Jamie Horowitz Out at NBC News: Read Deborah Turness’ Internal Memo

Former ESPN executive became general manager of “Today” in September

Jamie Horowitz is out at NBC News.

The former ESPN executive took the reins as general manager of “Today” in September, but parted ways with the news division on Monday after a brief tenure. NBC News President Deborah Turness explained Horowitz’s departure in an internal memo sent to staff.

“He’s a talented producer and executive, but, together, he and I have come to the conclusion that this is not the right fit,” she wrote in the letter, which was obtained by TheWrap

Turness stressed the importance of finding a new general manager for “Today,” but offered up no timeline.

“The role of General Manager remains an important one, and will be filled in due course,” she continued. “In the interim, I will work closely with both Don Nash and Jen Brown to oversee ‘Today.’”

Prior to joining NBC News, Horowitz oversaw a number of successful shows at ESPN, including “First Take,” “Olbermann,” “Numbers Never Lie,” “SportsNation,” and ESPN’s “World Series of Poker” programming.

Before joining ESPN in 2006, Horowitz worked at NBC Sports, where he received four Sports Emmys for his work on NBC Olympics coverage and the NBA on NBC. He began his career in television as an NBC Olympics researcher for the 2000 Summer Olympics.

Here’s Turness’s note in its entirety:

Dear All:

I want to let you know that, effective today, Jamie Horowitz will be leaving NBC News.

Jamie joined us in September as General Manager of the TODAY brand. He’s a talented producer and executive, but, together, he and I have come to the conclusion that this is not the right fit.

Because of the hard work of so many of you, and an anchor team that is hitting on all cylinders, the show has great momentum and is closing the ratings gap. The exclusives keep coming and there is a great energy both on- and off-air, and in digital and social. My focus – as always – is to support this special brand and its amazing and dedicated staff, and to position it for continued success.

The role of General Manager remains an important one, and will be filled in due course. In the interim, I will work closely with both Don Nash and Jen Brown to oversee TODAY.

Please join me in thanking Jamie and wishing him the best.

Deborah

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