AT&T Names TV Veteran as Creative Head of Streaming Service

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 [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

December 14, 2018 14:41 ET (19:41 GMT)

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