 15, 2010.

Weekly Analysis:

• Nightly delivered 9.834 million total viewers, +16% (+1,346,000) more than ABC World News’ 8.488 million and +35% (+2,553,000) more than CBS Evening News’ 7.281 million.
• Nightly averaged a 6.6/13 Household rating, ahead of ABC’s 5.8/12 and CBS’ 4.9/9.
• Nightly has won for 188 consecutive weeks in total viewers, and in 235 of the past 236 weeks among total viewers.
• Nightly delivered a 2.5 A25-54 rating, +5 tenths ahead of ABC’s 2.0 rating and +8 tenths more than CBS’s 1.7 rating.
• Among A25-54 (000), Nightly averaged 2.967 million viewers, +27% (+629,000) viewers ahead of World News’ 2.338 million and +47% (+949,000) ahead of Evening News’ 2.018 million.
• Nightly has topped World News in A25-54 (000) for 230 consecutive weeks.
• Versus the same week last season, Nightly was up +18% in P2+ (000), +39% among Adults 25-54, +50% among Women 25-54, and +25% among Men 25-54.

Season-to-Date Highlights:

• Season-to-date, Nightly leads World News by +799,000 total viewers, and by +324,000 Adult 25-54 viewers (+3 tenths).

NOTE: All networks were low coverage breakouts on Friday due to continuing coverage and are excluded from the average.

Patrick Burkey is the executive producer and Sam Singal is the senior broadcast producer of "NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams."

Mario Lopez Back to Host The X Factor

Actor and television personality Mario Lopez will return as the host of THE X FACTOR. He joins judges Simon Cowell and Demi Lovato on the hit singing competition series, which launches its third season this fall on FOX.

Lopez first joined THE X FACTOR last season as a host. He began his career in entertainment as a young actor and has appeared in TV, film and on Broadway. He currently hosts the entertainment news magazine show, “Extra.”

“I’m looking forward to returning to THE X FACTOR team,” said Lopez. “We’re coming back stronger and better than ever and I'm excited to check out all the new talent.”

“I’m thrilled Mario is back for Season Three of THE X FACTOR,” said Simon Cowell. “Hosting a live show and keeping the judges – especially Demi – in line, is not an easy job, but Mario is a pro and we are glad he’s coming back.” 

Open auditions for Season Three of THE X FACTOR continue in Long Island, NY, at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on April 25; and in Denver, CO, at the Denver Coliseum on May 14. For details, please visit www.TheXFactorUSA.com.

Mario Lopez is the host of the nationally syndicated entertainment news show, “Extra.” He also is the host of the nationwide Clear Channel radio show, “On with Mario Lopez.” An avid boxing fan, he is a recurring commentator on HBO’s boxing programs and he recently produced a documentary based on the sport, entitled “Champ.”

Lopez is a New York Times best-selling author for his healthy eating guide, “Extra Lean.” In May 2011, he released the follow-up to “Extra Lean,” entitled “Extra Lean Family.” Additionally, Lopez wrote “Mario Lopez’s Knockout Fitness,” a best-selling fitness book that offers readers a look into his impressive workout regime, and “Mud Tacos,” a children’s’ book he co-authored with his sister, Marissa. As a follow-up to “Mud Tacos,” Lopez released “Mario & Baby Gia,” a children’s book he wrote for his daughter, Gia.

Last season, Tate Stevens was crowned THE X FACTOR Season Two winner and was awarded a recording contract, as well as production and creative support to develop, create, record and shoot his first original track and music video. Tate’s video debuted as a Pepsi commercial during the live telecast of the “55th Annual GRAMMY Awards®,” and he recently released his first single, “Power of a Love Song.” His self-titled debut album will be released on April 23, 2013.

Sarah Jessica Parker to Guest on Next New Episode of Glee

In the next all-new episode of GLEE, “Lights Out,” airing Thursday, April 25 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), Will (Matthew Morrison) and Finn (Cory Monteith) enlist the members of New Directions to “unplug” and perform acoustic numbers, after the power goes out at McKinley High School. Meanwhile, Isabelle Wright (guest star Sarah Jessica Parker) asks Kurt to volunteer at the Vogue.com charity event, with Rachel and Santana (Naya Rivera) in tow.

