JUST IN: NBC CEO OUSTED

NBC-Universal CEO Jeff Shell is on his way out. …

Following allegations of an “inappropriate relationship” with an employee, and an ensuing investigation, Shell tendered his resignation—stepping down as CEO.

Shell will be leaving the media giant effective immediately, as per this press release from Comcast:

BREAKING: Wow. My onetime friend Jeff Shell OUT as chairman of NBC pic.twitter.com/xuMBFzFdgr

— Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) April 23, 2023

Some were surprised by the recent developments, while others made it a point to note that NBC has a history of these events:

Another press release I first thought was fake: NBC Universal chief Jeff Shell is leaving the company after a Comcast investigation. "I had an inappropriate relationship with a woman in the company, which I deeply regret," he says.

— Matthew Belloni (@MattBelloni) April 23, 2023

NBCU chief Jeff Shell out.

“I had an inappropriate relationship with a woman in the company, which I deeply regret," he says.

NBC certainly has a knack for picking its leaders https://t.co/HPZQqDr3pQ

— Rich McHugh (@RichMcHugh) April 23, 2023

According to NBC News:

Comcast did not specify in a statement how Shell violated company policy. Shell said in a statement that he had “an inappropriate relationship with a woman in the company.”

As CEO, Shell oversaw a sprawling portfolio of entertainment and news assets that includes the Universal Pictures film studio, NBC News and MSNBC, the cable channels Bravo and E! and other well-known brands.

Comcast's ouster of Jeff Shell at NBCU also reveals the growing power of Mike Cavanaugh, elevated to president from CFO at the media giant last year. It's Cavanaugh who is getting interim oversight of NBC.

https://t.co/eNreczI5ec via @variety

— Brian Steinberg (@bristei) April 23, 2023

Reuters adds:

Comcast said the investigation into the complaint against Shell was led by outside counsel. It did not provide other details.

In 2020, NBCUniversal Vice Chairman Ron Meyer left the company after disclosing a settlement with a woman with whom he had a consensual affair years ago.

Shell joins other high-profile executives who have lost their jobs in recent years over accusations of improper conduct or sexual harassment.