NBC News Chief Resigns; Iowa Editor Gets Post

Lawrence K. Grossman, who as president of NBC’s news division the last four years lifted the network in the ratings, said today he is resigning, citing differences in “style, personality and priorities.”

Michael G. Gartner, former editor of the Courier-Journal of Louisville, Ky., and the Des Moines (Iowa) Register, will replace Grossman, network sources said. Gartner is a part-time general news executive with Gannett Co. and editor of the Ames (Iowa) Daily Tribune.

Grossman, confirming a report in today’s New York Times, said his departure was “a mutual decision by myself and (NBC President) Bob Wright.” Grossman was in Los Angeles with other NBC executives for a network meeting.

“It’s time for them to get their own guy in there,” he said, referring to General Electric Co., which acquired NBC two years ago.

‘It Hasn’t Been Fun’

“It’s been in the works for a while,” Grossman said. “Things have changed. It hasn’t been all that fun lately. . . . It’s a difference in style, personality and priorities.”

Grossman, former president of the Public Broadcasting Service, was hired by then-NBC chairman Grant Tinker in 1984. Under Grossman’s tenure, NBC News improved its standing in news broadcasts, with the “Today” show moving into first place and “NBC Nightly News” gaining status.

But several attempts to start a prime-time news program failed and the “Nightly News” slipped from the top ratings at a time when the network’s prime-time programming was particularly successful.

Network executives whom the New York Times did not identify said Grossman’s problems were related more to inside politics than to the ratings decline. Among key people at the network considered strong critics of Grossman are anchorman Tom Brokaw and Steve Friedman, former executive producer of the “Today” show.

According to the paper, Brokaw’s criticism centered on Grossman’s lack of a journalism background.

Grossman said the change is effective immediately, though he will stay to help aid the transition. He would not say what he is going to do after leaving NBC.