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| caption =
| caption =
| birthname =
| birthname =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1947|05|16}}<ref name="hollywood.com">{{Cite web|url=http://www.hollywood.com/celebrities/andrew-lack-57666456/|title=Andrew Lack|publisher=Hollywood.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913070357/https://www.hollywood.com/celebrities/andrew-lack-57666456/|archive-date=September 13, 2005}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1947|05|16}}<ref name="hollywood.com">{{Cite web|url=http://www.hollywood.com/celebrities/andrew-lack-57666456/|title=Andrew Lack|publisher=Hollywood.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913070357/https://www.hollywood.com/celebrities/andrew-lack-57666456/|archive-date=September 13, 2015}}</ref>
| birth_place = [[New York City, New York]], [[United States|U.S.]]
| birth_place = [[New York City, New York]], [[United States|U.S.]]
| ethnicity =
| death_date =
| death_date =
| death_place =
| death_place =
| occupation = Former [[Chairman]] of [[NBC News]] and [[MSNBC]]
| occupation = Former [[chairman]] of [[NBC News]] and [[MSNBC]]
| salary =
| networth =
| spouse = Pamela Blafer Lack Goldman (divorced)<br>Betsy Kenny Lack
| spouse = Pamela Blafer Lack Goldman (divorced)<br>Betsy Kenny Lack
| alma_mater = [[Boston University]]<ref name=Boston>{{cite news|last1=Jahnke|first1=Art|title=News Without End|url=http://www.bu.edu/bostonia/summer11/bloomberg/|access-date=November 9, 2015|publisher=Bostonia|date=Summer 2011}}</ref>
| alma_mater = [[Boston University]]<ref name=Boston>{{cite news|last1=Jahnke|first1=Art|title=News Without End|url=http://www.bu.edu/bostonia/summer11/bloomberg/|access-date=November 9, 2015|publisher=Bostonia|date=Summer 2011}}</ref>
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Prior to NBCUniversal, Lack held a series of media executive positions, including as the chairman and CEO of [[Bloomberg News|Bloomberg Media Group]]; chairman and CEO of [[Sony Music Entertainment]]; and president and chief operating officer of [[NBC]].<ref name="BB" />
Prior to NBCUniversal, Lack held a series of media executive positions, including as the chairman and CEO of [[Bloomberg News|Bloomberg Media Group]]; chairman and CEO of [[Sony Music Entertainment]]; and president and chief operating officer of [[NBC]].<ref name="BB" />


He began his career as a journalist and then producer at [[CBS]], winning 10 [[Emmy Award]]s<ref name=Boston /> and two [[Peabody Award]]s<ref name="Sun" /> as a television producer. He is also known for attempting to cover up NBC News' role in the catch and killing of the [[Harvey Weinstein]] story by [[Ronan Farrow]].<ref>Farhi, Paul [https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/ronan-farrow-overcame-spies-and-intimidation-to-break-some-of-the-biggest-stories-of-the-me-too-era/2019/10/10/9cc46c9a-eac1-11e9-85c0-85a098e47b37_story.html "Ronan Farrow overcame spies and intimidation to break some of the biggest stories of the #MeToo era"], ''[[The Washington Post]]'', October 10, 2019.</ref>
He began his career as a journalist and then producer at [[CBS]], winning 10 [[Emmy Award]]s<ref name=Boston /> and two [[Peabody Award]]s<ref name="Sun" /> as a television producer.


==Early life==
==Early life==
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In 1976, Lack was hired by ''[[60 Minutes]]'' creator [[Don Hewitt]] at [[CBS News]] as a producer for the personality-driven television show ''Who's Who''. That led to a job as a producer for ''60 Minutes''.<ref name=Boston /> Lack produced such segments as "Inside Afghanistan"<ref name="EM" /> and "Kissinger and The Oil Embargo."<ref name="60 Minutes" /> He wrote and directed the segment "The Real [[Malcolm X]]: An Intimate Portrait of the Man."<ref name="X2" /><ref name="X" />
In 1976, Lack was hired by ''[[60 Minutes]]'' creator [[Don Hewitt]] at [[CBS News]] as a producer for the personality-driven television show ''Who's Who''. That led to a job as a producer for ''60 Minutes''.<ref name=Boston /> Lack produced such segments as "Inside Afghanistan"<ref name="EM" /> and "Kissinger and The Oil Embargo."<ref name="60 Minutes" /> He wrote and directed the segment "The Real [[Malcolm X]]: An Intimate Portrait of the Man."<ref name="X2" /><ref name="X" />


He later became the executive producer for ''[[CBS Reports]]'', where he stayed for seven years, followed by a four-year stint starting in 1985 as the executive producer of [[West 57th (TV series)|''West 57th'']] hosted by [[Meredith Vieira]], a long-format news program.<ref name=Boston /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://articles.latimes.com/1993-04-13/entertainment/ca-22313_1_nbc-news-producer|title=NBC Not for Sale, GE Chair Tells News Staff Employees|last=HALL|first=JANE|date=April 13, 1993|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|issn=0458-3035|access-date=July 18, 2016}}</ref> ''West 57th'' was known for mixing new storytelling techniques and topics with the same journalistic standards as ''60 Minutes''.<ref name=LA2 /> During the course of the show he conducted an extramarital affair with one of his correspondents, [[Jane Wallace (journalist)|Jane Wallace]], who described him as "almost unrelenting" in his pursuit of her.<ref>{{cite news|first1=Lachlan|last1=Cartwright|first2=Maxwell|last2=Tani|access-date=October 12, 2019|title=EXCLUSIVE: Accused Sexual Harassers Thrived Under NBC News Chief Andy Lack|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/again-and-again-accused-sexual-harassers-kept-their-jobs-under-nbc-news-chief-andy-lack|date=September 21, 2018|via=www.thedailybeast.com}}</ref><ref name="vulture">{{cite web|first=Zoe|last=Haylock|date=October 11, 2019|access-date=October 12, 2019|url=https://www.vulture.com/2019/10/ronan-farrow-book-andy-lack.html|title=NBC News Chief Andy Lack Allegedly Preyed on Female Employees|website=www.vulture.com}}</ref><ref name="news.com.au">{{cite web|access-date=October 12, 2019|title='Unrelenting': News boss rocked by sex claims|url=https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/media/nbc-news-chief-andy-lack-preyed-on-female-employees-for-sex-report/news-story/b26ed6d05ee4ba87c4cf8f47063ec622|date=October 9, 2019|website=NewsComAu}}</ref> After the affair ended, she says Lack threatened her career and the network paid her for a non-disclosure agreement; a source close to Lack denied the allegations.<ref name="vulture" /><ref name="news.com.au" />
He later became the executive producer for ''[[CBS Reports]]'', where he stayed for seven years, followed by a four-year stint starting in 1985 as the executive producer of [[West 57th (TV series)|''West 57th'']] hosted by [[Meredith Vieira]], a long-format news program.<ref name=Boston /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-04-13-ca-22313-story.html|title=NBC Not for Sale, GE Chair Tells News Staff Employees|last=HALL|first=JANE|date=April 13, 1993|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|issn=0458-3035|access-date=July 18, 2016}}</ref> ''West 57th'' was known for mixing new storytelling techniques and topics with the same journalistic standards as ''60 Minutes''.<ref name=LA2 /> During the course of the show he conducted an extramarital affair with one of his correspondents, [[Jane Wallace (journalist)|Jane Wallace]], who described him as "almost unrelenting" in his pursuit of her.<ref>{{cite news|first1=Lachlan|last1=Cartwright|first2=Maxwell|last2=Tani|access-date=October 12, 2019|title=EXCLUSIVE: Accused Sexual Harassers Thrived Under NBC News Chief Andy Lack|newspaper=The Daily Beast |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/again-and-again-accused-sexual-harassers-kept-their-jobs-under-nbc-news-chief-andy-lack|date=September 21, 2018|via=www.thedailybeast.com}}</ref><ref name="vulture">{{cite web|first=Zoe|last=Haylock|date=October 11, 2019|access-date=October 12, 2019|url=https://www.vulture.com/2019/10/ronan-farrow-book-andy-lack.html|title=NBC News Chief Andy Lack Allegedly Preyed on Female Employees|website=www.vulture.com}}</ref><ref name="news.com.au">{{cite web|access-date=October 12, 2019|title='Unrelenting': News boss rocked by sex claims|url=https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/media/nbc-news-chief-andy-lack-preyed-on-female-employees-for-sex-report/news-story/b26ed6d05ee4ba87c4cf8f47063ec622|date=October 9, 2019|website=NewsComAu}}</ref> After the affair ended, she says Lack threatened her career and the network paid her for a non-disclosure agreement; a source close to Lack denied the allegations.<ref name="vulture" /><ref name="news.com.au" />


