Brenda Brkusic Milinkovic is a seasoned television executive recognized for her expertise in developing and producing award-winning programming. Brenda serves as the Sr. Director of Programming and Development at NBCUniversal, where she is responsible for leading the Syndication Studio's creative development of unscripted content for distribution across the NBCU broadcast, cable and streaming portfolio, and for external networks and streaming services. She also serves as the Executive on the Emmy-nominated Access Hollywood and Access Daily.
Previously, Brenda directed the development, production, national distribution and marketing of premium programs on PBS. She also produced an Emmy Award-winning nightly news program and spearheaded a new TV channel for PBS which was lauded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. During her tenure, she was the driving force behind the acquisition, development and production of thousands of hours of nationally broadcast programs.
Throughout her career, Brenda has creatively and consistently concepted and launched new business models and partnerships that have increased revenue, expanded viewership, and improved brand loyalty. She has proven successful at shaping high-potential concepts into relevant, sustainable, and award-winning programs. She has been responsible for shows featuring acclaimed film and TV stars Will Smith, George Clooney, Tom Hanks, Nicole Kidman, Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Aniston, Julia Roberts, Leonardo DiCaprio, Oprah Winfrey, Martin Scorsese, Lady Gaga, Keira Knightly, Reese Witherspoon, Michael Keaton, Jennifer Lopez, Amy Schumer, Jennifer Lawrence, Neil Patrick Harris, and top musical talent Jennifer Nettles, Lee Brice, CAM and more. Brenda has received 10 Emmy Awards, 15 Emmy nominations, 4 CINE Golden Eagle Awards, 14 Telly Awards, and 3 Golden Mike Awards.
Brenda has proudly served the Television Academy for over a decade, previously as Co-Chair of the Governors Ball for the Primetime Emmys, Member of the Governor's Award Committee for the Primetime Emmys, LA Area Governor and Co-Chair of the LA Area Emmy Awards, Member of the Daytime Programming and LA Area Peer Group Executive Committees, and currently as Daytime Programming Governor and a member of both the Daytime Programming and Television Executives Peer Groups. She is also a member of the Producers Guild of America.
Brenda earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Film and Television Production from Chapman University and in 2019 was honored with the University's Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award.
updated 12.12.21
