Paula Madison

Paula Madison, news director of NBC-owned-and-operated WNBC in New York, and the network's vice president of diversity, has been named president and general manager of KNBC Channel 4, executives announced Wednesday. Her appointment is effective immediately. Madison will replace Ray Heacox, who is leaving KNBC to head up a new technology company.

"Undercovers," a glossy drama about married caterers moonlighting as spies, was positioned by NBC as more than just a glittery entry in its fall lineup when it premiered last September. The series featured two black leads — a rarity in prime-time network TV — and was the centerpiece of the network's aggressive campaign touting its commitment to boosting diversity. NBC trumpeted "Undercovers" as a response to opponents of the network's merger with cable giant Comcast who contended NBC had a historically poor record when it came to placing African Americans in front of and behind the camera.

"Undercovers," a glossy drama about married caterers moonlighting as spies, was positioned by NBC as more than just a glittery entry in its fall lineup when it premiered last September. The series featured two black leads — a rarity in prime-time network TV — and was the centerpiece of the network's aggressive campaign touting its commitment to boosting diversity. NBC trumpeted "Undercovers" as a response to opponents of the network's merger with cable giant Comcast who contended NBC had a historically poor record when it came to placing African Americans in front of and behind the camera.

Paula Madison, general manager of KNBC-TV Channel 4 in Los Angeles, Thursday was named chief diversity officer for NBC Universal. Madison previously had served in that role but only part time because her primary job was to manage Channel 4 and its two L.A. Spanish-language stations, KVEA-TV Channel 52 and KWHY-TV Channel 22. But NBC's acquisition in 2004 of Universal Studios nearly doubled the size of the company, increasing the diversity duties.

Paula Madison, general manager of KNBC-TV Channel 4 in Los Angeles, Thursday was named chief diversity officer for NBC Universal. Madison previously had served in that role but only part time because her primary job was to manage Channel 4 and its two L.A. Spanish-language stations, KVEA-TV Channel 52 and KWHY-TV Channel 22. But NBC's acquisition in 2004 of Universal Studios nearly doubled the size of the company, increasing the diversity duties.

Cal Lutheran University will hold its 32nd annual Mathews Leadership Forum on Tuesday. Paula Madison, president and general manager of KNBC-TV in Los Angeles, will deliver a keynote address focusing on the ethical and leadership roles of the media. The forum brings together students and faculty with local civic and business leaders for round-table discussions and dinner. The event will be from 5 to 8:30 p.m. in the campus gymnasium-auditorium. Tickets are $40.

Veteran KNBC-TV weatherman Christopher Nance has been let go by the NBC-owned station after months of uncertainty regarding his job status, stemming from what he says are unfounded allegations of sexual harassment. Nance -- who joined the station in 1985 on its weekend newscasts and most recently appeared mornings, including local weather updates during the "Today" show -- was suspended in August for what the station described only as "a personnel matter."

Nancy Bauer Gonzales is being replaced as news director at KNBC, the station confirmed Monday, with the local news veteran to exit the position officially this Friday. KNBC described Bauer Gonzales' departure in a statement as "mutual and amicable," though sources indicated she is leaving as part of an ongoing shakeup at KNBC under President and General Manager Paula Madison. The station said a search is underway for a replacement.

NAACP President and Chief Executive Kweisi Mfume on Wednesday once again raised the threat of an economic and advertiser boycott aimed at one of the major television networks, accusing the four broadcasters of making little progress in their promises to increase representation of minorities on series and in the executive ranks.

The three local 11 p.m. English-language newscasts received fair to poor marks in a national study released Wednesday examining 43 television news operations. KNBC-TV had the highest-quality 11 p.m. newscast of the three network-owned stations in Los Angeles, according to the study by the Project for Excellence in Journalism, which is associated with the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

Paula Madison, news director of NBC-owned-and-operated WNBC in New York, and the network's vice president of diversity, has been named president and general manager of KNBC Channel 4, executives announced Wednesday. Her appointment is effective immediately. Madison will replace Ray Heacox, who is leaving KNBC to head up a new technology company.

Comcast Corp. unveiled its new management lineup for NBC Universal on Thursday, ending months of anticipation and behind-the-scenes jockeying. Although the new executive team is ready, the two companies now must wait for federal regulators to approve the Philadelphia cable company's takeover of NBC Universal. The consent of the U.S. Justice Department and Federal Communications Commission is expected next month or early next year. Comcast Chief Operating Officer Steve Burke, who will replace Jeff Zucker as NBC Universal chief executive when the deal closes, created a layered structure with seven executives holding the title of chairman.