NBC Universal, in a bid to retain a key executive, has split its television production studio into two separate operations, the Los Angeles Times reports.

Bonnie Hammer, who has been president of both NBC Universal’s USA Network and Sci Fi Channel, on Monday was named president of cable entertainment and the cable studio. In her new position, Hammer will oversee making shows for cable channels.

The move significantly reduces the scope of Universal Media Studios, one of Hollywood’s biggest suppliers of network and cable programming.

Universal Media Studios will now focus solely on supplying shows for broadcast networks, primarily NBC, such as “Law & Order,” “The Office” and “30 Rock.” Meanwhile, the newly formed NBC Universal Cable Studio will provide shows for cable channels, including “Monk,” “Psych” and “Battlestar Galactica.”

Hammer also will oversee NBC’s new digital networks, including Sleuth, Chiller and Universal HD, which are available on some cable systems.

Executives close to the situation said NBC Universal Chief Executive Jeff Zucker facilitated the reorganization to keep Hammer in the NBC Universal fold.

Zucker said in an interview last week that he planned to expand Hammer’s duties, but declined to elaborate at that time.

“Look, obviously, she’s done a terrific job overseeing USA and Sci Fi and we like to add on responsibilities to our strongest executives, and certainly Bonnie would qualify,” he said.

For her part, Hammer said she wasn’t looking to leave NBC Universal, even though she had been approached by others.

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