News Broadcasting
E! Networks president, CEO Herman steps down
MUMBAI: US-based E! Networks which has channels producing content on fashion, style and entertainment has announced the exit of president and CEO Mindy S Herman. The company’s parent Comcast added that Herman would remain in her position until later this year till a replacement is found.
As reported earlier by Indiantelevision.com E! Networks plans to enter India later this year.
Herman’s decision came at a time when there were reports suggesting that she had abused her position for personal gain. Prior to the official announcement it was the Los Angeles Times that had reported that Comcast was looking to replace Herman after conducting an internal audit of her expenditures and employee relations.
During her tenure E! underwent an elaborate rebranding initiative a couple of years ago. This spanned all areas of the network – including on-air and online. Its Style channel was also been re-branded to set the stage for its expanded distribution numbers. Last year the E! International Network was launched.
During Herman’s tenure, E! Studios was created and E! shifted its focus to develop more with outside producers. In the past couple of years E! Entertainment and Style launched more series than at any time in their history.
The above mentioned LA Times story however dwelt on her bad behaviour including commandeering other employees’ complimentary goodie bags. Sources had indicated that the audit was prompted by employees sending anonymous letters to Comcast and co-owner Disney complaining about Herman.
Another report in TelevisionWeek saw sources complain about Herman’s ego. In the past she apparently ordered E! red-carpet camera crews to show her arrival at award ceremonies. E! is well known for its coverage of the Oscars. In fact a few years ago Star Movies had a tie up with E! to show post party footage as well as the Academy Awards announcement which featured experts like Tom O Neill.