His work as a CBS producer includes "The Boat People" (about Vietnamese refugees),<ref name="BP" /> "Teddy" (about [[Ted Kennedy]])<ref name="Teddy" /> and "The Defense of the United States" (about the [[Cold War]]) with [[Walter Cronkite]].<ref name="CW" />
His work as a CBS producer includes "The Boat People" (about Vietnamese refugees),<ref name="BP" /> "Teddy" (about [[Ted Kennedy]])<ref name="Teddy" /> and "The Defense of the United States" (about the [[Cold War]]) with [[Walter Cronkite]].<ref name="CW" />
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Lack was hired as president of NBC News in 1993, in part to restore credibility to the news division, after it was discovered the news program ''[[Dateline NBC|Dateline]]'' had faked an explosion during a truck safety segment.<ref name=Times />
Lack was hired as president of NBC News in 1993, in part to restore credibility to the news division, after it was discovered the news program ''[[Dateline NBC|Dateline]]'' had faked an explosion during a truck safety segment.<ref name=Times />


By Lack's third year, ''[[NBC Nightly News]]'' with anchor [[Tom Brokaw]] became the number-one rated evening news program, beating [[ABC World News Tonight|''World News Tonight'']] with [[Peter Jennings]] on [[ABC News]].<ref name=Times /> Lack also greatly expanded ''Dateline'', from once weekly to multiple nights each week.<ref name=USAToday2 />
By Lack's third year, ''[[NBC Nightly News]]'' with anchor [[Tom Brokaw]] became the number-one rated evening news program, beating [[ABC World News Tonight|''World News Tonight'']] with [[Peter Jennings]] on [[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]].<ref name=Times /> Lack also greatly expanded ''Dateline'', from once weekly to multiple nights each week.<ref name=USAToday2 />


After [[Bryant Gumbel]] left the [[Today (U.S. TV program)|''Today'']] show, Lack replaced him with [[Matt Lauer]]. Lack also moved ''Today'' into a new, $15 million street-side studio, known as Studio 1A.<ref name="Philly" /> With Lauer as anchor, ''Today'' became the highest-rated morning news show for the next 16 years.<ref name=Times /> The cable news network [[MSNBC]] was also created under Lack.<ref name=Times />
After [[Bryant Gumbel]] left the [[Today (U.S. TV program)|''Today'']] show, Lack replaced him with [[Matt Lauer]]. Lack also moved ''Today'' into a new, $15 million street-side studio, known as Studio 1A.<ref name="Philly" /> With Lauer as anchor, ''Today'' became the highest-rated morning news show for the next 16 years.<ref name=Times /> The cable news network [[MSNBC]] was also created under Lack.<ref name=Times />
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===Sony===
===Sony===
Lack joined [[Sony Music Entertainment]] in 2003 as Chairman and CEO.<ref name=WSJ /> Amid sharply declining sales in the music industry, Lack cut the staff by 25% to about 6,000 people.<ref name=USAToday2 />
Lack joined [[Sony Music Entertainment]] in 2003 as chairman and CEO.<ref name=WSJ /> Amid sharply declining sales in the music industry, Lack cut the staff by 25% to about 6,000 people.<ref name=USAToday2 />


In 2004, Lack led a merger with [[Bertelsmann Music Group|BMG]]. Lack became CEO of the new [[Sony BMG]], a 50–50 venture with Germany's [[Bertelsmann]] that resulted in the second-largest music company in the world.<ref name=USAToday2 />
In 2004, Lack led a merger with [[Bertelsmann Music Group|BMG]]. Lack became CEO of the new [[Sony BMG]], a 50–50 venture with Germany's [[Bertelsmann]] that resulted in the second-largest music company in the world.<ref name=USAToday2 />


At Sony BMG, he pushed the company further into video, including television programming, and had to contend with the erosion of sales because of music file-sharing services such as [[Napster]].<ref name=USAToday2 /> In 2005, he signed [[Bruce Springsteen]] to a $110 million contract.<ref name=Times2>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/06/09/business/media/andy-lack-career-timeline.html|title=The Peripatetic News Career of Andrew Lack|work=The New York Times|access-date=August 12, 2016}}</ref>
At Sony BMG, he pushed the company further into video, including television programming, and had to contend with the erosion of sales because of music file-sharing services such as [[Napster]].<ref name=USAToday2 /> In 2005, he signed [[Bruce Springsteen]] to a $110 million contract.<ref name=Times2>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/06/09/business/media/andy-lack-career-timeline.html|title=The Peripatetic News Career of Andrew Lack|work=The New York Times|date=June 9, 2015 |access-date=August 12, 2016}}</ref>


In 2006 he became the chairman of Sony BMG.<ref name="BMG" /> He later created SonyBMG Films,<ref name="PC" /> a division that produced numerous titles including ''[[Cadillac Records]]'' starring [[Beyonce]].<ref name="Beyonce" /> In 2008 he left the company.<ref name=Boston />
In 2006 he became the chairman of Sony BMG.<ref name="BMG" /> He later created SonyBMG Films,<ref name="PC" /> a division that produced numerous titles including ''[[Cadillac Records]]'' starring [[Beyonce]].<ref name="Beyonce" /> In 2008 he left the company.<ref name=Boston />


===Bloomberg===
===Bloomberg===
In 2008, Lack returned to broadcast journalism, joining Bloomberg as CEO of its Media Group,<ref name=Times /> running television, radio and digital properties, including 11 television channels internationally.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2008/12/bloomberg200812|title=Bloomberg Without Bloomberg|last=Mnookin|first=Seth|website=The Hive|access-date=June 10, 2016}}</ref> ''The New York Times'' reported that he cut losses in half and doubled revenue.<ref name="Times" /> He became chairman of Bloomberg Media Group in 2013<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2013/07/justic-smith-bloomberg-media-group-andy-lack-551268/|title=Justin Smith Named CEO Of Bloomberg Media As Andy Lack Becomes Chairman|last=Lieberman|first=David|date=July 29, 2013|website=Deadline|language=en-US|access-date=June 4, 2016}}</ref> and stayed with Bloomberg until 2014.<ref name=Boston />
In 2008, Lack returned to broadcast journalism, joining Bloomberg as CEO of its Media Group,<ref name=Times /> running television, radio and digital properties, including 11 television channels internationally.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2008/12/bloomberg200812|title=Bloomberg Without Bloomberg|last=Mnookin|first=Seth|website=The Hive|date=November 5, 2008 |access-date=June 10, 2016}}</ref> ''The New York Times'' reported that he cut losses in half and doubled revenue.<ref name="Times" /> He became chairman of Bloomberg Media Group in 2013<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2013/07/justic-smith-bloomberg-media-group-andy-lack-551268/|title=Justin Smith Named CEO Of Bloomberg Media As Andy Lack Becomes Chairman|last=Lieberman|first=David|date=July 29, 2013|website=Deadline|language=en-US|access-date=June 4, 2016}}</ref> and stayed with Bloomberg until 2014.<ref name=Boston />


