NBC names top cable TV chief

NBC Universal on Monday promoted longtime cable executive Bridget Baker as part of a reorganization of its top management. Baker becomes president of NBC Universal Television Networks Distribution.

Baker assumes cable distribution duties held by David Zaslav, who is leaving NBC Universal in the coming weeks to become chief executive of Discovery Communications Inc.

Zaslav said Monday that Baker was key in negotiating many of the company’s recent deals with such cable and satellite operators as Time Warner Cable and DirecTV.

“Bridget has been a big engine behind our whole operation for many years,” Zaslav said. “There are the relationships, and Bridget has developed meaningful connections. And there is the ability to put those relationships aside and negotiate the best deal for the company, and Bridget can do that, too. “

*

-- Meg James