NBC has no qualms about using news unit as a marketing tool

NBC's symphony strategy is starting to hit a bad note.

When Comcast took over the network in 2011, NBCUniversal Chief Executive Steve Burke put an emphasis on using one entertainment property to promote another. He dubbed the approach "Project Symphony." To be sure, the idea of media companies making use of their platforms to advertise their own assets and personalities is nothing new. ABC's "Good Morning America" has no qualms about using its valuable time to talk about "Dancing With the Stars." But NBC is becoming the most aggressive in doing this and if it continues it could harm the credibility of its news division.

The latest example was the episode of the news magazine "Rock Center," which featured a long segment devoted to promoting the new NBC sitcom "1600 Penn."