NBC Taps Ex-CBS Executive to Head Syndication Unit

NBC is seeking to strengthen its presence in the television syndication market by naming former CBS executive Ed Wilson to spearhead those efforts.

Wilson, 43, who left CBS’ Eyemark Entertainment last month, becomes president of NBC Enterprises and Syndication, overseeing the sale of network reruns produced by NBC as well as the distribution of original programming directly to TV stations.

With their prime-time ratings diminishing, broadcasters such as NBC, a division of General Electric, are increasingly looking to profit from overseas sales, merchandising, licensing and music publishing.

NBC also wants to create series that can be nurtured on the network’s stations and sold to broadcasters--the distribution system used on such properties as “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and “Wheel of Fortune.”