===NBCUniversal (2015–2020)===
===NBCUniversal (2015–2020)===
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Lack named [[Lester Holt]] as the new anchor of ''NBC Nightly News'' to replace Williams.<ref name=Holt /> The show became a ratings success, coming in first for the full 2014–2015 season (four months of which were anchored by Williams).<ref name="AW" />
Lack named [[Lester Holt]] as the new anchor of ''NBC Nightly News'' to replace Williams.<ref name=Holt /> The show became a ratings success, coming in first for the full 2014–2015 season (four months of which were anchored by Williams).<ref name="AW" />


After Williams' suspension was over, Lack decided to bring him back as the breaking news anchor for MSNBC as part of a shift toward hard news in that network's daytime programming.<ref name="HR" /> Lack announced closer collaboration between NBC News and MSNBC,<ref name=Deadline /> cancelled three opinion-based daytime MSNBC shows,<ref name=cancels /><ref name=LA /> and gave ''[[Meet the Press]]'' host [[Chuck Todd]] a daily afternoon program called ''MTP Daily''.<ref name=MTP /> MSNBC ratings subsequently improved in the first quarter of 2016, with daytime viewership up by more than 100%.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.politico.com/media/story/2016/06/msnbc-year-of-standing-up-straight-004562|title=MSNBC's year of standing up straight|website=POLITICO Media|access-date=June 4, 2016}}</ref> Lack also unified the digital operations of NBC News and MSNBC under a new division head.<ref name="Huff" /> ''Today'' became the first-place morning news show, surpassing ''[[Good Morning America]]'' in total viewers as of March 31, 2016, following a six-month lead among the 25–54-year-olds.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/today-beats-good-morning-america-tv-news-nbc-abc-1201743017/|title=Morning-Show Wars Take a Twist as 'Today' Trumps 'GMA' in Total Viewers|last=Steinberg|first=Brian|date=March 31, 2016|language=en-US|access-date=July 27, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.adweek.com/tvnewser/after-4-years-in-2nd-place-nbcs-today-show-retakes-the-morning-show-lead/289051|title=After 4 Years in Second Place, NBC's Today Show Retakes the Morning Show Lead|website=Adweek|access-date=July 27, 2016}}</ref>
After Williams' suspension was over, Lack decided to bring him back as the breaking news anchor for MSNBC as part of a shift toward hard news in that network's daytime programming.<ref name="HR" /> Lack announced closer collaboration between NBC News and MSNBC,<ref name=Deadline /> cancelled three opinion-based daytime MSNBC shows,<ref name=cancels /><ref name=LA /> and gave ''[[Meet the Press]]'' host [[Chuck Todd]] a daily afternoon program called ''MTP Daily''.<ref name=MTP /> MSNBC ratings subsequently improved in the first quarter of 2016, with daytime viewership up by more than 100%.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.politico.com/media/story/2016/06/msnbc-year-of-standing-up-straight-004562|title=MSNBC's year of standing up straight|website=POLITICO Media|date=June 2016 |access-date=June 4, 2016}}</ref> Lack also unified the digital operations of NBC News and MSNBC under a new division head.<ref name="Huff" /> ''Today'' became the first-place morning news show, surpassing ''[[Good Morning America]]'' in total viewers as of March 31, 2016, following a six-month lead among the 25–54-year-olds.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/today-beats-good-morning-america-tv-news-nbc-abc-1201743017/|title=Morning-Show Wars Take a Twist as 'Today' Trumps 'GMA' in Total Viewers|last=Steinberg|first=Brian|date=March 31, 2016|language=en-US|access-date=July 27, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.adweek.com/tvnewser/after-4-years-in-2nd-place-nbcs-today-show-retakes-the-morning-show-lead/289051|title=After 4 Years in Second Place, NBC's Today Show Retakes the Morning Show Lead|website=Adweek|date=March 31, 2016 |access-date=July 27, 2016}}</ref>


In January 2017, Lack announced the hiring of [[Megyn Kelly]] away from [[Fox News]] saying in a memo, "She's demonstrated tremendous skill and poise, and we're lucky to have her."<ref>{{cite news |last=Battaglio |first=Stephen |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-et-fi-megyn-kelly-nbc-20170103-story.html |title=Popular anchor Megyn Kelly will leave Fox News after 12 years to join NBC |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=January 3, 2017 |access-date=October 11, 2017}}</ref> Kelly was reportedly being paid between $15 million and $20 million a year at NBCUniversal for both a [[Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly|Sunday evening show]] and the mid-morning ''[[Megyn Kelly Today]]'', along with election coverage.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/tv-host-salaries-megyn-kelley-nbc-2017-1|title=Megyn Kelly is now one of the highest-paid hosts on TV — here's where her salary ranks|work=Business Insider|access-date=October 11, 2017|language=en}}</ref> In late October 2018 ''Business Insider'' reported that Kelly would depart the network following controversial remarks on the nature of [[blackface]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/megyn-kelly-leaving-nbc-after-blackface-comments-2018-10|title=Megyn Kelly is reportedly out at NBC News after backlash over blackface comments|work=Business Insider|access-date=October 25, 2018|language=en}}</ref>
In January 2017, Lack announced the hiring of [[Megyn Kelly]] away from [[Fox News]] saying in a memo, "She's demonstrated tremendous skill and poise, and we're lucky to have her."<ref>{{cite news |last=Battaglio |first=Stephen |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-et-fi-megyn-kelly-nbc-20170103-story.html |title=Popular anchor Megyn Kelly will leave Fox News after 12 years to join NBC |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=January 3, 2017 |access-date=October 11, 2017}}</ref> Kelly was reportedly being paid between $15 million and $20 million a year at NBCUniversal for both a [[Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly|Sunday evening show]] and the mid-morning ''[[Megyn Kelly Today]]'', along with election coverage.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/tv-host-salaries-megyn-kelley-nbc-2017-1|title=Megyn Kelly is now one of the highest-paid hosts on TV — here's where her salary ranks|work=Business Insider|access-date=October 11, 2017|language=en}}</ref> In late October 2018, ''Business Insider'' reported that Kelly would depart the network following controversial remarks on the nature of [[blackface]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/megyn-kelly-leaving-nbc-after-blackface-comments-2018-10|title=Megyn Kelly is reportedly out at NBC News after backlash over blackface comments|work=Business Insider|access-date=October 25, 2018|language=en}}</ref>


