JOB OF THE WEEK

Cynopsis: Classified Advantage
07/17/12

Good morning.  It’s Tuesday, July 17, 2012, and this is your weekly issue of Cynopsis: Classified Advantage!

Several weeks ago, HBO premiered a new TV show called The Newsroom. The episode started with an anchor man, Will McAvoy (played by Jeff Daniels) on a panel at a college, and was asked why is America the best country in the world, in a sentence or less.  One panelist answered diversity and opportunity, another said freedom and freedom.  Mr. McAvoy answered The New York Jets.  Apparently our star anchor will do anything to avoid conflict in order to amass the greatest audience possible.  When the moderator of the panel would not accept Mr. McAvoy’s answer, he looked into the audience, he thought, and out came an inspired three-minute speech of why America isn’t the greatest country anymore, backed with facts, but that it could be again.

There was passion and conviction.  There was facts to back up his statements, it was emotional and inspiring, regardless if you agreed with him.

This is a lesson to anyone who is going into a job interview, a sales pitch or anything that is important to you.  Passion and conviction backed by facts will inspire whom ever you are talking to.

Unfortunately, this isn’t easy for many people.  Need lessons?  Watch Alan Shore (James Spader) in the last ten minutes of almost any episode of Boston Legal.  Watch President Bartlett (Martin Sheen) give a speech on The West Wing. Watch President Jackson Evans’ speech (Jeff Bridges) in The Contender.

It might sound trite, but I promise you, it will help.  It will take some very fine writing, and a lot of practice, but if you leave an interviewer inspired, you’ll increased your chances of being hired.

And if you don’t have the passion and conviction about yourself, the next person will.

Next issue: Football

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

Should you keep following the same career path regardless, or should you consider pivoting to achieve new success?  We can learn something about this from venture capitalists.  And after all our careers were all startups once.
 
Pivot.  Traction.  VCs love these words.  For the people who funded projects in the last funding cycle, the idea was the thing.  They funded Powerpoints ideas that had been dreamed up but not yet been executed.  They invested in the fevered presentations and projections of the founders.
But today the cost of creating an online application or resource has become so very affordable, the VCs want to see the idea brought to life and to market before they put serious money in to bring it to scale.  They want to see that the idea has traction  that is to say it can grip the road and move forwards.

But they know that when ideas are being developed to serve markets that don’t actually exist yet, which is the case for most new online businesses, then there is no reliable or even responsible way to project.  After all what did the future mail order book market look like before Jeff Bezos gave us Amazon?

So the second word comes into play: pivot.  Once the business idea is in the market it often becomes apparent that it is not quite the best thing to be doing or the most effective way to approach the opportunity (or create the opportunity).  It isn’t gaining enough traction.  So the VCs want the team to be able to pivot and move to an alternative plan. They don’t want to cut their losses and move on.  They don’t want to start again with another group of founders. They want the project to pivot to address the new thinking. 

The key to this, they say, is the people.  VCs invest in people who are not only driven and passionate and smart and all that  they also want to see that they have the ability to pivot.  Preferably they would like to see a history of successful pivoting.  The founder who sticks stubbornly with the original plan and refuses to learn from the market and the real world is not as attractive to a VC who needs a return on investment and doesn’t want to wait for too long for the world to catch up to an inflexible and blinkered founder.

So they pivot in response to lack of traction.  (Don’t you love it!?)

So does your career still have sufficient traction?  Are you open to considering some course that may be more effective for you?  And in this “ever changing world in which we live in” are you on your toes and addressing the opportunities?  It’s the same idea as for the startup investments:  see what gets traction  and when necessary pivot to address the changing environment as you take your career to scale.

Michael Pollock is President of Pollock Spark (www.pollockspark.com). He is an Executive Coach and Consultant to Creative and Media professionals. He works with people in film, TV, journalism, advertising, design, marketing, music and the Internet, bringing them the experience, techniques and inspiration to take their businesses and careers to new levels of success.

