Full Breakdown
NBCU's Natalia Cedres Joins TPEC Leadership Team
1/26/2026, 8:22:22 PM
New Leadership Announcement
NBCUniversal publicist Natalia Cedres has been appointed to the Television Publicity Executives Committee (TPEC) leadership team for 2026, as announced by TPEC chair Wendy Zocks. Zocks, who has been in her role for five years and founded Wendy Zocks Public Relations, will continue her leadership for another year. Alongside Cedres, the returning members include Todd Beck, CEO of Beck Media & Marketing; Brian Eley, senior VP of communications at Crunchyroll; Joe Schlosser, founder of Schlosser Communications; Nancy Insua from Disney Branded Television; and Eileen Quast, global head of PR at MGM+. Additionally, PR executives Irina Bobker and Alice Rao will also return to the committee.
Cedres' Accomplishments
Since joining NBCUniversal in 2013, Cedres has established herself as a significant figure in television publicity. She received the Maxwell Weinberg Award for television publicity at the 2017 ICG Publicist Guild Awards for her work on the Emmy-nominated series "This Is Us." Her campaign for "Saturday Night Live's" 50th season garnered 12 Emmy wins and 20 nominations, showcasing her expertise in managing high-profile publicity campaigns.
TPEC Initiatives and Awards
The TPEC has launched TPEConnect, an initiative aimed at enhancing networking opportunities and assisting members in navigating the evolving landscape of programming publicity careers. The fourth annual TPEC awards, which recognize excellence in TV publicity, are now open for submissions. This year, two new categories—international series and press event—will be introduced, and the Rising Star Award has been named in honor of industry veteran Robert Pietranton.
Official Statements & Responses
Wendy Zocks expressed her enthusiasm for Cedres' addition to the executive committee, stating, “I am thrilled to welcome Natalia to the executive committee and excited to see our New York City presence expand.” She emphasized the committee's commitment to supporting its members amid new challenges in the industry.
Criticism & Opposition
While the TPEC's initiatives have been generally well-received, some industry observers have raised concerns about the effectiveness of networking initiatives like TPEConnect in addressing the broader challenges faced by publicity professionals. Critics argue that while such initiatives are beneficial, they may not fully tackle the complexities of the changing media landscape.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Now in my fifth year in a leadership role for TPEC, I will continue my dedication to the growth of the organization,” — Wendy Zocks, TPEC Chair
- “I am thrilled to welcome Natalia to the executive committee and excited to see our New York City presence expand.” — Wendy Zocks, TPEC Chair
This leadership change and the introduction of new initiatives signal TPEC's ongoing commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation within the television publicity sector.
