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Watch here. Yes, I feel so much better about NBC improving its dismal primetime prospects now that I've watched Ben Silverman toss around phrases like "disintermediated from my audience via technology" and "trigger digital activation" on Charlie Rose last night. Silly me for thinking that Ben was hired to program the network instead of parrot advertising-speak. And how fucking sad is it that Silverman sings the praises of the Today Show rather than anything he actually has something to do with. Also, I do wish Silverman would stop trying to channel Brandon Tartikoff's ghost (or allow NATPE is to give him a Brandon Tartikoff Legacy Award for reasons that thoroughly escape me). Yes, Silverman worked for Tartikoff once upon a time. But Ben, I knew Brandon. Tartikoff was a friend of mine. And, you sir, are no Brandon Tartikoff. It's especially nauseating to see Silverman quote Tartikoff about never giving up when the network just cancelled one of Ben's expensive biggies -- My Own Worst Enemy, which was plugged relentlessly during NBC's Olympics -- after only a handful of airings. And Silverman doesn't even fall on his sword for it. (Obviously preferring to use the New York Post's Page Six to blame Katherine Pope for the failure instead of himself or Teri Weinberg. That's one of the fringe benefits of Ben selling his Reveille to Elisabeth Murdoch and yachting with her this summer.)
Though I liked his image of advertiser distaste for "cats peeing" on YouTube, Silverman didn't actually say anything new last night about the topic of TV in the digital age (funny, after CEO pornster Michael Wolff just called Silverman "functionally digitally illiterate"). Ben sounded instead like Jeff Zucker Lite, who in turn is the Lite version f other media moguls. (Zucker keeps tying to mimic his idols Peter Chernin and Bob Iger. Creepy when media moguls worship their own ilk...) Then again, Rose obviously didn't do his homework and hadn't a clue what to ask Silverman to break a sweat much less draw blood. Neither did Fortune, for that matter. But why does Rose repeatedly descend into an idiot when he sits across from anyone in the entertainment industry? His fanboy mode is so damn irritating not to mention a waste of an important forum. I'll later have the bigger story about Ben which I'm almost done writing.
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Ben Silverman is an amazing story. Here is a guy who has built a career on borrowing ideas from England and stealing ideas from independent producers. He has never had an original thought with regards to television or film yet he is a guru….while serving as a lap dog for product integration.
Nikki,
You are the best. How about Reveille. Absolutely the dumbest company on earth without Ben. Ben may be a lot of things but he has been successful. Now they have a couple of tree stumps running in circles over there. Wish you would expose the nonsense at Reveille now. Without Ben none of the shows would be anywhere. He bought most of them at NBC. It is a sick and twisted world. A sick and twisted business. But you give levity to it all.
With love,
Thank you.
“Did Tina create that show?”
Rose, next time, please, at least google your guest instead of doing nothing.
How Media savvy are you when:
You can’t pronounce Sarah Palin (Silverman pronounced her “Pal-In”
You think Czechoslovakia is still a country. Silverman described how fans of Czechoslovakia’s rowing team during the Olympics could see then through the myriad of Media platforms that NBC created. Huh?
That country ceased to exist on Dec. 31, 1992. Cut into two (Czech Republic & Slovakia)
As for why Charlie Rose seems to go mushy around entertainment folks, I have a personal recollection of being at The Spotted Pig in New York and Charlie was at a table (with a much younger attractive Asian woman) Charlie dressed too casually in blue jeans (for him) and looking out at the crowd with a look on his face that I could only describe as expectant for the many “fans” to notice him. Charlie Rose definitely digs everything that comes with being Charlie Rose. He digs the fame.
I have to be perfectly honest, I am no longer a network producer or writer looking for my next gig, I am a media coach and from my perspective as a viewer, I thought the guy came off pretty damn well. I have seen Ben in other circumstances where he is more frenetic and his points get lost, but last night I found him to be focused, knowledgeable and straight forward. I know it isn’t “cool” to say something nice on this website, but sorry that’s how I feel.
I really enjoy your blog, but why do you hate Ben so much? It’s becoming very pathetic and obvious that you are envious of his continued success.
But why does Rose repeatedly descend into an idiot when he sits across from anyone in the entertainment industry?
I think Charlie’s hoping someone will read his screenplay about a heroic late night news-talk show host who saves the world and sleeps with Scarlett Johanson.