Do HR professionals read cover letters anymore?

Here is what I learned from the recruiter in HR at a well-known global firm: “I read cover letters to get a sense of how strong a candidate’s communication skills are, especially if they are junior. If I don’t have a cover letter, I analyze their emails to me through our correspondences. It all adds to the initial impression and up until the important thank you notes.”  So if one major recruiter is reading them, that’s enough for you to always assume that they are an important part of your presentation. 

Since summer is upon us, is a lighter colored suit more appropriate for an interview or should I stick with the dark blue or the gray?

Presumably if you have got as far as an interview this must be an industry you have a feel for.  If you show up in a dark suit to a company where everyone is wearing board shorts and tank tops  then the suit will likely count against you. Consider what would you normally wear to work in the summer, and then step it up a smartness notch from that.  I don’t recommend flamboyant (unless you are in the fashion biz)  and I personally dislike seersucker whether authentic or ironic.  But a well-cut and pressed light colored suit should be absolutely fine  but only in a suit-friendly environment (funeral directors excepted).  If you are feeling obsessive about this issue, find out what people at the hiring company are wearing so that you have a benchmark.  You could even go and stand outside their offices at 9am or 6pm and see what goes in and comes out! First and foremost, when you enter that interview room you should not be thinking about clothes  you should be totally concentrated on what you offer that can help this company to be more successful.

Michael Pollock is President of Pollock Spark (www.pollockspark.com). He is an Executive Coach and Consultant to Creative and Media professionals.

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

1. Fast & efficient personalized service

JOB OPENING: SR RESEARCH ANALYST/ABC Burbank: Min 2 yrs exp in Digital & TV research and software, strong written, PC & analytical skills, college degree req. Apply: www.disneyabcjobs.com (ID 54406BR) (7/21)

JOB OPENING: HEAD OF SALES/CABLEready/NY: 5+ yrs experience selling to TV nets outside US; NYC based; will oversee int’l sales staff and sell. Multilingual preferred. Cover letter, CV to [email protected] (7/21)

JOB OPENING: MOBILE MARKETING CONSULTANT/NY: Ideate and implement strategic on-brand innovative mobile platforms and franchises that are both saleable and executable. 4 mth project/W2 only. Res: [email protected] (7/21)

JOB OPENING: SALES MNGR/Orbitz|Away/NYC: Natnl sales pro for travel media network, 3+ online ad exp, excellent agency contacts, proven closer, travel and media sls exp a + Resume to: https://careers-orbitz.icims.com/jobs/2613/job (7/21)

JOB OPENING: MEDIA SCHEDULER. The Hub, Burbank CA: Reqmnts: BA. Min 2 yrs exp. GripIT, 2E, Gabriel, detail oriented, traffic coord. Apply www.hubworld.com (7/20)

JOB OPENING: DIR, CURRENT PROG/AMC/NYC: Seek new non-fiction prog. Take pitches, find new projects. Work with LA team. Oversee/advise on unscripted current series. Submit res http://bit.ly/NmDDyM (7/19)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR-DIGITAL MEDIA ANALYTICS & INSIGHTS/ATL: Develop data-driven insights; seeking 6+ years in Digital Research with an emphasis in media analytics. Resume: [email protected] (7/19)

JOB OPENING: SR RSRCH ANALYST/LA: Produce analysis & presentations for synd properties. 2 yrs exp in TV rsrch related to synd TV pref’d. – brdcst & cable exp a +. Bach deg. Galaxy Explorer and WRAP a must. Resume to: [email protected] (7/19)

JOB OPENING: MGR AD SALES RESRCH/Discovery/NY: Have a strong understanding of Nielsen, MRI & Simmons and proven exp. developing sales positioning materials; 5+ yrs. of TV research exp.; http://careers.discovery.com/ #5769 (7/18)

