Women in Television: Hilary Estey McLoughlin

By Allison J. Waldman

Who: Hilary Estey McLoughlin, president, Telepictures Productions

Why: In her tenure as Telepictures’ president, Ms. Estey McLoughlin has ushered in a group of talk shows that have helped to redefine syndicated talk shows, from “The Rosie O’Donnell Show” to “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” to “The Tyra Banks Show.” Most recently, she was the executive behind “The Bonnie Hunt Show.”

“We’ve aligned ourselves with extraordinary talent,” said Ms. Estey McLoughlin when asked about her company’s success. “The key to success is finding the right personality to drive the show. But then, on top of that, you have to create true organic extensions of the talent because that’s what makes the show succeed.”

What: Ms. Estey McLoughlin has the ability to spot and nurture talent with a deft touch. According to her boss, Warner Bros. Television Group President Bruce Rosenblum, “Hilary is a wonderfully talented executive with a winning combination of outstanding creative taste, great programming instincts and endless tenacity. She has helped build and now runs what is arguably the most successful television production company in syndication, as evidenced by its strong track record over the years with [her] signature programs.

Ms. Estey McLoughlin, for her part, likes being in the catbird seat. “Our strength will continue to be attracting top-caliber talent and developing innovative formats, creating high-quality station- and advertiser-friendly shows that resonate with viewers and fill a void in the marketplace.”