
By Rafat Ali and Staci D. Kramer: Mama said there’d be days like this…We’ve spent a large chunk of time chasing down a flurry of tips that Yahoo media chief Lloyd Braun literally was on his way out the door. Not so, say people close to the situation, frustrated by repeated reports that Braun is leaving. “How do you disprove a negative?” one asked. That person traced the current rumors back to a Los Angeles Times story in November about the clash between Braun’s Hollywood expectations and Yahoo’s culture. The story included Yahoo CEO Terry Semel rejecting a private plane for Braun.
That was followed in the LAT by a Jan. 1 prediction story that included Braun leaving as one of many events that could happen in the media industry this year. That set off another round that we thought had started to die down but instead flamed back up again today, fueled in part by a sighting of him at dinner with old friend Jeff Zucker that had some people certain he was on his way to NBC. Other variations have him moving to Paramount or even an entertainment management agency. Again, not so, say the two close to the situation. Braun wants to stay at Yahoo to see what he’s put into place pay off. Between friends in the industry and deal making or a mix of both, he will continue to be seen with people some view as potential employers.
Some people have been handicapping Braun’s departure since he walked in the door, the former chairman of ABC Entertainment Television Group hired by Semel to establish the Yahoo Media Group. His tenure in Santa Monica has been marked by a series of senior hires — as well as a number of departures and some internal/alumni complaints about his style. Keep in mind, Braun’s desire to stay is only part of the equation.
Truth is, the rumors will continue until the day he leaves.
Related:
– Yahoo’s Hollywood Growing Pains
– Yahoo’s Increasing Competition With Media Companies
– Yahoo’s Santa Monica Move: Not Really a Hollywood Ending
– Yahoo Names Ex-ABC Chairman As Media Head
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