Amazon taps former NBC exec to help run TV programming

(Reuters) - Amazon.com Inc <AMZN.O> said on Monday it had hired Vernon Sanders to help run its television productions, tapping a former NBC executive who oversaw shows such as "The Blacklist," "Friday Night Lights" and "30 Rock" for the U.S. network.

The action bolsters the ranks of Amazon's original content division and marks the latest touch of Jennifer Salke, who became head of Amazon's TV and film studio earlier this year after the role was vacant for months. Sanders will join Amazon's Albert Cheng as co-head of television, each reporting to Salke.

"Having worked side-by-side with him for seven years at NBC Entertainment, I can speak first-hand to his talents as a leader and creative force," Salke said of Sanders in a press statement.

Amazon is investing heavily in videos available through Prime to draw more people to the subscription club, which also features fast shipping, an incentive for members to shop more with the online retailer. [nL1N1NE03N]

Sanders most recently had a producing deal with Universal Television, part of Comcast Corp's <CMCSA.O> NBCUniversal, since late last year.

(Reporting By Jeffrey Dastin in San Francisco)