The former FOX chairman joins Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. as president of TBS and TNT and chief creative officer for Turner Entertainment.
- Nov 5, 2014
AceShowbiz - Kevin Reilly moves to cable after leaving his post on FOX. The former chairman of entertainment for Fox Broadcasting Company has been hired as president of TBS and TNT and chief creative officer for Turner Entertainment.
Reilly will remain Los Angeles based and will be reporting to Turner Broadcasting president David Levy. His job is overseeing content development, business affairs and production, marketing, digital and scheduling. It's combined responsibilities of longtime Turner Entertainment Networks President Steve Koonin, who left in April, and TNT and TBS President of Programming Michael Wright, who resigned at end of August.
"Kevin is one of the most respected, innovative and influential executives in the television industry, and he's joining Turner Broadcasting at the ideal time for him and for the networks," Levy said in a press release on Tuesday, November 4. "Kevin brings a tremendous track record of success not only in terms of programming hits but also in the new media arena, where he was among the first broadcast network executives to push for meaningful investment in digital and social media."
Levy continued praising Reilly, "He has never shied away from taking bold programming risks and being a true champion of quality television. And on top of all that, he's an inspiring leader whose energy, creativity and style are a perfect fit for Turner's flagship entertainment networks."
Reilly stated, "My six-month journey through the robust but chaotic media marketplace led me to re-confirm a less novel idea: the best place to create, distribute and consume premium television content today is cable TV. Through this process, I connected with kindred spirits in David Levy and the whole Turner organization, who understand both the real value of what we deliver today and how we need to push forward to stay positioned for tomorrow."
He added, "We are going to use the considerable resources at Turner to entice top talent, create world-class content and meet and engage consumers in a contemporary fashion. I can't wait."
Reilly joined FOX in July 2007 as president of entertainment for the network. Under his leadership, the network won 8 consecutive seasons among Adults 18-49. He left the network in May this year.
