Television
May 27, 2003
Brad Turell Returns To The WB As Its Executive VP, Network Communications And Will Concentrate On Corporate Communications, Talent Relations And Overall Strategy
(May 27, 2003 – Burbank, CA) – Veteran publicity executive Brad Turell has returned to The WB Network as Executive Vice President, Network Communications and will work closely with Paul McGuire who will remain Senior Vice President, Network Communications.
Mr. Turell and Mr. McGuire will play to their individual strengths to form a powerful team. Mr. Turell will oversee all aspects of network communications and concentrate his efforts primarily on corporate communications and overall strategy as well as talent relations while Mr. McGuire will focus on programming, including The WB primetime, Kids’ WB! and the photo department.
“Brad is, and always will be, a part of The WB family,” Mr. Kellner said. “His loyalty, dedication, knowledge of the industry and outstanding skill have made him a valuable senior executive, who has been a vital member of my team for more than 15 years.”
Mr. Kellner continued, “Paul and his staff have done an outstanding job these past two years culminating with our network establishing the momentum in the press and industry that has enabled us to just conclude our greatest season ever. During that time, Paul and Brad have worked very closely.”
Mr. McGuire and his department reported to Mr. Turell during his stint as Executive VP at TBS, Inc. So, in effect, the reporting structure of the department remains in tact.
Said Mr. Turell, “It’s an honor to be working at a place as special as The WB, which we all take great pride in developing and nurturing to this point of it being a major force in the broadcasting business and an essential business for Warner Bros. and AOL Time Warner. The network is stronger than ever and while I was in Atlanta, Paul had his staff running on all cylinders and the department didn’t miss a beat. I look forward to collaborating more closely with him to help the network reach the next level on its growth curve as we continue to find new ways to spread the word of the success and brand of The WB.”
The WB has a great history of team efforts at the top of departments. Bob Bibb and Lewis Goldstein are a potent pair as co-Presidents of Marketing. In programming, Garth Ancier, Susanne Daniels and Jordan Levin also shared senior roles within the programming department with great effectiveness and without inhibiting any of their career ambitions.
Said Jed Petrick, The WB’s President and Chief Operating Officer, “As the stakes get higher for our network, which has become an important component to many marketer’s campaigns, both on the network and our affiliated stations, having the best and most experienced senior executives to help us navigate through the next phase of our network building years is necessary to ensure we reach our potential.”
Said Jordan Levin, President, Entertainment of The WB, “We are fortunate to have Brad's strategic thinking ‘around the table’ on a daily basis once again, which will only make us a stronger network going forward as we continue to craft our unique space in the broadcasting landscape. We value Brad’s experience in all aspects of network brand building. Paul has done a great job and will remain a valuable contributor to the network in all aspects of our communication planning and execution. Both Brad and Paul bring different intangible skills to the network and by being able to draw from both of them, The WB becomes much stronger.” # # #