AT&T Names TV Veteran as Creative Head of Streaming Service
December 14 2018 - 2:56PM
Dow Jones News
By Joe Flint
AT&T Inc.'s WarnerMedia has tapped veteran programming
executive Kevin Reilly to oversee the creative strategy of its
consumer streaming service scheduled to launch in late 2019.
Mr. Reilly, who is currently chief creative officer of
WarnerMedia's Turner unit and president of the TNT and TBS
networks, will remain in those roles as well. He previously headed
entertainment programming for both Fox and NBC and is known for
having strong relations with the creative community and a savvy eye
for content.
In a memo to staff, WarnerMedia Chief Executive John Stankey
said Mr. Reilly and his team would decide what original programming
to create and library content to acquire for the new service.
Besides mining the vast Warner Bros. library of TV shows and
movies, WarnerMedia's service is also expected to license reruns of
popular shows from other studios as well.
"Since joining Turner in 2015, Kevin has revitalized TBS and TNT
with branding and content strategies that have helped them maintain
their leading position with viewers week upon week. He has a
reputation as a forward thinker when it comes to programming
formats and cross-platform opportunities," Mr. Stankey said.
Mr. Reilly will report to Mr. Stankey in his new assignment and
will continue to report to Turner President David Levy as well.
AT&T is planning a three-tiered subscription streaming
service. The entry-level package will include theatrical movies; a
second tier with original programming including from HBO; and a
third tier that would add on an extensive library of Warner TV
series and films. The telecom and media company hasn't disclosed
pricing or other rollout details.
At the Turner networks, original shows Mr. Reilly has shepherded
include "The Alienist," "Search Party" and "Claws." Earlier in his
career, he led the 21st Century Fox cable network FX's push into
original programming with critically acclaimed dramas "The Shield"
and "Nip/Tuck."
At NBC Mr. Reilly championed "The Office," which initially
struggled to find viewers before turning into a success. Its reruns
are among the most popular content on Netflix.
Acquiring library content for WarnerMedia's as-yet-unnamed
streaming service will be a priority for Mr. Reilly. WarnerMedia
recently struck a deal with Netflix that will ultimately result in
reruns of the Warner Bros.-produced show "Friends" being available
on the new service in 2020.
Mr. Reilly is the third key appointment for the WarnerMedia
platform. Brad Bentley, a longtime AT&T executive, was named
general manager and executive vice president of direct to consumer
development. Jeremy Legg, Turner's chief technology officer, is
overseeing technology for the new service.
Walt Disney Co. plans to launch its own subscription streaming
service next year as both media giants seek to compete with
Netflix, which is taking away viewers and top creative talent from
traditional media outlets.
Write to Joe Flint at joe.flint@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
December 14, 2018 14:41 ET (19:41 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2018 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
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