Ex-NBC exec Marc Graboff may go to 19 Entertainment parent CKX
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Former NBC executive Marc Graboff is in advanced talks to take a senior position at CKX, the parent of production company 19 Entertainment, whose TV shows include Fox’s massive hit ‘American Idol.’
Graboff, who left his position as president of NBC’s West Coast operations just one month ago, could end up with the chief executive spot at CKX, which is currently held by Mike Ferrel, people close to Graboff and the company said.
At NBC, Graboff worked primarily behind the scenes overseeing business operations for the network. His departure had been expected after NBCUniversal’s new owner Comcast Corp. installed new leadership at the network.
Ferrel’s current deal, which runs to February 2013, was signed in June 2010 under previous management. Last July, CKX was acquired by the private equity firm Apollo Global Management for $509 million.
Besides 19 Entertainment, which also produces ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ for Fox, CKX owns the licensing rights to the names and images of Elvis Presley and Muhammad Ali and operates Graceland, the last home of Elvis Presley and a tourist attraction.
A spokesman for CKX declined to comment on the Graboff speculation, which was first reported by the New York Post.
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-- Joe Flint
