Jeff Zucker, who was named the new chief executive of NBC Universal today, succeeding Bob Wright, has completed one of the most spectacular ascents of any recent media executive: from part-time sports researcher in 1986 to corporate C.E.O. two decades later.

And now for the hard part.

According to NBC executives, Hollywood producers and agents, and many of the financial analysts who follow NBC, Mr. Zucker, 41, faces many pressing issues. Foremost among them: how he will deal with the rapid technological and financial changes that are throwing many traditional media businesses into upheaval. He will also have to choose a team of executives to back his efforts as he sets a new direction for the company.

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