What will Ben Silverman think of next for NBC?

Already, Silverman has electrified the network, according to several NBC executives. They say that Silverman possesses good instincts and the self-confidence needed to take the big swings necessary to get NBC back into the game. He is as comfortable producing reality shows as he is scripted programs like the Emmy-winning comedy "The Office." He also has been a leader in adding Internet elements to his programs, an increasingly important knack these days.

Silverman also has the backing of the top brass at NBC Universal and parent GE -- something predecessor Reilly lacked. NBC reorganized its structure to eliminate turf battles, giving Silverman more power. He and co-Chairman Marc Graboff are in charge of programming for both the broadcast network and the TV production studio.

"Now there is some clarity over there, NBC feels energized," said Chris Silbermann, co-president of talent agency International Creative Management.

It comes down to infusing the place with positive energy, Silverman said. He also likes to take care of people, according to Owens.

Take the case of Buddy Jewell, the winner of "Nashville Star," a singing competition. The terms of Jewell's recording deal were quite restrictive, so he called to complain. Some at Reveille weren't sure what to do.

"Ben told us to make it work for Buddy," Owens said.

Said Silverman, "It wasn't fair and he needed to feed his family, so I changed some assets around. I live in a world driven by values, and those values don't change because I'm running a business."

Some say, however, that Silverman's challenge will be to curb his penchant for pleasing people. One lawyer joked last week that Silverman had already told so many producers to bring him their projects that "NBC now has enough shows to fill five schedules."

Silverman says he has plenty of discipline. "I only do what I say that I'm going to do," he said, adding that within GE's tight-fisted culture, "I want people to know that NBC is the best place to go if they want creative and commercial opportunities."

He is a master salesman.

But Greg Daniels, the writer and executive producer who adapted "The Office" for NBC, said it was more complicated than that.

"He presents himself in such a way that you might be skeptical that he will follow up on all of the big things he says," Daniels said. "But then you see that he is incredibly smart and has very good tastes and ideas."