FOX has ordered two more seasons of the genre-defying musical sensation GLEE, it was announced today by Kevin Reilly, Chairman of Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. 

“GLEE debuted as the first and only successful musical comedy series on television, and more than four years later, it continues to defy genres, break new ground and have a significant impact on popular culture,” said Reilly. “Week in and week out, Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, Ian Brennan, Dante DiLoreto and the entire GLEE team deliver a series that not only delights and surprises fans, but also inspires them to talk about, share, debate and engage with the show – and I’m absolutely thrilled to have them on board for another two seasons.”

“GLEE has been a signature series for the studio since its launch four years ago and we couldn’t be happier that FOX has ordered two more seasons,” commented Twentieth Century Fox Television Chairmen Dana Walden and Gary Newman. “Ryan, Brad, Ian and Dante have created something that is far larger than a television show; it’s a global entertainment brand which continues to touch millions around the world. From its chart-topping musical numbers to its inventive storytelling and rich, complex characters, GLEE rewrote the rules of what network television could be, and we are enormously proud to be the studio behind it.”

“I am very grateful to Kevin, Dana and Gary for their incredible support of this series from the beginning,” added Murphy. “But I also want to thank our loyal audience, whose passion and enthusiasm continue to amaze and inspire us.”

This is Glee's fourth season.  Other guest stars have been Kate Hudson, Katey Sagal tand Gwyneth Paltrow. Last month, the series reached its milestone 500^th performance with a rendition of the anthem, “Shout.”

Debut of All My Children and One Life to Live Set for April 29th on Hulu and ITunes

Here's the news soap fans have been waiting for.

All My Children and One Life to Live will make their historic online debut on

Monday, April 29th.  Original episodes of the shows will be seen Mondays thru Thursdays and are free to viewers via Hulu and available to subscribers of Hulu Plus and through iTunes.

Beginning Friday, May 3, Prospect Park's The Online Network will offer original weekly recap shows, "MORE One Life to Live" and "MORE All My Children," that will provide daytime drama fans with the chance to catch up on the most memorable moments from each of the beloved series

Friday's half-hour installments, hosted by former KABC correspondent and anchor Leslie Miller and executive produced by Tomorrow Productions' Marc Victor, will feature exclusive behind the scenes footage and one on one interviews with the series' stars. Fans will also be able to interact with their faves in real time through Twitter and Skype. Plus, both shows will feature a variety of original lifestyle segments, ranging from fashion to beauty to relationship advice that offer content that entertains and informs and celebrates the storylines of the prior week's content.

Prospect Park's founders Rich Frank and Jeff Kwatinetz said: "We are truly excited about the opportunity to offer our passionate and loyal fans with yet another vehicle to connect with their favorite stars.  Creating relevant content that matters to our viewers has always been our goal-this series, produced by some of the best in the business, will be anchored by entertaining segments that will be conversation starters and will be another way for our audience to get up close and personal with these two beloved series."

ABOUT ONE LIFE TO LIVE and ALL MY CHILDREN
Brand new, 30-minute episodes of All My Children and One Life to Live will be available to stream online weekdays in HD (where available) via the free Hulu (www.hulu.com) service and to the millions of Hulu Plus subscribers watching on connected TVs, mobile phones, tables and PCs. In addition, the iTunes Store will offer both series via iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Apple TV and Mac and PC, making these venerable dramas available in a new format that suits the viewing habits of the digital generation. Both series are filmed in Stamford, Conn.

Breathing new life into the storied franchises, Prospect Park and TOLN will blend updated themes and fresh faces with the fan-favorite, Emmy-winning actors and writers who made these series must-watch viewing for legions of loyal fans.

American Idol Tries Something New - Live Camera Feed During Commercials

In this week’s live Top 6 results show airing Thursday, April 11 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), FOX will present an on-screen double-box live camera

feed of the show during a commercial break.  Fox is calling it a first.

