Ben Silverman to leave NBC position

Ben Silverman is to leave his position as co-chairman of NBC Entertainment and Universal Media.

Silverman was appointed to the job in 2007 - along with Marc Graboff - and will remain in his current title for several more weeks before officially stepping down.

He is staying on board to help launch the Peacock Network's upcoming Autumn season. However, a drop in NBC's overall ratings are said to have been the reason for his departure, after 20 of the 25 shows that premiered during his term were cancelled, TV Guide reports.

Jeff Gaspin, the president and CEO of NBC Universal Television Entertainment, has been promoted to chairman, while Silverman has reportedly signed a deal to form a new media company with Barry Diller that will develop projects for television and the internet.

In 2002, the 38-year-old founded the production company Revielle, which included him serving as producer of shows such as the US version of The Office and Ugly Betty.