Former NBC exec to join Chernin?

Katherine Pope, the former head of Universal Media Studios, is talking with Peter Chernin about joining the outgoing News Corp. executive when he launches his new production company.

Pope, who as head of NBC's television studio helped shephard such shows as "Heroes" and "30 Rock," was one of three top programming executives who were outsted last year following a rocky fall season for the broadcast network.

Industry sources say Pope has been in discussions with Chernin, who announced that he would leave News Corp. when his contract ends in June, concluding more than a dozen years as the entertainment giant's chief operating officer. 

Chernin's contract guarantees him a six-year motion picture and television production deal, under which Fox is obligated to green-light at least two movies a year -- at his discretion.

Chernin did not respond to an e-mail request for information. Pope could not be reached for comment.

-- Dawn C. Chmielewski

Comments

[Ralphred]

Way to kill your project before it's even started Chernin