JOB OPENING: SR MKTG MGR/AT&T/NYC: Plays key role in bringing to mkt innovative advrtsng products across AT&T’s U-verse IPTV platform & AdWorks TV Audience Ntwrk. BA-Marketing or Bus. pref. For a detailed job description click here (7/18)

JOB OPENING: MGR, DIG SCHEDULING/A+E Networks/NY: Responsible for all aspects of sched for A&E/BIO/CI dig platforms. Full Info/Apply: www.aenetworks.com/career.html (7/18)

JOB OPENING: DISCOVERY KIDS FRANCHISE MGR/Miami: Partner w/AdSales, Licensing Bus Dev in creation of franchise strategy & bus obj for Dkids characters 5+ yrs exp in marketing/product/brand management exp- www.Discovery.com (7/18)

JOB OPENING:  DIR PROGRAMMING/GSN/Santa Monica: 5-7 yrs exp in non-fiction TV. Strong production and contacts. Pre-prod/studio prod, budgeting, digital programming initiatives, casting and dev. Send resume to [email protected] (7/18)

JOB OPENING: SR SALES PLANNER/HEALTH CLUB MEDIA/NY: Assist AEs in proposal gen, wrks w/ AEs & Sales Ops on media buys to ensure proper maint of all accts. 1+ media exp req. Send resumes [email protected] (7/17)

JOB OPENING: MGR, AD SALES RESEARCH/NBCUniversal/Syfy. NYC: Produce research for Syfy Natl Advtsing, on-air. Contract role. Min 3 yrs dvlping decks w syndicated research tools. Apply: [email protected] (7/17)

JOB OPENING: STORY PRODUCERS & WRITERS/20 West Productions/CHICAGO: Qualified story prods/writers w/ prior exp scripting reality & doc series. Must work out of Chicago office. Familiarity w/ Avid a plus. Res/credits: [email protected] (7/17)

JOB OPENING: MGR AD SALES RESRCH/Discovery/NY: Have a strong understanding of Nielsen, MRI & Simmons and proven exp. developing sales positioning materials; 5+ yrs. of TV research exp.; http://careers.discovery.com/ #5769 (7/17)

JOB OPENING: DIGITAL ARCHIVIST/NYC: 3-5yr exp digital archivist to update and manage existing digital archival system: proj based position possibly to perm BS in Lib/Info Science A + Apply: [email protected] (7/14)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR, DIST MARKETING/Fox Networks/LA: resp for distribution marketing efforts w/ focus on the sports networks.Bachelor’s degree req’d , 5-7 yrs exp. TV dist mkt’g. www.foxcareers.com FNG0001295 (7/14)

JOB OPENING: RESEARCH ANALYST/E! & G4/NBCUniversal/LA: Asst w/ research on network programs, brands, consumers and advertisers. 1 yr exp in media research and exp w/ Nielsen & MRI programs req. www.nbcunicareers.com Job#6164BR (7/14)

JOB OPENING: PROGRAM PLANNER/AMERICAN FORCES NETWORK/RIVERSIDE, CA: Experienced TV programmer to create & schedule Entertainment program schedules. Go to www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/318693600 for more details and to apply. (7/14)

JOB OPENING: PROMO PRODUCER/STRATEGIST/American Forces Network/CA: Create orig promos for AFN shows, brand/image spots. Do promo strategy for 8 channels. Job Announcement: http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/319487900 (7/14)

JOB OPENING: SR RSRCH ANALYST/ATL: 3+ yrs TV rsrch brdcst/cable exp in data analysis & primary, secondary mkt. Kwldg of Star/Nielsen sys. BA deg req’d. To apply, contact: [email protected] (7/14)

JOB OPENING: MGR, MVPD CONTENT DISTRIBUTION/CBS CORP/NYC: 3-6 yrs digital or multi-platform content distribution exp; oversee VOD and Retrans operations; support MVPD partnerships. Apply www.cbscorporation.com/careers (#12095BR) (7/14)

