playnext.fm

Industry Standard w/ Barry Katz

Paul Telegdy

·2 hr·5 clips
Barry Katz sits down with Paul Telegdy, the former chairman of NBC Entertainment, for a rare look at network television's inner workings.
Barry Katz hosts Paul Telegdy, the former chairman of NBC Entertainment, on Industry Standard. Telegdy begins by reflecting on his background as a British executive navigating American corporate culture. He explains his start at NBC in 2008, overseeing unscripted programming like 'Last Comic Standing,' when the network was in fourth place. Telegdy argues that leading a last-place network offered more opportunity for impactful decisions. He details the daily pressure of Nielsen ratings and early morning emails from executives like Jeff Zucker. A key moment is Telegdy's account of championing 'Parks and Recreation' and threatening to leave if it was canceled, which led to its renewal. The conversation shifts to the importance of story over performance in reality TV, using 'Last Comic Standing' as an example. Katz and Telegdy discuss the challenges of saying no to high-profile producers and the lack of a scorecard for passed-on projects. They delve into the casting difficulties for comedy shows and the evolution of stand-up in the digital age. Telegdy shares insights on his promotion to chairman, emphasizing his focus on serving existing shows and employees. He critiques early Peacock programming decisions and reflects on missed opportunities like John Oliver's show. The episode includes a segment called 'six degrees of separation,' where Telegdy tells stories about Simon Cowell, Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Lopez, and others. He concludes with thoughts on the changing landscape of television pitching, from in-person meetings to Zoom.

As heard by us

A clear-eyed network power conversation with real attention to creative judgment and the people behind the show.

Barry Katz's conversation with Paul Tlegdy, former chairman of NBC Entertainment, frames network leadership as stewardship: who takes responsibility for a show, who stands behind the people making it, and who has the judgment to recognize talent before it becomes obvious.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You want television explained by a host who has argued over shows and a former NBC Entertainment chairman who still thinks about the crews behind them.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →
Listen to the show on
Apple PodcastsSpotify
Play clips from this episodeMore from Industry Standard w/ Barry Katz