From: Jeff Zucker (NBC Universal)
Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2009 8:50 AM
To: NBC Universal Employee Communications (NBC Universal)
Subject: Note Regarding NBCU
By now, you have probably seen or heard stories regarding the ownership of NBC Universal, most recently a flurry of stories in the last day involving Comcast. Stories spread quickly in this new information age, so let me take this opportunity to share an update with you, as best as I can as of today.
Not surprisingly, given the attractive nature of our assets, there is always significant interest in NBC Universal. That has been amplified lately by the annual discussion with Vivendi about its 20 percent ownership of our company. Vivendi has been a superb owner of NBC Universal, along with GE, for more than five years. They have not yet made us aware of any final decisions about their future with us; should they choose to exit, there are a number of possible things that could happen. It is our longstanding policy not to comment on rumors, and we have adhered to that policy in connection with these rumors.
As distracting as it may be to hear and read about potential changes to our ownership structure, nothing is more important than keeping this company strong.
So, we all have to do our best to keep our focus on our day-to-day operations, and continue to deliver the kinds of results that have made this one of the premier media companies in the world. It is an exciting time, and these are exciting possibilities. There is no better team to face the challenges – and opportunities – of the future than the group we have assembled here. I do appreciate that these stories often cause anxiety. But, really, the only thing for each of us to do is to do our jobs with the same focus we always have.
Thanks, and you will continue to hear from me when there are updates.
By now, you have probably seen or heard stories regarding the ownership of NBC Universal, most recently a flurry of stories in the last day involving Comcast. Stories spread quickly in this new information age, so let me take this opportunity to share an update with you, as best as I can as of today.





The information age is not ‘new.’
JZ’s memo here raises more questions. Does he know more about Comcast deal? Is he telling the truth? His memo is vaguely written at best and doesn’t clearly explain more about the Comcast deal. If there is a deal. What do Zucker and Immelt know? Just reading this vague memo to employees just raises questions.
Hmmmm….
He’s not saying those reports are true, but he’s not denying them either.
Plus, I’m getting a whiff of fear off of this memo. Maybe it’s just me, but I’m sensing an unwritten undercurrent of new-broom phobia.
Maybe it’s just me.
This sounds like it was written by someone who was kept out of the loop because he’s going to be fired trying to sound like he’s in the loop. As Dean Acheson said, “A memorandum is written less to inform the reader than to protect the writer.”
Zucker is an idiot and would not be in the loop. The first thing any competing company, be it Comcast, Time Warner, Liberty) would do is can him!
All he can do is talk vague since it can be construed as he is an insider.
Translation:
As most of you already know, NBC is in the basement. We are not profitable and have not been profitable for some time. Vivendi, which owns 20% of NBCU is furious and although we only represent 5% of GE’s business, don’t kid yourselves, they would love to close us down as well, because frankly, our performance is embarrassing.
That is why they are working to dump us ASAP to anyone stupid enough to buy us, be it Comcast, Time Warner, or the creator of Cirque Du Soleil if and when he comes back to Earth.
I realize it’s difficult to stay focused on your work, but let’s face it, we’re not making any money, we’re not improving and yet we are all still here, so just stay the course. I know I am.
Thanks for reading and I will continue to tell you nothing and do nothing until we no longer exist.
Tennis anyone? Jeff
This memo is far funnier than anything on The Jay Leno Show.
That’s one big giant dodge if I’ve ever read one.
JZ is smart enough to know that SEC rules prohibit him from commenting on any talks with potential suitors.He also knows that he is going to be toast with any new owner. However with a take over of this magnitude JZ will pocket enough coin to hang out with Ben Silverman and sing songs in the buff all day long. Comcast doesn’t play to lose or have morons as execs. But hey as JZ states it’s not about the numbers it’s the demo that really matters. Yeah right! Idiot!
Doesn’t he remind you of Bob Balaban in “Midnight Cowboy”? Especially at the end of the sequence when he tells John Voit he can’t pay him after the fact?
“It is our longstanding policy not to comment on rumors, and we have adhered to that policy in connection with these rumors.”
Sheesh, but commenting on rumors is your stock in trade. Why just two days ago NBC commented on rumors:
http://www.movieline.com/2009/09/exclusive-nbc-denies-kristen-wiigweekend-update-rumors.php
I could search for more, but life is short. Why not just admit that you don’t comment on rumors which affect every person working in your organization. Palpable fear can be inspiring.
Cue the “Brave New Direction”, “Perfect Synergy”,”No Changes Contemplated at this Time” Memos
In the 80s NBC was great, Cosby, Miami Vice, etc etc. Universal had Back to the Future, The Breakfast Club etc etc. Now look where their ratings and share are. SNL isn’t even funny anymore. Memos like that one are just further evidence of how far NBCU has gone down.
Jeff Zucker, there is nothing attractive about your assets except for the theme parks, some cable networks including USA, and the Olympic Games. Of course you used to have the Law & Order franchise and Late Night but you gave them both up for nothing.
I read this memo at work today and thought oh crap. Hidden message to all us NBCU employees — prepare for a rocky road ahead. My gut instinct is there will be a severe cost-cutting programs launched companywide once the NBCU-Comcast deal closes. Jeff Zucker will be taken care of, based on his golden paracute. He may be fired but the man gets a few years salary and a production deal. Not bad for screwing up a company and avoiding blame for so many years.