JOB OPENING: DIST NEW MEDIA SPEC/A+E Nets/NY: Mng flow of info in support of new media initiatives. Create VOD metadata & comm VOD prgm scheds. 3+yrs proj mgmt. exp in TV/cable. Knwldg of Access. Apply: www.aenetworks.com/career.html (7/14)

JOB OPENING: MRG, SALES MKTG/NYC: Flixster seeks Mgr, Sales Mktg to execute mrkt strategies for Ad Sales team. Will prepare mktg programs/online media plans to support strategies. Deg & 3 yrs exp req. Apply: http://bit.ly/QlZQND (7/14)

JOB OPENING: PROMO CREATIVE DIR: needed for a daily, high prof, daytime synd show. Strong writer, producer, & editorial sensibilities. Prev 1st run daytime exp needed. Based in Chicago. Demo/res: [email protected] (7/14)

JOB OPENING: MEDIA BUYER/Chief Media/NYC: 1-2 yrs TV buying experience pref’d. Must be able to handle large station list, and have strong negotiation/analytical skills. Knowledge of CoreDirect a plus. Resume to: [email protected] (7/14)

JOB OPENING: DIRECT RESPONSE SALES EXECUTIVE/RNNTV/RYE BROOK NY: 5 years of short form sales experience preferred; excellent communication and presentation skills. Resume: [email protected]. (7/14)

JOB OPENING: PRGRM COORD/ATL: Program Coordinator (ATL) Prepares/distrib program sched, listings, grids. TV exp pref. SIMS/prg database exp. req; Strong organizational skills. Attention to detail. Self-starter. Res: [email protected] (7/14)

JOB OPENING: LINE PRODUCER (NEWS)/RNN TV/Rye Brook, NY: Line and stack daily news broadcasts. Must have tv news producing experience. Res/cvr: [email protected] (7/14)

JOB OPENING: OPERATION SUPERVISOR/RNN TV/RYE BROOK NY: assist director of ops, supervise master control team and live events; manage schedules, implement policies and train news employees. Resume: [email protected] (7/14)

JOB OPENING: TV RESEARCH DIR/PHX: Want top 25 mkt? Sunshine? To do more than 1 sheets? If you can you take research from ordinary to extraordinary, Meredith wants you. http://www.meredith.com/meredith_corporate/careers.html (7/14)

JOB OPENING: SALES PLANNER/TV One/NY: prepare post analysis, prepare advertiser’s scheds; create presentations, research; track liability schedules. Exp sales/planning preferred. Visit www.tvone.tv (7/14)

JOB OPENING: VP, PRICING & PLANNING/nuvoTV/NY: 10+ yrs in cable/broadcast ad sales a must. VCI or other traffic system exp./dealmaker exp. strongly preferred. Strong math & analytical skills req. http://www.mynuvotv.com/jobs (7/13)

JOB OPENING: IN-HOUSE COUNSEL/VP, LEGAL & BUS AFFAIRS/LA: Attorney for TV prod co to manage agreements, releases, employment, negotiations. JD + 5 yrs TV/film legal experience req’d. Apply: [email protected] (7/12)

JOB OPENING: ACCOUNT DIR/GSTV/NEW YORK: Largest nat’l away from home TV network at the pump seeks an account director with strong exp in media sales. Apply at: http://gstv.iapplicants.com/ViewJob-321531.html (7/12)

JOB OPENING: RESEARCH DIR/Mobile-Pensacola: Create sales materials; coordinate avails data; create rtgs estimates; coordinate research efforts with nat’l rep. More info at www.fox10tv.com; Send resume to: [email protected] (7/12)

JOB OPENING:  DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR/Screen Media/NYC: Digital Film Dist. Entry level. Skills: Computer, Social Media, Some Tech Skills. NOT production job! Apply: [email protected] (7/12)

