Ben Silverman leaving NBC to set up prodco with Diller

NBC co-chairman Ben Silverman is leaving the broadcaster to start a new production company with Barry Diller’s IAC.

Silverman has been at NBC since 2007 and will be replaced by Jeff Gaspin who currently runs NBC’s slew of cable networks and becomes chairman, NBC Universal Television Entertainment, effective immediately.

NBC is a potential investor in the new enterprise, IAC said, adding that IAC will provide the start-up capital, but does not expect to consolidate its results into its own financials.

IAC announced the new venture this morning New York time and CEO Barry Diller said in a statement: “This new venture will take full advantage of all areas of Ben Silverman’s extensive media expertise – as an agent, producer and advertising innovator – to create a truly integrated and truly interactive new media production entity, a next generation enterprise that bridges the gap between traditional television and the internet.”

The move sees Silverman return to production. He set up producer/distributor Reveille before selling it to Lis Murdoch’s Shine ahead of joining NBC.

His tenure at the US network has been tumultuos. He launched Knight Rider, Cath and Kim, Kings, My Own Worst Enemy and UK series Crusoe and Merlin and Canadian show The Listener among others.