According to the network, when IDOL cuts to commercial later in the show, the behind-the-scenes goings-on will continue LIVE during the ad break, giving viewers an exclusive peek from backstage, the IDOL stage and the audience. The LIVE show content will appear on-screen simultaneously alongside each official sponsor’s commercial. Also, the official series sponsors Ford, AT&T and Coca-Cola will gain added exposure with on-screen graphics and wraps in these double-boxed commercial pods.

"The 'double box' keeps viewers connected to the storytelling of the program by giving the feeling of being at a live show, in turn keeping them attentive throughout the commercial pod and continually engaged with the larger window that features the advertising message.  Combined with the branding of the on-screen wrap, ad engagement is heightened over full-screen format, a significant benefit to key sponsors," said Fox.

This week, on Wednesday, April 10 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), the Top 6 –Lazaro Arbos, Janelle Arthur, Candice Glover, Kree Harrison, Amber Holcomb and Angie Miller – return to perform for America’s votes.The results show airs tomorrow, Thursday, April 11 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed).

 

Jay's Out; Jimmy's In. It's Official.

Just hours after NBC released this photo, Jay Leno, longtime host of NBC’s “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” announced that he will wrap up what will be 22 years of headlining the iconic late-night show in Spring 2014. 

NBC also announced today that Jimmy Fallon, now host of NBC’s “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” will transition into new hosting duties on “The Tonight Show” franchise after Leno concludes his successful run. 

As part of the transition, “The Tonight Show” will be returning to its original home in 30 Rock in New York and will be executive-produced by Emmy Award winner Lorne Michaels (“Saturday Night Live,” “30 Rock”).

Programming plans for the 12:35 a.m. (ET) time period currently are in development and will be announced soon.

Said Leno: “Congratulations Jimmy.  I hope you're as lucky as me and hold on to the job until you're the old guy. If you need me, I'll be at the garage.”

Said Fallon: “I’m really excited to host a show that starts today instead of tomorrow.”

“Jay Leno is an entertainment icon, making millions of people laugh every weeknight for more than 20 years,” said Steve Burke, Chief Executive Officer of NBCUniversal. “His long reign as the highest-rated late-night host is a testament to his work ethic and dedication to his viewers and to NBC.

“We are purposefully making this change when Jay is #1, just as Jay replaced Johnny Carson when he was #1.  Jimmy Fallon is a unique talent and this is his time.  I’m thrilled he will become the sixth host of ‘The Tonight Show’ at exactly the right moment, in conjunction with our coverage of next year's Winter Olympic Games from Sochi, Russia.

“I also want to congratulate and thank Debbie Vickers and her ‘Tonight Show’ team for producing an entertaining, first-class show every night for the past two decades.  Debbie’s role in the creative and popular success of this franchise cannot be overstated.”

Leno has hosted “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” since taking over the reins from television icon Johnny Carson in 1992.

“The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” has ranked #1 ahead of its ABC and CBS time-period competition in 18-49 viewers and total viewers for each season since Leno’s return in March 2010 and for the 14 seasons before his departure in May 2009.  During the current season, “Tonight” is consistently #1 versus its ABC and CBS slot rivals, averaging a 0.8 rating, 3 share in adults 18-49 and 3.5 million viewers overall.

At 12:35 a.m. ET, “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” has consistently ranked #1 in 18-49 versus the time period’s ABC and CBS competition each season since debuting in March of 2009 and has also held the advantage over CBS’s “Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson” in total viewers for the last three seasons.  So far during the 2012-13 season, “Late Night” is averaging a 0.5 rating, 3 share in adults 18-49 and 1.7 million viewers overall.

Before Leno became the host of the top-rated "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," he honed his comedy in clubs all over the country often exceeding 300 dates per year.  He opened for the likes of Tom Jones and John Denver and after moving to Los Angeles began his career in television and film, both writing behind the scenes and making appearances in shows such as "Welcome Back Kotter" and films including "American Hot Wax."  On March 2, 1977, Leno made his first appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" and was named permanent guest host in 1987.  While he took over the desk full-time in 1992, Leno never stopped touring on the comedy circuit and still averages over 150 gigs a year.

