Steve Capus leaving NBC News

• Tweet

NEW YORK, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- Steve Capus announced he's stepping down as president of NBC News after 20 years with the U.S. network to "head in a new direction."

The move comes six months after Comcast consolidated NBC News, MSNBC and CNBC under a new unit controlled by former NBCUniversal executive Patricia Fili-Krushel, The Hollywood Reporter said Friday.

Capus has been president of NBC News since 2005, making him the longest-tenured network news president currently in the industry. Although he signed a new three-year contract last year, Capus was not happy with the shakeup that put Fili-Krushel above him in management, The Hollywood Reporter said.

The change in management structure constituted a breach of his contract, allowing him an early exit after 20 years with the company.

"It has been a privilege to have spent two decades here, but it is now time to head in a new direction," Capus said in a memo announcing his resignation Friday.

Capus said he plans to remain with NBC News for the coming weeks to assist with the transition to a new president.