In 2019, investigative journalist [[Ronan Farrow]] reported that Lack downplayed a human resources complaint of rape against ''Today'' anchor [[Matt Lauer#Sexual misconduct allegations|Matt Lauer]] in 2014. Lauer was not fired until late 2017. Lack was also accused by Farrow, in his book ''[[Catch and Kill]]'', of slowing and eventually blocking Farrow’s seven month investigation into [[Harvey Weinstein]]. Farrow also alleged that Lack had ordered Richard Greenberg to block reporting on the [[Harvey Weinstein sexual abuse cases]].<ref>Aurthur, Kate and Ramin Setoodeh. [https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/matt-lauer-rape-nbc-ronan-farrow-book-catch-kill-1203364485/ "Ronan Farrow Book Alleges Matt Lauer Raped NBC News Colleague"], ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'', October 8, 2019.</ref> NBC News denied Farrow’s allegations, saying Farrow’s reporting at NBC News was not ready for publication in large part because he did not have anyone on the record.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Battaglio |first1=Stephen |title=NBC News denies that it tried to shut down Ronan Farrow’s Harvey Weinstein reporting |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ct-farrow-nbc-20180830-story.html |access-date=7 March 2022 |work=LA Times |date=31 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Ben |title=Is Ronan Farrow Too Good to Be True? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/17/business/media/ronan-farrow.html |accessdate=5 November 2020 |publisher=The New York Times |date=17 May 2020}}</ref> On October 10, 2017, ''[[The New Yorker]]'' ran a story by Farrow about Weinstein with seven named women accusing him of sexual misconduct.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Battaglio |first1=Stephen |title=NBC News denies that it tried to shut down Ronan Farrow’s Harvey Weinstein reporting |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ct-farrow-nbc-20180830-story.html |access-date=21 March 2022 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=31 August 2018}}</ref> Farrow also reported that NBC News [[Conflict-of-interest editing on Wikipedia#Miscellaneous|hired a "Wikipedia whitewasher"]] who removed references to NBC News's role in the Harvey Weinstein case from several Wikipedia articles, including Lack's.<ref>Farhi, Paul. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/ronan-farrow-overcame-spies-and-intimidation-to-break-some-of-the-biggest-stories-of-the-me-too-era/2019/10/10/9cc46c9a-eac1-11e9-85c0-85a098e47b37_story.html "Ronan Farrow overcame spies and intimidation to break some of the biggest stories of the #MeToo era"], ''[[The Washington Post]]'', October 10, 2019.</ref>
In 2019, investigative journalist [[Ronan Farrow]] claimed that Lack downplayed a human resources complaint of rape against ''Today'' anchor [[Matt Lauer#Sexual misconduct allegations|Matt Lauer]]. Farrow, in his book ''[[Catch and Kill]]'', also accused Lack of slowing and eventually blocking Farrow’s seven month investigation into [[Harvey Weinstein]]. Farrow also alleged that Lack had ordered Richard Greenberg to block reporting on the [[Harvey Weinstein sexual abuse cases]].<ref>Aurthur, Kate and Ramin Setoodeh. [https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/matt-lauer-rape-nbc-ronan-farrow-book-catch-kill-1203364485/ "Ronan Farrow Book Alleges Matt Lauer Raped NBC News Colleague"], ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'', October 8, 2019.</ref> NBC News denied Farrow’s allegations, saying Farrow’s reporting at NBC News was not ready for publication in large part because he did not have anyone on the record.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Battaglio |first1=Stephen |title=NBC News denies that it tried to shut down Ronan Farrow's Harvey Weinstein reporting |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ct-farrow-nbc-20180830-story.html |access-date=7 March 2022 |newspaper=LA Times |date=31 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Ben |title=Is Ronan Farrow Too Good to Be True? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/17/business/media/ronan-farrow.html |accessdate=5 November 2020 |work=The New York Times |date=17 May 2020}}</ref> On October 10, 2017, ''[[The New Yorker]]'' ran a story by Farrow about Weinstein with seven named women accusing him of sexual misconduct.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Battaglio |first1=Stephen |title=NBC News denies that it tried to shut down Ronan Farrow's Harvey Weinstein reporting |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ct-farrow-nbc-20180830-story.html |access-date=21 March 2022 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=31 August 2018}}</ref> Farrow also reported that NBC News [[Conflict-of-interest editing on Wikipedia#Miscellaneous|hired a "Wikipedia whitewasher"]] who removed references to NBC News's role in the Harvey Weinstein case from several Wikipedia articles, including Lack's.<ref>Farhi, Paul. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/ronan-farrow-overcame-spies-and-intimidation-to-break-some-of-the-biggest-stories-of-the-me-too-era/2019/10/10/9cc46c9a-eac1-11e9-85c0-85a098e47b37_story.html "Ronan Farrow overcame spies and intimidation to break some of the biggest stories of the #MeToo era"], ''[[The Washington Post]]'', October 10, 2019.</ref>


In May 2020, NBCUniversal announced Lack would be leaving his position as NBCUniversal Worldwide News Group President by the end of the month, he resigned soon after.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Koblin|first1=John|last2=Grynbaum|first2=Michael M.|date=May 4, 2020|title=Andrew Lack Is Out as the Head of NBC News After a Stormy Tenure|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/04/business/media/andy-lack-nbc-steps-down.html|access-date=May 4, 2020|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
In May 2020, NBCUniversal announced Lack would be leaving his position as NBCUniversal Worldwide News Group President by the end of the month, he resigned soon after.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Koblin|first1=John|last2=Grynbaum|first2=Michael M.|date=May 4, 2020|title=Andrew Lack Is Out as the Head of NBC News After a Stormy Tenure|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/04/business/media/andy-lack-nbc-steps-down.html|access-date=May 4, 2020|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Lack married twice. In 1970, he married Pamela Ann Blafer in a [[Judaism|Jewish]] ceremony at the [[Congregation Emanu-El of New York|Temple Emanu‐El]] in Manhattan.<ref>{{Cite web|first= |last= |authorlink= |title=Pamela Ann Blafer Is Wed Here |work=[[The New York Times]]|date=January 11, 1970 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1970/01/11/archives/pamela-ann-blafer-is-wed-here.html }}</ref> Lack is married to Betsy Kenny Lack,<ref name="NP" /><ref name="VF" /> head of global brand strategy for [[Snapchat]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.recode.net/2016/5/25/11776438/snapchat-hires-vanity-fair-betsy-lack-for-brand-strategy-role|title=Snapchat has hired former Vanity Fair editor Betsy Lack to run global brand strategy|last=Wagner|first=Kurt|date=May 25, 2016|website=Recode|access-date=July 18, 2016}}</ref> with whom he has two sons.<ref name=BBG />
Lack married twice. In 1970, he married Pamela Ann Blafer in a [[Judaism|Jewish]] ceremony at the [[Congregation Emanu-El of New York|Temple Emanu-El]] in Manhattan.<ref>{{Cite web|first= |last= |authorlink= |title=Pamela Ann Blafer Is Wed Here |work=[[The New York Times]]|date=January 11, 1970 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1970/01/11/archives/pamela-ann-blafer-is-wed-here.html }}</ref> Lack is married to Betsy Kenny Lack,<ref name="VF" /> head of global brand strategy for [[Snapchat]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.recode.net/2016/5/25/11776438/snapchat-hires-vanity-fair-betsy-lack-for-brand-strategy-role|title=Snapchat has hired former Vanity Fair editor Betsy Lack to run global brand strategy|last=Wagner|first=Kurt|date=May 25, 2016|website=Recode|access-date=July 18, 2016}}</ref> with whom he has two sons.<ref name=BBG />


He was honored by the [[UJA-Federation of New York]]’s Broadcast, Cable & Film Division on April 9, 2013, for his generous support.<ref>[https://www.ujafedny.org/news/andrew-lack-honored-at-broadcast-event/ UJA-Federation of New York: "Andrew Lack Honored at Broadcast Event"] April 10, 2013</ref>
He was honored by the [[UJA-Federation of New York]]’s Broadcast, Cable & Film Division on April 9, 2013, for his generous support.<ref>[https://www.ujafedny.org/news/andrew-lack-honored-at-broadcast-event/ UJA-Federation of New York: "Andrew Lack Honored at Broadcast Event"] April 10, 2013</ref>
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<ref name=WSJ>{{cite news|last1=Ordonez|first1=Jenniefr|title=Sony Taps NBC's President To Head Sickly Music Unit|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB1042216591142622384|access-date=November 9, 2015|publisher=Wall Street Journal|date=January 1, 2013}}</ref>
<ref name=WSJ>{{cite news|last1=Ordonez|first1=Jenniefr|title=Sony Taps NBC's President To Head Sickly Music Unit|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB1042216591142622384|access-date=November 9, 2015|publisher=Wall Street Journal|date=January 1, 2013}}</ref>


