Shakeup at The Daily Show and The Colbert Report?

The Apiary, a blog about the New York comedy scene, is reporting that Ben Karlin (pictured), executive producer of The Daily Show and The Colbert Report, has announced his resignation. Karlin, along with Jon Stewart, has been a driving creative force behind TDS (and later, Colbert) for many years, so his alleged departure is a significant change. (UPDATE: Comedy Central confirmed the change to Broadcasting & Cable magazine)

If he leaves, head writer David Javerbaum is set to take his place. Rachel Sklar over at Huffington Post's Eat The Press reports that Javerbaum himself was set to leave the show to pursue a career writing lyrics for Broadway musicals. No word from either source on a) why Karlin is leaving and b) who will replace Javerbaum as head writer. ETP does go on to mention that TDS has hired some new producers, including Daniel Sterling, a former writer and producer for Kitchen Confidential and King of the Hill.

(By the way, on the rare occasion I write something over at Huffington, Rachel edits my stuff. Just wanted to give you full disclosure.)