Scott Sassa out at Hearst Entertainment

Scott Sassa has resigned as president of entertainment and syndication of Hearst Corp.

Sassa’s resignation was confirmed Thursday after the New York Post published a story saying Sassa had been cavorting with strippers and one -- in partnership with her boyfriend -- had tried to blackmail him and sent texts he’d written to senior officials at the magazine and television company.

A Hearst spokesman declined to comment beyond confirming Sassa’s resignation. Sassa did not immediately respond to request for comment.

Sassa’s role gave him oversight over Hearst’s investments in several large cable networks including ESPN, History Channel and Lifetime Television. Sassa also oversaw Hearst’s partnership with powerful producer Mark Burnett, whose latest program -- “The Bible” -- has scored big ratings for History.

Hearst has not said who will replace Sassa either on a full time or an interim basis. The No. 2 executive in the unit is George Kliavkoff, whose title is executive vice president and deputy group head.

Sassa has held several senior level positions in the entertainment industry over the past three decades. His resume includes stints at Turner Broadcasting, where he was a trusted aide to Ted Turner, and NBC, where he ran the entertainment unit. He also had worked at Playboy Enterprises early in his career.

ALSO:

Hearst and Mark Burnett form venture

Burnett’s “The Bible” makes an impression on viewers

Follow Joe Flint on Twitter @JBFlint.

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