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WB chief to run Turner
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March 6, 2001: 12:52 p.m. ET
Jamie Kellner takes helm of AOL unit; WB folded with CNN, TNT
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NEW YORK (CNNfn) - AOL Time Warner is rolling its WB Network under its Turner Broadcasting System umbrella, and giving the top spot at its broadcasting unit to WB founder Jamie Kellner.
The company said Tuesday it will create a "TV networks group" as part of Turner that will include both WB and AOL's cable networks, including CNN, TBS, Turner Network Television (TNT) and the Turner Classic Movies and the Cartoon Network. CNNfn is also a part of the unit.
 The company said the expanded TV networks group will share advertising, marketing, program development and Internet resources, and benefit from new cross-promotion opportunities.
"By grouping all its broadcast and basic cable television networks under one management team, AOL Time Warner will bring together a one-of-a-kind networks group with unmatched reach and complementary demographics," said the company's statement.
Kellner becomes the chairman and CEO of Turner Broadcasting, replacing long-time Turner veteran Terry McGuirk, who will now be vice chairman of the broadcasting unit of the company.
Kellner has a strong reputation in the broadcast industry, particularly in crafting programs for the younger viewers coveted by advertisers. WB has grown quickly on the success of programs such as "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Dawson's Creek." The network reaches 90 percent of U.S. households with six nights of programming a week.
Kellner founded WB in 1993 as a joint venture between the then Time Warner company and the Tribune Co. (TRB: Research, Estimates), which still owns a 25 percent stake in the network. Kellner also owns a stake in the network himself. Before starting WB he was president and chief operating officer of the Fox Broadcasting Company, helping to found and build the Fox network.
 As part of the moves announced Tuesday Steven Heyer, the president and chief operating officer of Turner Broadcasting, will be leaving the company. The company's statement said he will pursue other interests.
In an e-mail to employees Tuesday, McGuirk said he wanted to stop being involved in day-to-day operations in order to have a greater balance in his life for his personal interests and those of his family.
Wayne Pace, chief financial officer and chief administrative officer of Turner Broadcasting System, will take on the added role and responsibilities of vice chairman -- sharing the title with McGuirk.
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Turner Broadcasting also includes three professional sports teams -- baseball's Atlanta Braves, basketball's Atlanta Hawks and hockey's Atlanta Thrashers. It was sold to Time Warner Inc. in a deal announced in 1995 and closed in 1996.
McGuirk, who joined the company 28 years ago when it consisted of little more than a single UHF station in Atlanta. He was named to the top position on Sept. 17, 1996, less than a month before the deal closed.
There has been widespread layoffs and executive departures from the former Time Warner since the AOL-Time Warner deal closed Jan. 12.
Shares of AOL Time Warner rose $2.74 to $46.54. 
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