As our world churns

HBO is also in executive-shopping mode thanks to bizarre circumstances that nobody could have predicted two months ago. Before Chris Albrecht had his meltdown in Vegas earlier this month, there was a lot of chatter about jobs below the chairman and CEO level undergoing some changes, but now the focus at the feevee giant is on how to divide empire post-Albrecht. As Variety's Steven Zeitchik and Michael Schneider report, Time Warner brass have considered all manner of scenarios for shuffling insiders, bringing in outsiders and are said to be nearing a decision that leans toward familiar insider faces.

Fox is in the market for a new head of drama development, having parted ways with Ted Gold earlier this week. ABC and CBS seem stable in the mid-level creative ranks but you never know. And as always this time of year there's rumblings about creative executives moving up, down and out at the major studios. The post-pilot season pickup tallies always tell the tale.

Perhaps the most intriguing job opening that is still waiting to be filled is the CEO of the Internet vid joint venture between NBC Universal and News Corp. NBC U's Jeff Zucker and News Corp. prexy Peter Chernin have undoubtedly received lunch invitations from every unemployed (or nervous) TV exec who's held senior-management power in the past 15 years. Industry sources say the partners are closing in but haven't closed a deal with anyone just yet. Unfortunately, the company isn't expected to formally unveil itself to consumers until the early September period just prior to the fall season launch. Which means that those of us who are chronicling its progress -- which inched forward today the announcement of its program-sharing pacts with Oxygen, Sundance Channel, Fuel and Speed -- are stuck the mouthful of "the joint venture between NBC Universal and News Corp." How 'bout "the JV," at least as a working title.