Seems like it was year’s ago that the nation was breathlessly waiting for resolution to NBC’s late night line-up drama, that unfolded in a wonderfully entertaining way. Not only did a healthy debate emerge, but there is still a reasonable and ongoing discussion on who were the winners and losers of the whole affair. But no one took it on the chin harder than NBC chief Jeff Zucker, who was pretty much railed for what was fairly seen as his responsibility. But as great a story as that was, it obfuscated a larger narrative about the head of NBC-Universal: he’s had an uncanny knack for nurturing very successful cable channels that have kept his company relatively strong and vibrant.

The year 2009 had many media bright spots, break-out stars, dominating networks and game-changing technologies. The Mediaite 50 collects the finest, most exemplary innovators and influencers of the year, defining a media moment in time and setting the agenda as we move forward. See the full list after the jump:

Nikki Finke is reporting that Lauren Zalaznick, the President of NBC Universal’s Women and Lifestyle Entertainment Networks, is in “advanced talks” to take over as MTV President of Entertainment, a job recently vacated by departing Brian Graden. If true, why would she leave the string of successes at Bravo to go to the flailing catastrophe that is now MTV Networks? Perhaps because, right now, Bravo couldn’t get be any hotter, and MTV is nearly at rock bottom. A perfect opportunity to add to Zalaznick’s nearly legendary track record.

There’s a veritable cat fight happening on the Internet, and women’s eyeballs are at stake. Model-turned-entrepeneur Tyra Banks is throwing her hat into yet another ring today, launching Tyra: Beauty Inside & Out, her online women’s magazine. Meanwhile, Lauren Zalaznick is channeling more of NBCU’s money into iVillage.com.