Meridian native Lee Straus is taking on a larger role in NBC Entertainment & Universal Television’s growing scripted and alternative businesses.  

Straus has been promoted to executive vice president Business Affairs, Alternative/Reality and Specials Programming, for the network’s Alternative Studio. 

Part of NBC’s legal or business affairs departments since 2000, Straus has been responsible for all aspects of business affairs in connection with the development and production of all non-scripted programming ordered to production by the network and Universal Television Alternative Studio, including the Emmy-Award winning “The Voice,” Emmy-Award nominated “American Ninja Warrior,” “The New Celebrity Apprentice,” “America’s Got Talent” and the new Jennifer Lopez dance competition series “World of Dance.”

“I think the reality/alternative side of the business since I first got into overseeing it has grown to be one of the cornerstones of the television business,” Straus said. “I think there’s only bigger and better projects to come through this phase.”

The veteran NBC employee said he is happy to be on the cutting edge of the deal-making side of the business.

“That is one of the hallmarks that I kind of pride myself on,” he said. “Me and my team have come up with very innovative deal-making practices that have rippled through the industry. We will continue to do that as new media and the changes in technology continue to change the landscape of how individuals consume programming.”

Straus, who has more than 25 years of experience in the film and television industry, most recently served as senior vice president Business Affairs for NBC Entertainment and Universal Television Alternative Studio.  He began at NBC as a director of Business Affairs, working on network, studio and syndicated programming produced and acquired by NBC. Prior to joining NBC in 2000, he was director of Business Affairs at Buena Vista Television. 

Straus is a graduate of Loyola Law School and received his bachelor of arts degree in production from the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts.  He also serves as an adjunct professor at Loyola Law School and is a member of the Production Executives branch of the Television Academy.

A 1986 graduate of Lamar School, Straus is the son of the late Mark Rothenburg and Gloria Straus.