WOW! Does any one really think those clips (except for 30 Rock) are “some of the best TV around?” If Silverman thinks that is quality programming no wonder more and more people are turning away from network TV.
agreed on rose being annoying when he goes into entertainment industry fanboy mode. especially actors make him swoon and drivel, which is too bad considering he’s otherwise such a talented host.
but silverman? is this how he behaves on a day-to-day level? he came across as an overeager puppy that desperately wants to be loved. like a used-car-salesman who is trying really hard to sell just one ride before his landlord evicts him. it was sleazy and embarrassing.
Nikki, you’re a cunt. Get a life. The end.
So, why haven’t you been invited to Charlie Rose? Or have you? I wonder if you’d intimidate him, too? Prolly.
Rose has a great show, I haven’t seen the episode but I do have it recorded. I prefer the long form interviews to two minutes in a hot seat and cut to commercial, where you can get to the heart of whatever.
Sorry to hear he didn’t call Silverman out, he’s one of the few journalists who’s able to get those guys on air and across a table.
He should use his power for good, not pablum.
While I have come to enjoy Charlie Rose over the years, I get where you’re coming from in regards to his ‘fanboy’ moments. As I used to, and still somewhat, joke that whenever ANYONE from Hollywood (actor to exec) is on the show, the one question you can count on Rose asking is, “…so tell me. How do you do, what you do, so well?????!!!!!”
Despite my growing affection for what Rose does in this increasingly chaotic media environment, it still irks me when he descends into this kind of nonsense when interviewing dolts like Ben Silverman.
Why do you have so much animosity towards Ben? While your blog isn’t necessarily the conventional medium for journalism, isn’t it your job to remain unbiased? I found his interview insightful and interesting. Charlie Rose brought up Brandon Tartikoff, yet you attack Ben for speaking positively about one of his heroes. Perhaps you should take your personal interest out of these articles and replace it with journalistic integrity.
Hi Nikki,
Brandon Tartikoff once responded to a letter I wrote him back in 1979 concerning his shows on ABC at the time. It was a nice letter, and it seemed that he had actually taken the time to read the letter I sent him, as he had addressed some of the points I had raised. It was most kind and thrilled the at-the-time 24-year-old woman a great deal.
Just thot you should know.
Helen
Let’s not forget this is the same douchebag that said that writers and creators were the “ugly kids ruining the cool kids’ prom” back during the writers’ strike. Can’t wait for this tool to go down in flames, get thrown a “production company” biscuit, only to find nobody of substance wants to write for this dick.
Gosh, it sounds if he has his way, an entire show will just be an ad? wtf?
Would someone tell me why NATPE is giving this moron a Brandon Tartikoff Legacy Award? Not that I have any respect for NATPE but seriously Silverman needs to be rewarded with a boot to the derriere and a restraining order that keeps him out of the executive suites of any media company.
And Charlie Rose was a really mediocre talk show host back in the 1980s when he did his schtick for the Washington DC affiliate WRC. I’m not a big fan of Rose’s either although he’s improved at interviewing over the years.
I watched the interview last night and came away with the clear impression the Mr. Silverman has no real vision for NBC from a storytelling and entertainment perspective.
It is incredibly clear that you, Ms. Fink, have a personal issue with Ben. ANY head of a network has plenty to critisize and Ben is no exception, but when you can find such scathing venim over a well handled, intelligent conversation between 2 inndustry icons it’s clear that your credibility and objectivity is officially compromised. Your personal agenda is well noted but not respected.
Keep up the good work Ben, living out a dream is a special privelege reserved for only the truly talented.
I’m still reeling from Charlie’s trainwreck of an interview with PT Anderson and Daniel Day Lewis. Sycophancy, drunkenness, hostility and awkward silence make for a bad bad mix. I was afraid to turn on the television for months later. Seriously.
Nikki,
There’s so many awful, mean people in this business to pick on, SO MANY, and you pick Ben? He’s not one of them, but do whatever you want, it’s your blog.
He has actually improved from the days that every interview he gave was cringe worthy.
Sure he didn’t go into storytelling and the development process but that’s because every interview C Rose does with a media exec ends up focusing on b*llshit future technology that isn’t really making money yet.
Can anyone explain why Ben NEVER blinks when he speaks?
Ben Silverman is an amazing story. Here is a guy who has built a career on borrowing ideas from England and stealing ideas from independent producers. He has never had an original thought with regards to television or film yet he is a guru…while serving as a lap dog for product integration.
Maybe so, but does this not describe EVERY film and TV exec in Hollywood?
