CBS Programming Chief May Be Leaving

After signaling earlier this year that he might not renew his contract, sources say, CBS Entertainment Chief Jeff Sagansky is now openly shopping himself around town.

Sagansky is said to be in job discussions with two media companies, while also encouraging other overtures. Sources say the moves are mostly exploratory but that Sagansky has made it clear he will leave CBS if the right opportunity comes along.

While the CBS programming chief could not be reached for comment, sources say Sagansky is openly restless and is seeking a new challenge after lifting the network from the prime-time cellar to first place. He is also under some time pressure, since networks begin to make new programming decisions in December.

Peter Tortorici, Sagansky’s second in command, is considered a shoo-in to replace him if he leaves. “He has made it clear to all of us (who do business with him) that unless something changes, at the beginning of the year he will move Peter into the job and not renew his contract in June,” said one Hollywood executive.

Time Warner, MCA Inc. and Paramount Communications are among the companies named as possible landing spots for Sagansky, 41, whose contract expires early next year.

One scenario has him returning to the motion picture side of the business, having once headed Tristar Pictures production. Others see Sagansky taking an equity stake in a new technology company, which might offer a bigger payoff, or helping to run a start-up network.

The MCA rumor is being fueled by reports that Motion Picture Group Chairman Tom Pollock is in protracted contract negotiations. Sources say Pollock, whose contract also expires next year, has been in talks for a month, without any outward signs of progress.

While MCA declined to comment, sources said Sagansky could be put in charge of both movie and TV production if MCA is unable to come to terms with Pollock.

The speculation is partly driven by reports that MCA President Sidney J. Sheinberg is personally high on Sagansky. Sheinberg “loves television and loves Sagansky,” said one person close to the CBS programming chief. “Jeff is Sid’s kind of guy. He’s a brilliant programmer and a Harvard MBA.”

Others, however, point out that Sagansky might not top anyone’s list of prospective studio bosses, since his performance at Tristar was less than sterling. One source said Sagansky “absolutely hated features” and “loves TV,” adding, “Jeff thinks (movie talent) agents are awful, the stars are awful--they all have huge egos.”

Reports of what Sagansky might do at Time Warner or Paramount are even more speculative, though sources say any executive of his caliber is closely considered when he becomes available. One job mentioned: helping to develop a fifth TV network for Time Warner.

Money apparently is not a motivating factor for Sagansky, who is expected to match last year’s $6.1 million in salary and bonuses this year. Sagansky’s compensation is tied to the performance of CBS, which is expected to make a profit of more than $150 million in 1993.

Sagansky joined the network in 1989, when it was in trouble. His success came from demographically desirable hits such as “Murphy Brown” and “Northern Exposure.” Last week, CBS had eight shows in the Top 20.

Some speculate that Sagansky wants to leave the network while he’s on top, since all networks inevitably tumble from the lead position. But sources close to the network say CBS Broadcast Group President Howard Stringer still hopes to persuade Sagansky to stay.

Sources say Sagansky could be persuaded if he believed that CBS was seriously considering a new direction, such as a merger with a movie studio, which has been rumored in the past.

“Jeff likes new challenges. That’s what leaving CBS is all about,” said one colleague.

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Mr. Stability: Jeffrey Katzenberg is telling friends that he has no intention ofleaving Disney, despite recent rumors linking the chairman to every studio job in town. Katzenberg has a long-term contract with the Burbank-based entertainment giant. But beyond that, he’s also overseeing Disney’s ambitious distribution expansion to as many as 60 films a year.

After a disappointing summer, Katzenberg hopes to regain momentum with upcoming movies, such as Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and “The Three Musketeers,” the first film from Disney-based producer Joe Roth. Katzenberg, part of the Michael D. Eisner-led team that revived Disney in the mid-’80s, told one source, “This gig is too good to give up.”

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Easy Rider Redux: Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda, who took a mythic motorcycle ride in the 1960s classic “Easy Rider,” are among the investors in Thunder Roadhouse, a West Hollywood restaurant, clothing store and motorcycle shop that’s themed around the open-road ethic.

The Sunset Strip complex, which may be franchised, is also backed by country singer Dwight Yoakam.

There should by plenty of Hollywood road hogs on hand for the grand opening party Friday. But in case you’ve forgotten how much things have changed since the ‘60s, consider this: The “Easy Rider” special at Thunder Roadhouse consists of granola and oatmeal.