JOB OPENING: MGR, PROGRAM OPS/WEtv/NYC: Manage content delivery, oversee format process & metadata mgmt. Min 3 yrs channel operations exp. Web/file-based exp a+ Resumes to: [email protected] (7/11)

OTHER INDUSTRY JOBS OF INTEREST…

serve as an operational lead for the Communications team and will supervise all series publicity and campaign management
VP Communications – Bravo   6308BR
NBC Universal
NYC NY
http://www.nbcunicareers.com/

responsible for managing all aspects of measurement, tracking, posting and analysis of MundoFox local market Nielsen audience data
Vice President Research   FOX000WA
Fox Networks
NYC NY
http://www.foxcareers.com/#/home

manage the daily aspects of ad sales research
Director, Research   FN0001289
Fox Networks
NYC NY
http://www.foxcareers.com/#/home

conceive and develop strong creative ideas for promotional content for Showtime’s existing and emerging distribution platforms
Sr Writer/Producer   12165BR
CBS Corporation
NYC NY
http://diversity.cbscorporation.com/careers.php

design and layout of varying range of book formats including early and middle-grade novels, picture books, licensed, and novelty, including covers and interiors
Designer/Sr. Designer, Children’s Publishing   12194BR
Simon & Schuster
NYC NY
http://diversity.cbscorporation.com/careers.php

work closely with a small team of digital video experts to accelerate adoption of our media buying platform for video among small and medium-sized agencies and publishers in the NY/East region
Director of Platform Sales – NY
Tube Mogul
NYC NC
http://www.tubemogul.com/company/careers/

develop programming strategies for growing all key audiences and engagement metrics
Vice President, Content & Programming    4314
Viacom
NYC NY
https://jobhuntweb.viacom.com/Viacom/taleo/index.html

play a key role in all phases of the product life cycle from product strategy and vision to execution and launch, through servicing, maintaining, and evolving the product post-launch
Director, Mobile and Emerging Platforms Project Management and Strategy   4428
Viacom
NYC NY
https://jobhuntweb.viacom.com/Viacom/taleo/index.html

create the monthly management and reporting decks for senior management
Sr Financial Analyst   6172
Discovery Communications
Silver Spring MD
https://careers-discovery.icims.com/jobs/6172/job

responsible for constructing and implementing a regional business plan capable of exceeding current revenue budget of $400M USD
VP Consumer Products
BBC America
Coral Gables FL
http://www.bbcamerica.com/jobs/

define and document business requirements, business process flows and diagrams
Business Analyst Lead   11386
Razorfish
Chicago IL
https://jobs-razorfish.icims.com/jobs/11386/business-analyst-lead/job

responsible for developing and publicly communicating the agency’s point of?view on all issues pertaining to the current or future state of digital?experiences and user-centric design
VP, Experience   11317
Razorfish
Chicago IL
https://jobs-razorfish.icims.com/jobs/11317/vp%252c-experience/job

develop and communicate strategy for value added platform solutions based upon a solid understanding of market, competition, regulatory and legislative trends. Identify and execute tactical initiatives to drive implementation of platform strategy
VP Platform Management   1542
Dotomi  
Chicago IL
http://www.dotomi.com/

generate new business – identify, influence, present and close deals with potential customers, leading and leveraging Dotomi’s capabilities
Director, Business Development   1480
Dotomi 
Chicago IL
http://www.dotomi.com/

actively maintain an appropriate and sufficient size pool of major and leadership gift prospects to achieve annual goals and is directly responsible for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of assigned prospects
Vice President, Development   967KL
Chicago Zoological Society
Chicago IL
http://www.czs.org/CZS/About-CZS/Careers/Job-Openings

own marketing strategy and execution to secure and maintain position as the most recognizable and highly regarded mobile CRM provider in the industry
VP of Marketing
Vibes
Chicago IL
http://www.vibes.com/careers/