At least, anyone who’s not independent? Hollywood does create films or television shows. It takes successful shows or films that artists struggled to get made, and then REMAKES them. James Bond is the perfect example. So what Silverman did with the office is, I’m afraid, in keeping with the formula. “BUY BUY BUY what works.”
He’s smart for going to Europe. They have some balls.
Rose may have his faults, he simply has the best show on tv, for whatever that’s worth.
I watched Ben on Rose last night and thought he came off really well. Maybe you don’t agree with everything he says. Maybe it sucks to hear how differently the business has changed and as a result don’t like what he is saying. But the guy got to where he is on his own. Enough with the attacks on the guy. So he’s young, rich and successful and the truth of the matter is people are just envious of the guy. There are many more people to attack other than Ben Silverman. People who are lazy and bad at what they do but continue to move upward.
Ben is nothing but a junky. Literally! Knight Rider, Gladiators, My Own Worst Enemy, Crusoe, Kath and KIm, etc, etc. Not what I call creative programming. He is one of the biggest douches in TV. They should kick his ass to the curb like they are doing with Plestis. All those idiots need to go. That place is a train wreck and its embarrassing doing business with those boneheads.
wtf? how is this real life anymore? you know who should run NBC? me. you know who won’t and watch tv get destroyed by crappy content? me!
i call bullshit nbc used to be awesome and now it’s just really fucking sad. it’s like dick clark still hosting those new year eve shows – it’s creepy and weird and someone needs to say enough.
how is it that we are living in the movie Idiocracy (which is rad) and no one gives a fuck? i hope ford, and gm and nbc and every other big dumb old company would stop being so fucking lame.
To all the people actually defending Silverman, I hope the champagne and brownies he buys you at Le Deux are worth it.
Without Ben we wouldn’t have great shows like The Office or Ugly Betty in the US. He was creative enough to take content from around the world and rework them into quality shows here in the States- all the while making a lot of money and a good career for himself. Is that so bad?
I love how some of you slobs rag on Ben, or rag on Nikki, calling her a “cunt”, and then sign your post Anonymously. Yes, it’s clear Nikki has disdain for Ben. I happen to share that disdain for Ben, Jeff Zucker and a ton of other folks at NBC. I actually used to work there and left of my own accord, so I have a right to have that disdain. And I actually sign my own name to my posts. If you want to sling a barb, at least put your name on it. Like what Nikki has to say or not, she puts it out there and puts her name on it. For all you cowards who want to be Anonymous, you don’t have a right to talk. Grow a pair!
JB
Mike Medavoy is the biggest loser. It is sickening.
“He [Ben] was creative enough to take content from around the world and rework them into quality shows here in the States”
Robert, if that is your definition of creative, then I have a studio/network/both/hell all of them, you can run.
Brandon T. made TV what it is today. He was a mentor to me and a genius. Let’s just say in today’s TV environment, most shows like Cheers and Night Court, would be off the air after 3 airings. Without Brandon, we would have never seen the genius in those shows. Cheers being the best 1/2 hour since I Love Lucy. Ben Silverman does not have a creative bone in his body, as we have seen by his Fall schedule. His old company, Reveille, has done nothing to invigorate TV. I worked on The Office pilot, this guy was an idiot, sitting in his cushy chair, laughing, sitting in his cushy office watching dailies and pretending to know good TV. Ben Silverman = moron. Too bad he gets all that cash for his shows that remain on the air….
@Robert Zimmerman:
Meanwhile, the guy who actually greenlit The Office was fired and replaced by Silverman, who has yet to launch one hit series.
The main problem is that none of these late night talk show hosts ever listen to what the guests say and reflect back, with Letterman being the sole exception.
I didn’t think it was that bad a piece.
However, the new shows that NBC has shit out this fall are embarrassingly bad. Could it be that “Ugly Betty” and “The Office” were simply flukes?
Robert Zimmerman, could you crawl any further up Ben Silverman’s ass? You think he’s going to give you a job or something? Wait, you already work for him. Slurp slurp. He acquired foreign content by paying them hardly anything. He gave them pennies for their material. Promising the creators huge paydays. What did he do on The Office? I was there when they shot the pilot. He had NO, I repeat, NO creative input. As well, why are you drinking the Kool Aid that the office is that great. I think it’s become a shell of what it was. The only reason it was cool at the begining was because of Peter Smokler (Spinal Tap) who taught Greg Daniels about film making….
