Meanwhile, longtime NBC News president Steve Capus stepped down after having seen most of his power assumed by Patricia Fili-Kruschel.

FORBES: Comcast Buying Other 49% of NBCUniversal From GE in $18.1 Billion Deal

Which earlier this year prompted Ed Gillespie, a senior White House staffer, to send a letter to NBC News President Steve Capus.

WSJ: The Times They Are A-Changing

Deborah Turness, former editor of ITV News in Britain, replaces Steve Capus, who resigned earlier this year, and will begin her new job in August.

WSJ: NBC hires news division chief from Britain

Mr. STEVE CAPUS (President, NBC News): We are here with a different mandate than NBC Sports, and their focus will be on the field of play.

NPR: Olympics Put NBC News In Difficult Position

Mr. Capus had publicly said as recently as April that the team in place at "Today" was the right one, but the show's executive producer, Jim Bell, and Mr. Burke, who have built a rapport since Mr. Burke came from his role as Mr. Robert's second-in-command at Comcast to lead NBCUniversal, favored a more aggressive approach, according to people familiar with the matter.

WSJ: NBC News Loses Edge in More Than Just 'Today' Show