serve as an important contributor to the strategic direction of Revision 3, with a focus on financial planning and structuring as well as business performance measurement and analysis.
Director-Finance   6202
Discovery Communications
Los Angeles CA
https://careers-discovery.icims.com/jobs/6202/job

work with Distribution team to provide sales strategy, business plans/development, research, and financial projections (in conjunctions with the Finance team) for Discovery’s JV Partners
VP – U.S. Distribution – OWN & HUB   6113
Discovery Communications
Los Angeles CA
https://careers-discovery.icims.com/jobs/6113/job

develop and execute the ABC Owned TV Stations strategies and initiatives for ever-evolving digital media
Vice President – Digital Media   54477BR
Walt Disney Company
Burbank CA
http://corporate.disney.go.com/careers/who.html

apply business and financial expertise to the television and movie distribution business, and to play a key role in setting the strategic direction of DADT
VP – Business Development   53275BR
Walt Disney Company
Burbank CA
http://corporate.disney.go.com/careers/who.html

oversee all aspects of physical production on Focus Features films from inception through delivery
EVP Physical Production   6230BR
NBC Universal
Universal City CA
http://www.nbcunicareers.com/

support the design, execution and implementation of market research and strategy for all Paramount Motion Pictures released Internationally
Exec Dir Market Research   3450
Paramount Pictures
Hollywood CA
http://www.paramount.com/studio/jobs

responsible for all aspects of the day to day activities of the Paramount On Location Canadian Region operation including but not limited to maintaining existing business relationships, daily operations, long range strategies, personnel development and business growth
VP Sales & Operations, Set Lighting & Grip – Canadian Region   3422
Paramount Pictures
Hollywood CA
http://www.paramount.com/studio/jobs

all finance and accounting functions including AP, AR, cash management, options accounting, monthly closings, preparing financial statements and coordinating audits
Chief Financial Officer
Tube Mogul
Emeryville CA
http://www.tubemogul.com/company/careers/

aggregate and analyze motion picture and television industry data gathered from various sources including MPAA offices, MPAA member companies and third parties including research companies and government agencies
Analyst,Worldwide Research
Motion Picture Association of America
Sherman Oaks, CA
http://www.mpaa.org/about/careers

MSG Entertainment (MSGE) appointed Robin Korn as EVP/Strategic Marketing where she will manage the Engagement Marketing group which handles direct-to-consumer relationships across the Madison Square Garden portfolio.  Prior to this new position, Robin was with American Express for 23 years holding various positions.

Expanding globally, Twofour is opening a Los Angeles office and has hired Danny Villa as EVP to lead the Los Angeles-based operation which will concentrate on producing non-scripted programming and adapting the company’s UK formats for the US market.  Seth Goolnik also joins as VP/Development while Melanie Leach will continue in her role as Managing Director. 

Effective beginning today, Savannah Guthrie becomes the new Co-Anchor of NBC News’ Today.  Savannah joins the anchor team consisting of Matt Lauer, Al Roker and Natalie Morales.  News of Savannah’s promotion was announced last week by NBC News President Steve Capus. 

Knoxville-based RIVR Media named Aurelia Boyle as West Coast Director/Development.  Before joining RIVR Media, Aurelia developed for Balance Vector Productions and also served as Director/Development for Hearst Entertainment Productions.  In her new role, Aurelia will report to Craig Miller, VP/Development at RIVR Media. 

Discovery has promoted Dorian Winship to SVP/Production Management over all of Discovery’s US Networks.  Dorian heads a team that supports all programming and business goals in addition to relationships with Discovery’s external production partners.  Dorian is based in Los Angeles and reports to Lee Bartlett, EVP/Global Production Management, Business and Legal Affairs. 

Production company Pilgrim Studios elevated Anna Fudacz to VP/Business Affairs and Michael Purleski to VP/Legal Affairs.  Anna heads all of Pilgrim’s negotiations related to network and development deals for unscripted and scripted programming.  Michael manages corporate, production, litigation, licensing, distribution and employment activities for Pilgrim.  Both Anna and Michael report to Gretchen Stockdale, EVP/General Counsel. 

