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Tag: David Levy

  • Steve Koonin parts ways with Turner Entertainment Networks

    Steve Koonin parts ways with Turner Entertainment Networks

    MUMBAI: Steve Koonin, the name has become synonymous with Turner, having been with the company for over 14 years. But, news is the president of Turner Entertainment Networks, is leaving the company to take on the role of CEO of the NBA team the Atlanta Hawks.

     

    In his role as president Koonin, was most recently overseeing programming, marketing, scheduling, strategy and operations for the networks TNT, TBS, truTV and Turner Classic Movies. Now, he will be overseeing all business, financial and strategic operations of the Atlanta Hawks and Philips Arena. He will also acquire an equity position within the ownership group, and represent the owners as the head of the organisation.

     

    Turner Broadcasting Systems president David Levy said in a statement: “By now you’ve heard Steve Koonin’s news that he is leaving Turner Broadcasting for an opportunity outside our company. I imagine your feelings on his decision are like mine: mixed. On one hand, I’ll miss Steve’s vision, creativity and leadership at TNT, TBS, truTV and Turner Classic Movies. Their success is a direct result of his professional and personal investment. I know that many of you would use those same words to describe his influence on you and your work. There’s no better tribute than that.”

     

    “In February 2000, I walked into Turner Broadcasting after being invited to run TNT. I was 42 years old, had a full head of brown hair and dreams of taking the consumer lessons I learned from Coca-Cola and apply them to TV. I am truly gratified in saying that TNT, TBS, TCM and truTV have become familiar and beloved brands to TV viewers all over the USA,” said Koonin on the thought of parting ways with Turner. “It is no secret that I have a passionate love of sports, particularly for our local teams. In the past few months, I was invited to become an investor in the Atlanta Hawks. During our investor conversations, it became quickly apparent that the Hawks needed local leadership as well as a face and voice for the franchise. I have accepted the position of CEO and Part-Owner of the Atlanta Hawks. The job is consistent with my desire to make a difference in my community and finish my career in Atlanta.”

  • Turner, NCTC reach deal

    Turner, NCTC reach deal

    MUMBAI: US broadcaster Turner Broadcasting and NCTC have reached a long-term distribution agreement.

    The renewal grants NCTC members continued access to Turner‘s portfolio of networks including CNN, TBS, TNT and Cartoon Network. Financial terms were not disclosed.

    Under the terms of the agreement, Turner‘s portfolio of networks including CNN, HLN, TNT, TBS, Cartoon Network/Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies (TCM), truTV, CNN International, CNN en Espa?ol and Boomerang will continue to be carried by NCTC‘s nearly 1,000 independent cable operator members across the US.

    As part of the deal, NCTC members will have rights to carry a myriad of entertainment, kids, news, sports and young adults programming, as well as on-demand content that is available across the Turner networks, including award-winning news and information from CNN, marquee sports programming such as the NBA and NCAA® Division I Men‘s Basketball Championship, TBS‘s ‘Conan‘ and TNT‘s ‘Rizzoli and Isles‘ and ‘Falling Skies‘ and Cartoon Network‘s ‘Regular Show‘ and ‘Adventure Time‘.

    Turner Broadcasting System president of sales, distribution and sports David Levy said, “The extension of our comprehensive renewal agreement with the NCTC highlights the growing value of the Turner portfolio and drives home our commitment to deliver marquee content to their customers. We‘re proud to continue our long relationship with the NCTC and the viewers they serve.”

  • Cartoon Network signs license deal with Mattel

    Cartoon Network signs license deal with Mattel

    MUMBAI: Cartoon Network is strengthening its licensing division Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE) by entering into a a multi-year, multi-property deal with the toymaker Mattel Inc to produce toys and games based on the network’s animated titles.

    In an official statement issued, the license agreement covers original Cartoon Network properties for the 6 to 11 age group and also carries a first-look option on all newly created original series and programming.

    As per the deal, Mattel will have licensing rights to multiple toy and games categories including vehicles, action figures, playsets, role-play, board games, puzzles, and youth electronics items for the Cartoon Network brand as well as shows including Fosters Home for Imaginary Friends, The Powerpuff Girls, Camp Lazlo, Ed, Edd n Eddy, The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, the newly launched My Gym Partner’s a Monkey and The Life & Times of Juniper Lee. Existing relationships for other original series will remain unaffected by the deal.

    Mattel has licensing deals with Viacom Inc.’s Nickelodeon and movies studios as Warner Bros. and Disney-Pixar.

    “We are pleased to be aligning the Cartoon Network brand with one of the world’s largest and most respected toy companies, setting the stage for great success in the all important toy and games category,” Turner Entertainment sales and marketing president David Levy says. “We’ve always had a very strong relationship with Mattel as an advertiser and now we are extending that into consumer products. This will enhance the brands of both companies by combining our assets as a leading entertainment company with their expertise in the global toy market.”

    In 2007, the first product lines to come to market under the agreement will be toys based on one of Cartoon Network’s most successful series, the Emmy-winning Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, created by Craig McCracken, the visionary behind The Powerpuff Girls. Products for Ed, Edd n Eddy, Camp Lazlo and The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy will also debut in 2007.

    “We’re confident that combining Cartoon Network’s strength in creating original, quality programming with Mattel’s expertise in developing innovative products will engage kids in new ways,” Mattel Brands president Neil Friedman says. “By leveraging the Cartoon Network brand as well as their original content, we’re opening up a whole new type of creative and licensing partnership.”