Stop slurping the Ben Silverman Kool Aid……..
Why. Is Ben Silverman. Still around?
Why?
Why?
Why? Even his “hits” are low-rated. The Office. Thirty Rock. Low rated. The non-hits? Dear GOD. Bionic Woman. Knight Rider. Lipstick Jungle. My Own Worst Enemy. Do I DREAM?
Why. Is Ben Silverman. Still around.
What I found interesting was the way he was proud of his solipsistic philosophy in programming.
If it’s a children’s program, he only asks people who have children if it’s good, so in essence he’s allowing a 10 year old to dictate policy.
I read about a child food critic in the NY TIMES that seemed like a joke, but not at NBC; this is getting out of hand.
Also, it’s about him “liking” something. There seems no objectivity, stepping back, and seeing what is being peddled, the acutal content.
The ideas that he seems to “like” are those that are successful somewhere else, foreign territories, which is a nice idea, but that does not make it automatically a successful idea in the US.
Nikki, you are evil the the best sense of the word! It’s great having somebody in Hollywood willing and able to call out the bullshit that passess for deep thinking down there. Keep up the great work!
The main problem is that none of these late night talk show hosts ever listen to what the guests say and reflect back, with Letterman being the sole exception.
Comment by Lloyd Joseph Moss
Acually the true exception is Jon Stewart. He has real informative and occasionally combative conversations with his guests.
He outshines all on late night with his listening skills.
Charlie Rose pays to have his own show put on the air. I doubt he could land a gig otherwise. Speaking of which, his “interview” of Annette Bening a few years ago when she was nominated for an Oscar was beyond embarrassing. I felt like reaching toward the screen and asking him if he needed a Kleenex. Annette looked suitably apalled.
Nikki
Awesome article and well written. Thank you.
This scumbag has no right to associate himself with Brandon Tartikoff. Mr. Tartikoff was a genius, a class act in network programming and in life!
This guy is a low class sleeze ball. Even when I see his picture it translates to “Used Car Salesman”.
Howard Owens is a moron. A real dumb moron.
Thank you.
Christy
To have Ben Silverman compare himself to Brandon Tartikoff is laughable. Tartikoff was a genius. Silverman is stuck on stupid.
At this point, NBC’s situation is so pathetic that they should just give up broadcast TV and go all YouTube-y. It’s obvious Ben doesn’t have the vision, intelligence or creativity to handle such a large operation as a network. Perhaps, by going all web-based – he’d be able to find some success – he might be able to handle shows that last 3 whole minutes.
Lipstick Jungle – the only show on NBC worth leaving CBS or the CW to watch – gets axed for not getting blockbuster ratings. Ben blabbered to Charlie Rose that ‘digital delivery has altered how entertainment is both produced and delivered’. And then he takes none of that into consideration when cancelling this show. One Michael Ausiello thread at ew.com about the show’s cancellation has over 2,000 responses! The vast majority of them are upset over the cancellation of this show. Many of the commenters discuss how they TiVo the show or watch it online – so they don’t get counted. I’ve never seen 2,000 people respond to any thread on any board about any topic. EVER. If that many people bothered to respond to that thread, I can’t imagine how many feel the same, but didn’t vent about it.
But Lipstick has to go, so NBC can show it’s originality once again by giving us ‘Dancing With The Star . . . er . . .Lord Of The Dance’ or whatever they are calling Michael Flatley’s new show. Way original, Ben! Maybe next you can get Mr. T to host a show where a bunch of people are put on a island and they get to compete in a series of challenges and someone gets voted off every week. Show us more of that originality that has you bleeding viewers in record numbers.
A better idea. How about a reality show where, every week, TV viewers get to vote off clueless TV executives. It would be a smash.
Best agent in the business in his twenties. Biggest producer in television in his early thirties. Network Chairman in his mid thirties.
Enough Said.
Some have said that Ben is virtually “untouchable” or at least “less touchable” at the network because he is so rich. But how does that work, exactly?
Seriously. I know I’m naive, but what PRECISELY is the logic behind this thinking? What has Ben’s personal wealth got to do with his position at the network? Ovitz was richer than God himself but still got eased out at Disney once Eisner had had enough of him.
Somebody, please, explain this to me.
Bring back Kevin Reilly. Ben Silverman is a perfectly nice person with no taste. I don’t watch network TV and Silverman is the reason why. Get rid of reality programming. People like Hubbell Robinson, Herb Brodkin are turning over in their graves.