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Michael Wright Named Exec VP/Head of Programming at Turner Nets

Dec 11, 2008  •  Post A Comment

Turner Entertainment Networks promoted Michael Wright to executive VP and head of programming for TBS, TNT and Turner Classic Movies.
Mr. Wright had been senior VP in charge of Turner Entertainment Networks’ content creation group, responsible for all original programming. In his new job he adds oversight of program planning and scheduling for TBS and TNT. Those responsibilities had been handled by Ken Schwab, who left to join Discovery Channel as senior VP for programming, effective in January.
“Michael Wright has proven himself to be one of the most talented executives in the industry, solidifying TNT and TBS’s reputations as major players when it comes to original programming,” said Steve Koonin, president of Turner Entertainment Networks. “By bringing the rest of the programming division under his supervision, we will be able to maximize the full strength of our portfolio and maintain a consistent creative and strategic approach to our programming decisions.”
Wright joined Turner in 2002 as head of TNT’s original programming division. Since then, the Turner networks have ramped up their original programming and launched several successful shows, including cable’s all-time top-rated series, “The Closer” on TNT, and sitcoms “The Bill Engvall Show,” “My Boys” and “Frank TV” on TBS.
Turner also promoted Phil Oppenheim to senior VP of program planning and scheduling for TBS and TNT and Lillah McCarthy to senior VP of original programming at TBS and TNT.
Mr. Oppenheim had been VP of programming for TNT and TBS. Ms. McCarthy joined TBS and TNT in 2006 as VP of series programming for TNT and TBS and has been focusing on the development and production of new series for the networks.
(10:35 a.m.: Updated second paragraph)

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