Tom Needham advances to VP/Digital Marketing with The Inspiration Networks.  In his new role, Tom will be in charge of all marketing efforts encompassing the networks’ digital assets and Social, SEM and SEO initiatives as well as emerging media platforms and partnerships.  Tom further heads all digital marketing activities and is the primary strategist for INSP, Halogen TV and La Familia Cosmovision. 

Showtime Networks Inc. upped Susan Frank and Emily Gould to co-head the network’s Program Marketing and Advertising departments.  Susan and Emily will become VPs/Program Marketing and Advertising to oversee the strategic development of multi-platform marketing programs as well as to spearhead all marketing strategy and consumer advertising for Showtime’s entertainment programming with an emphasis on original series and specials among other duties.  Susan and Emily report to Donald Buckley, EVP/Program Marketing, Media, Promotions and Digital Services, Showtime Networks Inc.

Sony Pictures Television (SPT) elevated Philip Lynch to SVP/Digital Networks and Games where he oversees negotiations for distribution deals and also manages relationships with partners on behalf of Crackle, the studio’s multi-platform video entertainment network worldwide among other duties.  Philip reports to Eric Berger, EVP/Digital Networks, SPT.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. hired David Eilenberg as SVP/Unscripted Development for TBS and TNT.  This is a newly-minted role where David will supervise all unscripted original programming for the two networks.  Based in Los Angeles, David reports to Michael Wright, President, Head/Programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies.  Before joining Turner, David served as Head/Development and Current Programming for Mark Burnett Productions.

Effective August 1, Matt Ross will join BBH LA in the new position as Managing Director.  Matt is departing Ogilvy Los Angeles to take on this new position at BBH LA.  Furthermore, Fran Hazeldine was promoted to Head/Strategy at BBH LA.  The leadership team of BBH LA report jointly to Greg Anderson, CEO of BBH US and John Patroulis, CCO of BBH US.

Beginning next Monday, Freddy Oldenburg joins KSTS-TV/Telemundo in the San Francisco market as News Director.  Prior to his new position, Freddy has been with Univision Networks holding several positions over the past ten years, most recently as Executive Producer of Noche de Perros. 

Bolstering its management team in Los Angeles, BE the Creative Source tapped Ann Epstein as a West Coast Partner/Executive Producer.  Ann brings more than twenty years of creative expertise and experience from her stints at E! Networks, Pittard Sullivan and Nickelodeon.

On the heels of announcing the hiring of David Eilenberg as SVP/Unscripted Development, TNT and TBS revealed further reorganization plans with its original programming group.  Lillah McCarthy will move to the new position of SVP/TNT and TBS Original Productions to oversee the networks’ in-house production company; Brett Weitz was upped to SVP/Scripted Development for TNT and TBS; and Kathy Busby will become VP/TNT and TBS Original Productions where she reports to Lillah McCarthy.  All four executives are based in Los Angeles and Lillah, Brett and Kathy report to Michael Wright, President, Head/Programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies. 

Former SVP/Original Programming at Crown Media Holdings, Inc., Barbara Fisher takes on a newly created position at GMC TV as SVP/Original Programming.  Barbara will manage the development and production of GMC World Premiere Original Movies and GMC World Premiere Plays in addition to working with Brad Siegel, Vice Chairman at GMC as the network launches its World Premiere Series franchise.   She will also report to Brad Siegel.

Brite Promotions, a unit of Brite Media Group, tapped Jason Blake as VP/Business Development.  Jason will be based at the agency’s Manhattan and New Jersey offices where he will report to Pete D’Andrea, SVP.

