Departures Ruffle NBC Transition

First, there were two experienced executives vying to become head of syndication for the soon-to-be merged NBC and Universal Television units.

On Thursday, there was none.

Ed Wilson, the president of NBC Enterprises and Syndication, resigned. He had been the front-runner for the job of heading up TV distribution and sales for NBC and Universal Television once they integrate next month.

After Wilson quit, the second choice for the job -- Steve Rosenberg, president of Universal Domestic Television -- walked, too. Sources said Rosenberg was “disgusted� by the way NBC was handling the selection process.

As for Wilson, a person close to the network said he was unhappy that he would no longer be reporting directly to Jeff Zucker, president of NBC Entertainment, News and Cable Group.

But Wilson said that simply wasn’t true.

“There’s no hard feelings here,� said Wilson, 47. “I’ve been doing syndication for 20 years, and I’m ready to try something new.�

Rosenberg couldn’t be reached for comment Thursday. A spokeswoman for Universal Studios declined to comment.

Zucker released a statement praising Wilson: “Ed has done a terrific job.... I am grateful for his contributions, and we wish him the best in the future.�

The dual departures disrupted NBC’s plans for a smooth marriage with Universal.

This week, the Federal Trade Commission gave its blessing for the General Electric Co.-owned network to proceed with its acquisition of Vivendi Universal’s movie studio, film library, three cable channels, television studio and theme parks.

Although NBC and Universal haven’t divulged integration plans, sources say about 300 people will be laid off.

After joining NBC in 2000, Wilson launched it into the domestic syndication business with such entries as “Access Hollywood,� “The Chris Matthews Show� and, coming this fall, “The Jane Pauley Show.� The unit has 60 employees.

Universal Studios Television Distribution has a payroll of more than 200 employees and distributes Universal films and television shows, including “Law & Order� and “Xena: Warrior Princess.