NBCUniversal announced Tuesday (4/12) that Don Browne is retiring as President of Telemundo Communications Group. Browne turns 68 in May and his last day at the NBCU Spanish media operation will be June 3rd. That’s also the 8th anniversary of his becoming COO of Telemundo.
“Don Browne has had an outstanding career as a broadcaster and executive, from his years as a bureau chief and executive vice president of NBC News to his tenure most recently at Telemundo, which under his leadership has become an extremely exciting part of our portfolio. We are grateful for what he has accomplished and wish him all the best on a well-deserved retirement,” said NBCUniversal CEO Steve Burke.
Lauren Zalaznick, Chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment & Digital Networks and Integrated Media, to whom Browne reports, added: “Don’s career has been marked by an intense passion for news and a keen eye for talent. He has long been a champion of diversity and for years has been an advocate for Hispanic media.”
At Telemundo, where he has been President since 2005, Browne had responsibility for all functions of the Telemundo television network and its 14 owned-and-operated stations, including the Programming division, Telemundo Studios, and News and Sports. In addition, he was responsible for Telemundo International and Telemundo Cable, as well as Telemundo’s Digital Media initiatives, sales, and marketing.
A successor to Browne will be announced in the coming months, NBCU said in the announcement of his retirement.
Browne began his career with the company in 1979, as NBC News’ Miami bureau chief. He was promoted to executive news director in 1989 and executive vice president of NBC News in 1991. Before joining Telemundo, he was president and general manager of WTVJ, NBC’s owned-and-operated station in Miami. As head of WTVJ he was an early and fervent supporter of NBC’s investment in Spanish-language television and played a key role in the company’s 2001 acquisition of Telemundo.