<ref name=Post>{{cite news|last1=Wemple|first1=Erok|title=NBC hires Andy Lack as chairman of NBC News and MSNBC|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/erik-wemple/wp/2015/03/06/nbc-hires-andy-lack-as-chairman-of-nbc-news-and-msnbc/|access-date=November 9, 2015|work=Washington Post|date=March 6, 2015}}</ref>
<ref name=Post>{{cite news|last1=Wemple|first1=Erok|title=NBC hires Andy Lack as chairman of NBC News and MSNBC|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/erik-wemple/wp/2015/03/06/nbc-hires-andy-lack-as-chairman-of-nbc-news-and-msnbc/|access-date=November 9, 2015|newspaper=Washington Post|date=March 6, 2015}}</ref>


<ref name=Deadline>{{cite news|last1=de Moraes|first1=Lisa|title=Andrew Lack Points MSNBC Back To Its Hard-News Roots With Troop-Rallying Meeting At 30 Rock|url=https://deadline.com/2015/07/andrew-lack-msnbc-meeting-chuck-todd-brian-williams-1201484216/|access-date=November 9, 2015|publisher=Deadline.com}}</ref>
<ref name=Deadline>{{cite news|last1=de Moraes|first1=Lisa|title=Andrew Lack Points MSNBC Back To Its Hard-News Roots With Troop-Rallying Meeting At 30 Rock|url=https://deadline.com/2015/07/andrew-lack-msnbc-meeting-chuck-todd-brian-williams-1201484216/|access-date=November 9, 2015|publisher=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref>


<ref name=LA>{{cite news|last1=Battaglio|first1=Stephen|title=MSNBC cancels three daytime shows, adds Chuck Todd|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-msnbc-cancels-20150730-story.html|access-date=November 9, 2015|publisher=L.A. Times|date=July 30, 2015}}</ref>
<ref name=LA>{{cite news|last1=Battaglio|first1=Stephen|title=MSNBC cancels three daytime shows, adds Chuck Todd|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-msnbc-cancels-20150730-story.html|access-date=November 9, 2015|publisher=L.A. Times|date=July 30, 2015}}</ref>
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<ref name=Suspended>{{cite news|last1=Steel|first1=Emily|title=Brian Williams Suspended From NBC for 6 Months Without Pay|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/11/business/media/brian-williams-suspended-by-nbc-news-for-six-months.html?_r=0|access-date=November 12, 2015|work=New York Times|date=February 10, 2015}}</ref>
<ref name=Suspended>{{cite news|last1=Steel|first1=Emily|title=Brian Williams Suspended From NBC for 6 Months Without Pay|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/11/business/media/brian-williams-suspended-by-nbc-news-for-six-months.html?_r=0|access-date=November 12, 2015|work=New York Times|date=February 10, 2015}}</ref>


<ref name=Holt>{{cite news|last1=Wemple|first1=Erik|title=It's Official: Brian Williams moves to MSNBC; Lester Holt to be permanent anchor of 'NBC Nightly News'|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/erik-wemple/wp/2015/06/18/its-official-brian-williams-moves-to-msnbc-lester-holt-to-be-permanent-anchor-of-nbc-nightly-news/|access-date=November 12, 2015|work=Washington Post|date=June 18, 2015}}</ref>
<ref name=Holt>{{cite news|last1=Wemple|first1=Erik|title=It's Official: Brian Williams moves to MSNBC; Lester Holt to be permanent anchor of 'NBC Nightly News'|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/erik-wemple/wp/2015/06/18/its-official-brian-williams-moves-to-msnbc-lester-holt-to-be-permanent-anchor-of-nbc-nightly-news/|access-date=November 12, 2015|newspaper=Washington Post|date=June 18, 2015}}</ref>


<ref name=LA2>{{cite news|last1=Battaglio|first1=Stephen|title=Andrew Lack takes command of NBC's troubled news operation|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-andrew-lack-named-nbc-news-chairman-20150306-story.html|access-date=November 12, 2015|work=Los Angeles Times|date=March 6, 2015}}</ref>
<ref name=LA2>{{cite news|last1=Battaglio|first1=Stephen|title=Andrew Lack takes command of NBC's troubled news operation|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-andrew-lack-named-nbc-news-chairman-20150306-story.html|access-date=November 12, 2015|work=Los Angeles Times|date=March 6, 2015}}</ref>
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<ref name=cancels>{{cite news|last1=Byers|first1=Dylan|title=MSNBC cancels 3 shows amid transition|url=http://www.politico.com/blogs/media/2015/07/msnbc-cancels-3-shows-amid-transition-211561|access-date=November 12, 2015|publisher=Politico|date=July 30, 2015}}</ref>
<ref name=cancels>{{cite news|last1=Byers|first1=Dylan|title=MSNBC cancels 3 shows amid transition|url=http://www.politico.com/blogs/media/2015/07/msnbc-cancels-3-shows-amid-transition-211561|access-date=November 12, 2015|publisher=Politico|date=July 30, 2015}}</ref>


<ref name="BB">{{cite web|title=Andrew Lack|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/person.asp?personId=843678&privcapId=160210|website=Bloomberg|publisher=Bloomberg|access-date=November 9, 2015}}</ref>
<ref name="BB">{{cite web|title=Andrew Lack|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/person.asp?personId=843678&privcapId=160210|website=Bloomberg|access-date=November 9, 2015}}</ref>


<ref name="Sun">{{cite news|title=CBS' Lack named head of NBC News|url=http://articles.baltimoresun.com/1993-04-08/features/1993098177_1_dateline-cbs-gartner|access-date=January 5, 2016|publisher=Baltimore Sun|date=April 8, 1993}}</ref>
<ref name="Sun">{{cite news|title=CBS' Lack named head of NBC News|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/1993/04/08/cbs-lack-named-head-of-nbc-news/|access-date=January 5, 2016|publisher=Baltimore Sun|date=April 8, 1993}}</ref>


<ref name="EM">{{cite book|last1=Spragens|first1=William|title=Electronic Magazines: Soft News Programs on Network Television|date=January 1, 1995|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|isbn=0275941558|page=29|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cr41_UeQwM8C&q=dan+rather+andrew+lack|access-date=December 5, 2015}}</ref>
<ref name="EM">{{cite book|last1=Spragens|first1=William|title=Electronic Magazines: Soft News Programs on Network Television|date=January 1, 1995|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|isbn=0275941558|page=29|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cr41_UeQwM8C&q=dan+rather+andrew+lack|access-date=December 5, 2015}}</ref>
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<ref name="BP">{{cite news|last1=Fisher|first1=Bob|title="The Boat People" as Filmed for CBS|url=https://www.questia.com/magazine/1P3-1308459571/the-boat-people-as-filmed-for-cbs|access-date=December 5, 2015|publisher=American Cinematographor|date=October 1979}}</ref>
<ref name="BP">{{cite news|last1=Fisher|first1=Bob|title="The Boat People" as Filmed for CBS|url=https://www.questia.com/magazine/1P3-1308459571/the-boat-people-as-filmed-for-cbs|access-date=December 5, 2015|publisher=American Cinematographor|date=October 1979}}</ref>


