Alumnus to be NBC News Exec.

When Jeffrey A. Zucker '85 becomes executive producer of NBC's "Nightly News" show in February, he will be the youngest person ever to run the network's evening news broadcast.

But this will not be the first such record for Zucker, 27, who is former president of the Crimson. He is also the youngest person ever to hold his current position, that of executive producer at NBC's morning "Today" show.

Steve Friedman, the man Zucker will replace on "Nightly News" has been appointed executive producer of a new prime-time news program, according to The New York Times.

Zucker will not relinquish his post at "Today" when he takes on the new responsibility. "It will just mean more stress," he said about the pressure of handling both jobs.

Zucker will, however, indulge in a bit more sleep, The Times reports. He plans to set his alarm for 5:30 a.m., an hour earlier than usual.

"He had tremendous leadership and organizational skills," said Dave L. Yermack '85, a Crimson editor.

Mike J. Abramowitz '85, who was Zucker's predecessor at the Crimson, had similar memories of Zucker.

"Jeff was very talented, industrious and good with people...probably one of the hardest working persons I've ever seen," he said.

Zucker joined NBC as a researcher for the network's coverage of the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Zucker described "Nightly News" as "an exciting opportunity for me, and very challenging."

He said he has not yet made any new plans for the show, but that "we should be able to do some fun and interesting things."

Ji H. Min '86, who also knew Zucker as an undergrad, said he thought Zucker would do well on the job because "[he] always took charge of things."