Emmy and Grammy Award winner, Fallon began his TV career with “Saturday Night Live” in 1998, where he quickly became an audience favorite.  Known for his spot-on impressions, innovative musical and comedy sketches and his stint as co-anchor of “Weekend Update” with Tina Fey, Fallon spent six successful years on the show.  In March 2009, Fallon returned to NBC and took over the late- night legacy with “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.”  The show has continued to garner attention for its viral videos, audience games, A-list guests, and Fallon’s choice of critically acclaimed house-band, The Roots.

In just four years on air, Fallon and the "Late Night" team have already begun collecting awards.  Most recently, Fallon was honored with his second consecutive People’s Choice Award for Favorite Late Night Host (2012 and 2013) and the show received the 2012 Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Talk Show.  “Late Night” was celebrated with a 2012 Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Variety Series and earned three Emmy nominations in 2011, including the show’s first nominations in the series and writing categories.  The year prior, Fallon earned an Emmy for the show’s website in the Interactive Media category and received the “Webby Person of the Year” Award in 2009.  Fallon received a 2013 Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album after releasing “Blow Your Pants Off” in 2012, a musical comedy album featuring song parodies written and performed on “Late Night.”
announced today that he will wrap up what will be 22 years of headlining the iconic late-night show in Spring 2014.  NBC also announced today that Jimmy Fallon, now host of NBC’s “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” will transition into new hosting duties on “The Tonight Show” franchise after Leno concludes his successful run. 

NBC News Expands Investigative Unit

NBC News has bolstered its investigative unit with the addition of two award-winning

Richard Esposito

journalists, Richard Esposito and Mark Schone, both formerly of ABC News. Esposito has been named Senior Executive Producer, Investigative Unit, NBC News, effective immediately. In this role, he will help guide and manage the network’s overall investigative direction, working closely with the existing investigative teams to enable deeper reporting and exclusive enterprise reporting. Schone joins the NBCNews.com investigative unit, led by Investigations Editor Mike Brunker, as an editor, effective April 22.

Esposito brings years of investigative experience to NBC News. He will work with the highly-decorated roster of investigative correspondents, producers, and reporters across all broadcasts and platforms of the NBCUniversal News Group, including “Today,” “NBC Nightly News,” “Rock Center with Brian Williams,” “Dateline,” NBCNews.com, MSNBC and CNBC, as well as the NBC Owned Television Stations.

“NBC News has made a serious commitment to further enhance our investigative journalism and to establish ourselves as the dominant force for enterprise reporting,” said Antoine Sanfuentes, NBC News Senior Vice President. “Richard and Mark are bold, experienced journalists known for their intrepid work. By building on the outstanding efforts of our veteran teams and utilizing our multiple on-air and online platforms, we now have an unparalleled capacity to continue breaking news and dig even deeper into important stories.”

Esposito was senior investigative reporter for ABC News. A journalist with more than 30 years of newspaper and television experience, he has focused on homeland security, national security, and the criminal justice system during his time at ABC. His reporting has earned numerous awards, including an Emmy, a Peabody Award for Investigative Journalism, and the George Polk Award for television reporting. He shares in a Murrow Award for coverage of the death of Osama bin Laden and a Pulitzer Prize for Local Reporting. Prior to entering television news, Esposito was City Editor at Newsday, Metropolitan Editor of the New York Daily News, and Editor of the Sunday News. He is also the author of “Bomb Squad: A Year Inside the Nation’s Most Exclusive Police Unit.”

Schone was digital managing editor of the ABC News investigative unit. Previously, he was the executive news editor of Salon.com and a senior contributing writer at SPIN magazine. He shared in duPont, Emmy, Peabody, IRE and Murrow awards during his tenure with the ABC News investigative unit. His work has appeared in Wired, Rolling Stone, the New York Times, and the Washington Post, among many other publications, and he received an Edgar Allan Poe Award for coauthoring the national bestseller “Son of a Grifter.”