<ref name="Teddy">{{cite news|last1=Shales|first1=Tom|title=Teddy's Torment: A TV Soap Opera|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1979/11/22/teddys-torment-a-tv-soap-opera/1122f6a6-dd9a-4301-b975-0dd86012ad31/|access-date=December 5, 2015|work=The Washington Post|date=November 22, 1979}}</ref>
<ref name="Teddy">{{cite news|last1=Shales|first1=Tom|title=Teddy's Torment: A TV Soap Opera|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1979/11/22/teddys-torment-a-tv-soap-opera/1122f6a6-dd9a-4301-b975-0dd86012ad31/|access-date=December 5, 2015|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=November 22, 1979}}</ref>


<ref name="CW">{{cite news|last1=O'Connor|first1=John|title=TV View; A FIVE- PART EXAMINATION OF U.S. DEFENSES|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/06/14/arts/tv-view-a-five-part-examination-of-us-defenses.html?pagewanted=all|access-date=December 5, 2015|work=The New York Times|date=June 14, 1981}}</ref>
<ref name="CW">{{cite news|last1=O'Connor|first1=John|title=TV View; A FIVE- PART EXAMINATION OF U.S. DEFENSES|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/06/14/arts/tv-view-a-five-part-examination-of-us-defenses.html?pagewanted=all|access-date=December 5, 2015|work=The New York Times|date=June 14, 1981}}</ref>
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<ref name=USAToday2>{{cite news|last1=Lieberman|first1=David|title=Lack is determined to be more than a music man|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/money/media/2005-06-13-lack-usat_x.htm|access-date=November 9, 2015|publisher=USA Today|date=June 13, 2005}}</ref>
<ref name=USAToday2>{{cite news|last1=Lieberman|first1=David|title=Lack is determined to be more than a music man|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/money/media/2005-06-13-lack-usat_x.htm|access-date=November 9, 2015|publisher=USA Today|date=June 13, 2005}}</ref>


<ref name="BMG">{{cite news|title=Sony BMG's chairman, CEO Switch Jobs|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/11272337/ns/business-world_business/t/sony-bmgs-chairman-ceo-switch-jobs/#.VrE2exhy40A|access-date=February 2, 2016|work=NBC News|date=February 10, 2016}}</ref>
<ref name="BMG">{{cite news|title=Sony BMG's chairman, CEO Switch Jobs|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna11272337|access-date=February 2, 2016|work=NBC News|date=February 10, 2016}}</ref>


<ref name="PC">{{cite web|title=Andrew Lack, CEO Multimedia Group, Bloomberg LP|url=http://www.paleycenter.org/andrew-lack-ceo-multimedia-group-bloomberg-lp|website=PaleyCenter.org|publisher=The Paley Center For Media|access-date=February 2, 2016}}</ref>
<ref name="PC">{{cite web|title=Andrew Lack, CEO Multimedia Group, Bloomberg LP|url=http://www.paleycenter.org/andrew-lack-ceo-multimedia-group-bloomberg-lp|website=PaleyCenter.org|date=March 20, 2009 |publisher=The Paley Center For Media|access-date=February 2, 2016}}</ref>


<ref name="Beyonce">{{cite news|last1=Cohen|first1=Jonathan|title=Beyonce Belts It Out On 'Cadillac' Soundtrack|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1043534/beyonce-belts-it-out-on-cadillac-soundtrack|access-date=February 2, 2016|publisher=Billboard|date=November 11, 2008}}</ref>
<ref name="Beyonce">{{cite news|last1=Cohen|first1=Jonathan|title=Beyonce Belts It Out On 'Cadillac' Soundtrack|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1043534/beyonce-belts-it-out-on-cadillac-soundtrack|access-date=February 2, 2016|publisher=Billboard|date=November 11, 2008}}</ref>
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<ref name="HR" >{{cite news|last1=Guthrie|first1=Marisa|title=NBC News Chief Andy Lack: "Solid Start" for Brian Williams on MSNBC|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/andy-lack-brian-williams-solid-827331|access-date=November 9, 2015|publisher=Hollywood Reporter|date=September 25, 2015}}</ref>
<ref name="HR" >{{cite news|last1=Guthrie|first1=Marisa|title=NBC News Chief Andy Lack: "Solid Start" for Brian Williams on MSNBC|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/andy-lack-brian-williams-solid-827331|access-date=November 9, 2015|publisher=Hollywood Reporter|date=September 25, 2015}}</ref>

<ref name="NP">{{cite news|last1=Atkinson|first1=Claire|title=Andy Lack and Brian Williams are likely package deal for NBC News|url=https://nypost.com/2015/03/03/andy-lack-in-talks-to-return-as-nbc-news-chief-after-brian-williams-scandal/|access-date=November 12, 2015|publisher=New York Post|date=March 3, 2015}}</ref>


<ref name="VF">{{cite news|last1=Somaiya|first1=Ravi|title=Vanity Fair's Fall Conference Taps Power of the Rolodex|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/23/business/vanity-fairs-fall-conference-taps-power-of-the-rolodex.html|access-date=December 5, 2015|work=New York Times|date=June 22, 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="VF">{{cite news|last1=Somaiya|first1=Ravi|title=Vanity Fair's Fall Conference Taps Power of the Rolodex|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/23/business/vanity-fairs-fall-conference-taps-power-of-the-rolodex.html|access-date=December 5, 2015|work=New York Times|date=June 22, 2014}}</ref>
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[[Category:Browning School alumni]]
[[Category:Browning School alumni]]
[[Category:21st-century American Jews]]
[[Category:21st-century American Jews]]
[[Category:60 Minutes producers]]

Latest revision as of 00:41, 18 November 2024

For the English biologist of the same name, see Andrew Lack (author).

Andrew Lack
Born (1947-05-16) May 16, 1947 (age 77)[1]
New York City, New York, U.S.
Alma materBoston University[2]
Occupation(s)Former chairman of NBC News and MSNBC
Spouse(s)Pamela Blafer Lack Goldman (divorced)
Betsy Kenny Lack
Children3

Andrew Lack (born May 16, 1947) is a businessman, film executive and television executive. He was the chairman of NBC News and MSNBC from 2015 to 2020.[3][4]

Prior to NBCUniversal, Lack held a series of media executive positions, including as the chairman and CEO of Bloomberg Media Group; chairman and CEO of Sony Music Entertainment; and president and chief operating officer of NBC.[5]

He began his career as a journalist and then producer at CBS, winning 10 Emmy Awards[2] and two Peabody Awards[6] as a television producer.

