Post by George WK Newman on May 26, 2009 15:24:15 GMT -5
May 20, 2009 - New York, NY
PLS Media who recently formed with the intention of launching a sixth national television network in the United States, today named George WK Newman as the CEO of PLS Media.
Mr. Newman's first order of business will be to find some suitable network executives to fill senior positions, including the President of Entertainment of the yet unamed network.
"While we certainly would like to pluck some of the best and brightest talent from the big networks and give them the opportunity and room to grow here." Newman though went on to say,"However, we are also open to people that may be coming from untraditional backgrounds".
"The big picture issues of what the network will look like; the number of hours, the name, the brand, the mix of shows; while I will get involved where I can add value, those really are issues for our future management team to start". Newman indicated that his primary focus over the coming months, in addition to assembling the network executive team, will be in putting together as strong a network affiliate group as possible.
"My understanding is that PLS has no interest in the short term of owning is own studio or its own local station group. We have Sinclair and Gannett on board, and they will bring some stations to the mix, and we will find others. There are not that many desireable independent stations left in America, and I'm not sure we can displace many of the religious based affiliates. So for growth we will likely be looking at the MyTVNetwork affilaites and saying, if you are not interested in a bunch of reruns, if you want what was promised to you at the start, original programming, then let's talk."
Newman has worked in many industries through his executive career including a prodcution company, a costume and wardrobe firm, a clothing retailer, a programming service for independent television, a film school teaching courses on the business of television, and finally at a manufacturing firm where PLS apparently found him. "The money and hours were great where I was, and away from the hussle and bussle of the big city. But when Hollywood comes knocking on your door, especially with an opportunity as big as this, its virtually impossible to say no."
PLS Media who recently formed with the intention of launching a sixth national television network in the United States, today named George WK Newman as the CEO of PLS Media.
Mr. Newman's first order of business will be to find some suitable network executives to fill senior positions, including the President of Entertainment of the yet unamed network.
"While we certainly would like to pluck some of the best and brightest talent from the big networks and give them the opportunity and room to grow here." Newman though went on to say,"However, we are also open to people that may be coming from untraditional backgrounds".
"The big picture issues of what the network will look like; the number of hours, the name, the brand, the mix of shows; while I will get involved where I can add value, those really are issues for our future management team to start". Newman indicated that his primary focus over the coming months, in addition to assembling the network executive team, will be in putting together as strong a network affiliate group as possible.
"My understanding is that PLS has no interest in the short term of owning is own studio or its own local station group. We have Sinclair and Gannett on board, and they will bring some stations to the mix, and we will find others. There are not that many desireable independent stations left in America, and I'm not sure we can displace many of the religious based affiliates. So for growth we will likely be looking at the MyTVNetwork affilaites and saying, if you are not interested in a bunch of reruns, if you want what was promised to you at the start, original programming, then let's talk."
Newman has worked in many industries through his executive career including a prodcution company, a costume and wardrobe firm, a clothing retailer, a programming service for independent television, a film school teaching courses on the business of television, and finally at a manufacturing firm where PLS apparently found him. "The money and hours were great where I was, and away from the hussle and bussle of the big city. But when Hollywood comes knocking on your door, especially with an opportunity as big as this, its virtually impossible to say no."