KIRO 7 Eyewitness News, a Cox Media Group station and CBS affiliate covering Western Washington, added Bob Jordan as News Director.  Prior to this appointment and for the last ten years, Bob has been news director for WFTV, the Cox Media Group station and ABC affiliate in Orlando.

Yesterday, Zodiak Media revealed it is consolidating its production businesses located in North, Central and South America with the launch of Zodiak Americas.  This move is part of a long-term strategy to increase the focus of the Group on the American continents.  Jonny Slow was tapped to spearhead the new division and he formerly served as Zodiak Media COO.  Jonny will relocate from London to Los Angeles to oversee the expanded activities in the region and his new title will become CEO, Zodiak Americas.  Jonny will work closely with Natalka Znak who was named recently as CEO of Zodiak USA in addition to Harris Whitbeck, CEO of Zodiak Latino and Carla Affonso, CEO of Zodiak Brasil.  In addition, expanded roles were granted to Tony Yates, COO and Andy Lennon, CFO. 

Media Financial Management Association (MFM) charted its officers for the next year and newly appointed board members.  Officers for the 2012-2013 MFM Board include, Chair: Cheryl Ingram, SVP/Controller/Chief Accounting Officer, Turner Broadcasting System; Vice Chair: Chad Richardson, Director/Financial Planning and Analysis, Scientific Games Corporation; Secretary: Dalton A. Lee, VP/Finance Meredith Corporation Local Media Group; and Treasurer: Ralph Bender, CFO, Capital City Press/Manship Stations.  Furthermore, newly-elected members to the Board of Directors for MFM/BCAA include: John Drain, SVP/Finance, Hearst Television; Jana Fay, VP/Finance, C-SPAN; Gary Hoipkemier, SVP/CFO, Treasurer and Secretary, Schurz Communications; Francois McGillicuddy, VP/Finance and Business Operations, Fox Sports Media Group/SPEED; Thomas Peck, CFO, Daily News  U.S. News & World Report; Patrick Walsh, EVP, CFO and COO, Emmis Communications; and Michael Denson, VP/Network Credit and Collections at Katz Media Group has been named the BCAA Representative on the 2012-2013 MFM Board of Directors.

Non-profit professional organization, CTAM, the Cable & Telecommunications Association for Marketing, named Todd Esenwein as Director/Business Services.  Todd will offer his leadership skills and direction to the CTAM Business Services Council which promotes B2B growth efforts and opportunities for the cable industry.  Todd joins CTAM from AB&T Telecommunications where he was a national strategic channel manager. 

Saatchi & Saatchi Wellness, specializing in marketing consumer wellness, hired Barbara Hamilton as a Creative Director.  Barbara joins from Arnold Worldwide where she was Digital Creative Director.  In her new position, Barbara will work in tandem with other Creative Directors Stuart Fink and Carol Fiorino and she will report to Ned Russell, Managing Director.

Beginning today, Telemundo Media named Antonio Canales as the new President/GM of KTMD Houston.  Antonio succeeds Roel Medina in this role with responsibility over the strategic and operational functions of KTMD-TV.  He will report to Manuel Abud, President, Telemundo Station Group. 

San Francisco-based Indigo Films upped James Cox to VP/Development where he will report directly to David Frank, President/CEO.  Prior to this appointment, James was with E! Entertainment and produced for KAOS Entertainment.

Effective August 13, Discovery Networks Latin America/US Hispanic (DLA/USH), a unit of Discovery Communications has appointed Carolina Lightcap as Head/Content for DLA/USH as well as GM for the Southern Cone.  Carolina will be based in Buenos Aires and will report to Enrique R. Martinez, President/Managing Director for DLA/USH. 

Chris Fetner takes on a new position as Director/Content Partner Operations at Netflix.  Based at Netflix’s Beverly Hills office, Chris will head all facets of the company’s digital activities with content partners.  Chris joins from the BBC where he worked in their post-production operations in the US.

Later — John
John Cox for Cynopsis: Classified Advantage
[email protected]
07.17.12

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