NBC exec is likely to stay

All of this makes it a lousy time to be running a major network -- and some wonder why Silverman needs the headache. He doesn't need an NBC paycheck because earlier this year he sold his production company, Reveille, to Elisabeth Murdoch for more than $125 million.

But NBC would like to keep Silverman, according to people close to him. His bosses think he's been a good steward. Profit has increased this year, in part because Silverman wooed advertisers to plug their products in NBC shows such as "Knight Rider."

He has also been instrumental in lowering the network's programming costs through co-productions. (Of course, all networks have had lower programming costs this year because of the strike.)

Two months ago, NBC Universal Chief Executive Jeff Zucker appeared to be teeing up expectations that Silverman would stay put.

"I could not be more pleased with the job that he's done," Zucker told The Times, in reference to Silverman. "He's done everything that we've asked of him."

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meg.james@latimes.com