According to Ryan Seacrest and TMZ! Moments ago, the overemployed host of American Idol tweeted explosive news about his friend, NBC wunderkind (and Vulture hero) Ben Silverman:
guy that runs nbc- put office biggest looser etc on is leaving to launch a new studio. Bringing together most creative stars and producers… This means better shows from our favorite stars in u.s. and around the world. Ben silverman just filling me in. This is big news in hwood… I think this means household names our favorite stars will get involved. Putting. The power in ur hands to watch anything anywhere anytime
According to TMZ, Silverman is working with Barry Diller to “create a one-stop shopping [digital media] company that can produce, market, distribute and advertise new media.†Also, his first targeted hire is allegedly Seacrest, with whom TMZ claims he’s already in talks. We suppose that would explain how Seacrest was able to scoop Nikki Finke on the news. Developing!
Ryan Seacrest [Twitter]
Goodbye Peacock, Hello Ryan [TMZ]
Update: The Times confirms! Silverman will stay at NBC through September to aid with the transition to his successor, Jeff Gaspin, current head of NBCU’s cable operations. Then he’s leaving to start an as-yet-unnamed company in partnership with Diller’s IAC.