NBC News chief inks new deal amid Ronan Farrow controversy

NBC News president Noah Oppenheim signed a new contract with the network even as controversy surrounding the network’s handling of Matt Lauer alleged sexual harassment began swirling, reports The Hollywood Reporter and The Wall Street Journal.

• NBCUniversal CEO Steve Burke has continued to voice support for Oppenheim following the publication of Ronan Farrow’s book “Catch and Kill.”
• Farrow’s book claims NBC execs tried to cover up previous allegations against Lauer.
• Farrow has previously claimed that NBC stopped him from reporting about accusations against Harvey Weinstein when he worked for the network.
• Farrow’s book also purports that NBC stopped the Weinstein story after the media mogul threatened to reveal dirt on Lauer.
• Meanwhile, Oppenheim has denied any knowledge of Lauer’s alleged behavior before a November 2017 report that lead to Lauer being fired shortly after.
• NBC News and MSNBC Chairman Andy Lack is expected to retire after the 2020 elections and Oppenheim is widely considered the heir apparent for that job.
• The Wall Street Journal originally reported news of Oppenheim’s contract extension.