Early life

[edit]

Lack was born in New York City to a Jewish family. He attended the Browning School, a private school in New York, before graduating from Connecticut boarding school The Gunnery.[7] He studied at the Sorbonne, University of Paris and graduated from Boston University's College of Fine Arts in 1968.[2] After graduation, he appeared as an actor in numerous television commercials and an off-Broadway production.[2][1]

Career

[edit]

After graduating he worked as a producer of TV commercials, joined CBS News in 1976, following the next year with 60 Minutes and from 1978 until 1985, produced CBS Reports. He also served as correspondent on The American-Israeli Connection in 1982. Lack worked with Bill Moyers during the early 80s, as producer of both Our Times With Bill Moyers (1983) and Crossroads (1984).[1]

CBS

[edit]

In 1976, Lack was hired by 60 Minutes creator Don Hewitt at CBS News as a producer for the personality-driven television show Who's Who. That led to a job as a producer for 60 Minutes.[2] Lack produced such segments as "Inside Afghanistan"[8] and "Kissinger and The Oil Embargo."[9] He wrote and directed the segment "The Real Malcolm X: An Intimate Portrait of the Man."[10][11]

He later became the executive producer for CBS Reports, where he stayed for seven years, followed by a four-year stint starting in 1985 as the executive producer of West 57th hosted by Meredith Vieira, a long-format news program.[2][12] West 57th was known for mixing new storytelling techniques and topics with the same journalistic standards as 60 Minutes.[13] During the course of the show he conducted an extramarital affair with one of his correspondents, Jane Wallace, who described him as "almost unrelenting" in his pursuit of her.[14][15][16] After the affair ended, she says Lack threatened her career and the network paid her for a non-disclosure agreement; a source close to Lack denied the allegations.[15][16]

His work as a CBS producer includes "The Boat People" (about Vietnamese refugees),[17] "Teddy" (about Ted Kennedy)[18] and "The Defense of the United States" (about the Cold War) with Walter Cronkite.[19]

NBC

[edit]

Lack was hired as president of NBC News in 1993, in part to restore credibility to the news division, after it was discovered the news program Dateline had faked an explosion during a truck safety segment.[3]

By Lack's third year, NBC Nightly News with anchor Tom Brokaw became the number-one rated evening news program, beating World News Tonight with Peter Jennings on ABC News.[3] Lack also greatly expanded Dateline, from once weekly to multiple nights each week.[20]

After Bryant Gumbel left the Today show, Lack replaced him with Matt Lauer. Lack also moved Today into a new, $15 million street-side studio, known as Studio 1A.[21] With Lauer as anchor, Today became the highest-rated morning news show for the next 16 years.[3] The cable news network MSNBC was also created under Lack.[3]

In 2001, Lack left the news division to become president[20] and chief operating officer of NBC, the television network.[3][20]

Sony

[edit]

Lack joined Sony Music Entertainment in 2003 as chairman and CEO.[22] Amid sharply declining sales in the music industry, Lack cut the staff by 25% to about 6,000 people.[20]

In 2004, Lack led a merger with BMG. Lack became CEO of the new Sony BMG, a 50–50 venture with Germany's Bertelsmann that resulted in the second-largest music company in the world.[20]

At Sony BMG, he pushed the company further into video, including television programming, and had to contend with the erosion of sales because of music file-sharing services such as Napster.[20] In 2005, he signed Bruce Springsteen to a $110 million contract.[23]

In 2006 he became the chairman of Sony BMG.[24] He later created SonyBMG Films,[25] a division that produced numerous titles including Cadillac Records starring Beyonce.[26] In 2008 he left the company.[2]

Bloomberg

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In 2008, Lack returned to broadcast journalism, joining Bloomberg as CEO of its Media Group,[3] running television, radio and digital properties, including 11 television channels internationally.[27] The New York Times reported that he cut losses in half and doubled revenue.[3] He became chairman of Bloomberg Media Group in 2013[28] and stayed with Bloomberg until 2014.[2]

NBCUniversal (2015–2020)

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Lack rejoined NBC News and MSNBC in 2015[29] in the aftermath of a crisis generated when NBC Nightly News host Brian Williams was suspended without pay for six months for misrepresenting events which occurred while he was covering the 2003 Iraq War.[30] NBC News also faced a decline in ratings for Today and poor ratings for MSNBC.[29]

Lack named Lester Holt as the new anchor of NBC Nightly News to replace Williams.[31] The show became a ratings success, coming in first for the full 2014–2015 season (four months of which were anchored by Williams).[32]

After Williams' suspension was over, Lack decided to bring him back as the breaking news anchor for MSNBC as part of a shift toward hard news in that network's daytime programming.[33] Lack announced closer collaboration between NBC News and MSNBC,[34] cancelled three opinion-based daytime MSNBC shows,[35][36] and gave Meet the Press host Chuck Todd a daily afternoon program called MTP Daily.[37] MSNBC ratings subsequently improved in the first quarter of 2016, with daytime viewership up by more than 100%.[38] Lack also unified the digital operations of NBC News and MSNBC under a new division head.[39] Today became the first-place morning news show, surpassing Good Morning America in total viewers as of March 31, 2016, following a six-month lead among the 25–54-year-olds.[40][41]

In January 2017, Lack announced the hiring of Megyn Kelly away from Fox News saying in a memo, "She's demonstrated tremendous skill and poise, and we're lucky to have her."[42] Kelly was reportedly being paid between $15 million and $20 million a year at NBCUniversal for both a Sunday evening show and the mid-morning Megyn Kelly Today, along with election coverage.[43] In late October 2018, Business Insider reported that Kelly would depart the network following controversial remarks on the nature of blackface.[44]

In 2019, investigative journalist Ronan Farrow claimed that Lack downplayed a human resources complaint of rape against Today anchor Matt Lauer. Farrow, in his book Catch and Kill, also accused Lack of slowing and eventually blocking Farrow’s seven month investigation into Harvey Weinstein. Farrow also alleged that Lack had ordered Richard Greenberg to block reporting on the Harvey Weinstein sexual abuse cases.[45] NBC News denied Farrow’s allegations, saying Farrow’s reporting at NBC News was not ready for publication in large part because he did not have anyone on the record.[46][47] On October 10, 2017, The New Yorker ran a story by Farrow about Weinstein with seven named women accusing him of sexual misconduct.[48] Farrow also reported that NBC News hired a "Wikipedia whitewasher" who removed references to NBC News's role in the Harvey Weinstein case from several Wikipedia articles, including Lack's.[49]

In May 2020, NBCUniversal announced Lack would be leaving his position as NBCUniversal Worldwide News Group President by the end of the month, he resigned soon after.[50]

Personal life

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Lack married twice. In 1970, he married Pamela Ann Blafer in a Jewish ceremony at the Temple Emanu-El in Manhattan.[51] Lack is married to Betsy Kenny Lack,[52] head of global brand strategy for Snapchat,[53] with whom he has two sons.[54]

He was honored by the UJA-Federation of New York’s Broadcast, Cable & Film Division on April 9, 2013, for his generous support.[55]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c "Andrew Lack". Hollywood.com. Archived from the original on September 13, 2015.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Jahnke, Art (Summer 2011). "News Without End". Bostonia. Retrieved November 9, 2015.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h Koblin, John (June 9, 2015). "Andrew Lack Returns to NBC News Amid Turmoil". The New York Times. Retrieved November 9, 2015.
  4. ^ Grove, Lloyd (December 21, 2015). "Can MSNBC Re-Center Itself? Andy Lack on Breaking News, 'Today,' and Brian Williams". The Daily Beast. Retrieved July 27, 2016.
  5. ^ "Andrew Lack". Bloomberg. Retrieved November 9, 2015.
  6. ^ "CBS' Lack named head of NBC News". Baltimore Sun. April 8, 1993. Retrieved January 5, 2016.
  7. ^ Brodie, John (April 8, 1993). "Lack: sophisticated, savvy and no stranger to turmoil". Variety. Retrieved June 14, 2020.
  8. ^ Spragens, William (January 1, 1995). Electronic Magazines: Soft News Programs on Network Television. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 29. ISBN 0275941558. Retrieved December 5, 2015.
  9. ^ Lack, Andrew (January 22, 1978). "The Oil Embargo". 60 Minutes. CBS News.
  10. ^ 1992 CBS NEWS SPECIAL REPORT: "Malcolm X: The Real Story", October 4, 2014, retrieved June 4, 2016
  11. ^ Weinstock, David (2008). Malcolm X, African American Revolutionary. McFarland. p. 211. ISBN 978-0786439348. Retrieved December 5, 2015.
  12. ^ HALL, JANE (April 13, 1993). "NBC Not for Sale, GE Chair Tells News Staff Employees". Los Angeles Times. ISSN 0458-3035. Retrieved July 18, 2016.
  13. ^ Battaglio, Stephen (March 6, 2015). "Andrew Lack takes command of NBC's troubled news operation". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 12, 2015.
  14. ^ Cartwright, Lachlan; Tani, Maxwell (September 21, 2018). "EXCLUSIVE: Accused Sexual Harassers Thrived Under NBC News Chief Andy Lack". The Daily Beast. Retrieved October 12, 2019 – via www.thedailybeast.com.
  15. ^ a b Haylock, Zoe (October 11, 2019). "NBC News Chief Andy Lack Allegedly Preyed on Female Employees". www.vulture.com. Retrieved October 12, 2019.
  16. ^ a b "'Unrelenting': News boss rocked by sex claims". NewsComAu. October 9, 2019. Retrieved October 12, 2019.
  17. ^ Fisher, Bob (October 1979). ""The Boat People" as Filmed for CBS". American Cinematographor. Retrieved December 5, 2015.
  18. ^ Shales, Tom (November 22, 1979). "Teddy's Torment: A TV Soap Opera". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 5, 2015.
  19. ^ O'Connor, John (June 14, 1981). "TV View; A FIVE- PART EXAMINATION OF U.S. DEFENSES". The New York Times. Retrieved December 5, 2015.
  20. ^ a b c d e f Lieberman, David (June 13, 2005). "Lack is determined to be more than a music man". USA Today. Retrieved November 9, 2015.
  21. ^ Shishter, Gail (June 20, 1994). "'Today's' New Home Nbc's Dawn Patrol Unveils Its "Window On The World" Studio Today. Now, Rockefeller Plaza And 49th Street - And The People On Them - Are Part Of The Show". Philly.com. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved January 5, 2016.
  22. ^ Ordonez, Jenniefr (January 1, 2013). "Sony Taps NBC's President To Head Sickly Music Unit". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved November 9, 2015.
  23. ^ "The Peripatetic News Career of Andrew Lack". The New York Times. June 9, 2015. Retrieved August 12, 2016.
  24. ^ "Sony BMG's chairman, CEO Switch Jobs". NBC News. February 10, 2016. Retrieved February 2, 2016.
  25. ^ "Andrew Lack, CEO Multimedia Group, Bloomberg LP". PaleyCenter.org. The Paley Center For Media. March 20, 2009. Retrieved February 2, 2016.
  26. ^ Cohen, Jonathan (November 11, 2008). "Beyonce Belts It Out On 'Cadillac' Soundtrack". Billboard. Retrieved February 2, 2016.
  27. ^ Mnookin, Seth (November 5, 2008). "Bloomberg Without Bloomberg". The Hive. Retrieved June 10, 2016.
  28. ^ Lieberman, David (July 29, 2013). "Justin Smith Named CEO Of Bloomberg Media As Andy Lack Becomes Chairman". Deadline. Retrieved June 4, 2016.
  29. ^ a b Wemple, Erok (March 6, 2015). "NBC hires Andy Lack as chairman of NBC News and MSNBC". Washington Post. Retrieved November 9, 2015.
  30. ^ Steel, Emily (February 10, 2015). "Brian Williams Suspended From NBC for 6 Months Without Pay". New York Times. Retrieved November 12, 2015.
  31. ^ Wemple, Erik (June 18, 2015). "It's Official: Brian Williams moves to MSNBC; Lester Holt to be permanent anchor of 'NBC Nightly News'". Washington Post. Retrieved November 12, 2015.
  32. ^ Ariens, Chris (September 22, 2015). "Nightly News No. 1 for 19 Seasons". TV Newser. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
  33. ^ Guthrie, Marisa (September 25, 2015). "NBC News Chief Andy Lack: "Solid Start" for Brian Williams on MSNBC". Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved November 9, 2015.
  34. ^ de Moraes, Lisa. "Andrew Lack Points MSNBC Back To Its Hard-News Roots With Troop-Rallying Meeting At 30 Rock". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 9, 2015.
  35. ^ Byers, Dylan (July 30, 2015). "MSNBC cancels 3 shows amid transition". Politico. Retrieved November 12, 2015.
  36. ^ Battaglio, Stephen (July 30, 2015). "MSNBC cancels three daytime shows, adds Chuck Todd". L.A. Times. Retrieved November 9, 2015.
  37. ^ Steinberg, Brian (September 17, 2015). "MSNBC's Re-Do Will Make it Look More Like NBC News Channel". Variety. Retrieved November 12, 2015.
  38. ^ "MSNBC's year of standing up straight". POLITICO Media. June 2016. Retrieved June 4, 2016.
  39. ^ Calderone, Michael (November 3, 2015). "NBC, MSNBC Shake Up Digital Operations". Huffington Post. Retrieved November 9, 2015.
  40. ^ Steinberg, Brian (March 31, 2016). "Morning-Show Wars Take a Twist as 'Today' Trumps 'GMA' in Total Viewers". Retrieved July 27, 2016.
  41. ^ "After 4 Years in Second Place, NBC's Today Show Retakes the Morning Show Lead". Adweek. March 31, 2016. Retrieved July 27, 2016.
  42. ^ Battaglio, Stephen (January 3, 2017). "Popular anchor Megyn Kelly will leave Fox News after 12 years to join NBC". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved October 11, 2017.
  43. ^ "Megyn Kelly is now one of the highest-paid hosts on TV — here's where her salary ranks". Business Insider. Retrieved October 11, 2017.
  44. ^ "Megyn Kelly is reportedly out at NBC News after backlash over blackface comments". Business Insider. Retrieved October 25, 2018.
  45. ^ Aurthur, Kate and Ramin Setoodeh. "Ronan Farrow Book Alleges Matt Lauer Raped NBC News Colleague", Variety, October 8, 2019.
  46. ^ Battaglio, Stephen (August 31, 2018). "NBC News denies that it tried to shut down Ronan Farrow's Harvey Weinstein reporting". LA Times. Retrieved March 7, 2022.
  47. ^ Smith, Ben (May 17, 2020). "Is Ronan Farrow Too Good to Be True?". The New York Times. Retrieved November 5, 2020.
  48. ^ Battaglio, Stephen (August 31, 2018). "NBC News denies that it tried to shut down Ronan Farrow's Harvey Weinstein reporting". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 21, 2022.
  49. ^ Farhi, Paul. "Ronan Farrow overcame spies and intimidation to break some of the biggest stories of the #MeToo era", The Washington Post, October 10, 2019.
  50. ^ Koblin, John; Grynbaum, Michael M. (May 4, 2020). "Andrew Lack Is Out as the Head of NBC News After a Stormy Tenure". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved May 4, 2020.
  51. ^ "Pamela Ann Blafer Is Wed Here". The New York Times. January 11, 1970.
  52. ^ Somaiya, Ravi (June 22, 2014). "Vanity Fair's Fall Conference Taps Power of the Rolodex". New York Times. Retrieved December 5, 2015.
  53. ^ Wagner, Kurt (May 25, 2016). "Snapchat has hired former Vanity Fair editor Betsy Lack to run global brand strategy". Recode. Retrieved July 18, 2016.
  54. ^ "BG Names Andy Lack CEO". BBG.gov. Broadcasting Board of Governors. Retrieved November 9, 2015.
  55. ^ UJA-Federation of New York: "Andrew Lack Honored at Broadcast Event" April 10, 2013
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