23 Black Executives Advancing The Television Industry

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Television hasn’t always been welcoming for people of color, but with more and more African Americans calling the shots, things may be changing. Some of those associated with the browning of Hollywood are the gatekeepers, leaders, and pioneers that have brought about new programming and new channels to the small screen. Getting into these coveted positions with major networks isn’t easy but doable. For all those looking to jump start a career in this industry, it’s important to note that education, internships and networking are key to getting your foot in the door.

Here’s a list of 23 execs leading the way, behind the scenes:

Channing Dungey is Senior Vice President of Drama for ABC Entertainment Group. As a corporate VP, she oversees the development and production of all drama pilots and current series for ABC Entertainment. Dungey also teaches a graduate level course on developing dramatic television at her alma mater UCLA.

Paula Madison is Executive Vice President of Diversity for NBC Universal & Company Officer of General Electric. In May 2007, NBC Universal President and CEO Jeff Zucker appointed her as the company’s chief diversity officer. Prior to that, Madison was the President and General Manager of KNBC, NBC’s owned and operated station in Los Angeles. She was the first African American woman to become general manager at a network-owned station in a top five market.

Christina Norman is CEO of OWN Network (the Oprah Winfrey Network). The veteran television executive manages all business and creative areas of the new cable channel and multi-platform media venture. Norman came to OWN from MTV, where she served as the network’s President. She also held the same position for MTV’s sister network VH1.

Salaam Coleman-Smith is President of Style Network, a growing part of the E! entertainment family of channels under the Comcast umbrella. Coleman Smith joined E! Networks in 2003 as Senior Vice President of Programming. She was soon promoted to run The Style Network as its lead Executive Vice President in 2006. She earned the title, President in 2008. Prior to joining E! Networks, Coleman Smith spent nearly 10 years with MTV Networks.

Pearlena Igbokwe is Senior Vice President, of Original Programming at Showtime Network. A native of Nigeria, Ignokwe used television as a English tutor when she first arrived in America as a child. Since then television has served her well. She’s been a part of the Showtime team since the mid 1990’s and ushered in shows like Soul Food and, more recently, Nurse Jackie and Dexter.

Paxton Baker is Executive Vice President and General Manager for Centric, BET’s complementary network which targets the African American and multicultural adult audience. Baker is also President of BET Event Productions, which produces music festivals, TV specials and concerts around the world.

Odetta Watkins, far right

Odetta Watkins is the newly crowned Vice President, Current Programming, for Warner Brothers television. The Howard University grad was promoted from Direct of Current Programming in June. Watkins has worked on shows including Eve, All of Us and Vampire Diaries.

Valerie Watts Meraz is the Vice President of Content Acquisitions at Showtime Networks Inc. in Los Angeles. She oversees the day-to-day operations of the independent film acquisitions process. She also spearheads the network’s search for stand-up comedy specials, documentaries, and acquired series. Before joining Showtime in 2000, Valerie worked in feature film development at Disney’s Buena Vista Motion Pictures Group.

Richard Gay is Executive Vice President of strategy and operations for MTV and VH1. He worked in a similar capacity at MTV Networks’ VH1 and CMT. In 2004 Gay was chosen as one of New York’s rising stars as part of Crain’s business New York 40 under 40 list. At the time he was a partner in the global media and entertainment practice of Booz Allen Hamilton.

Johnathan Rodgers was named CEO and President of TV One in March 2003. Prior to that Rodgers was President of Discovery Networks U.S. for six years. He was responsible for the programming, marketing, research, distribution, operations and ad sales of the highly regarded television group which included the Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Discovery Kids and the Travel Channel.

Henry McGee is the President of HBO Video. Interestingly enough, McGee also serves as President of the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater Foundation, the largest modern dance organization in the U.S. Mr. McGee joined Time Inc. in 1979 and was promoted to a number of management positions until 1995 when he was asked to head HBO Video.

Vicki Hamilton is a Senior Vice President with Turner Broadcasting System (TBS, Inc.). As senior vice president of enterprise digital operations and performance within the network’s technology, operations & strategy group, she leads as well as provides strategic insight in support of the company’s business activity on emerging consumer platforms.

Jada Miranda is Vice President of Comedy Programming for HBO Entertainment . Since joining HBO five years ago, Miranda has supervised several half-hour programs including George Clooney’s Unscripted, the final season of Sex and the City, and Michael Patrick King and Lisa Kudrow’s The Comeback. Most recently she was involved in the development of the new series How to Make it in America.

Olivia Smashum is HBO executive vice president of affiliate marketing at HBO, making her the highest-ranking African American for the company. She supervises all HBO and Cinemax acquisition and retention, marketing and market research efforts, as well as branding and new business opportunities created by new technologies. Prior to becoming Executive VP, Smashum was senior vice president of subscriber marketing and business development.

Keith Clinkscales was named Senior Vice President Content Development and Enterprises at ESPN in June 2007. Since that time, Clinkscales launched a new ESPN incubator media lab, designed to develop and create new sports driven content for all ESPN media platforms. Clinkscales oversaw the creation of this unit, which expanded the ESPN Original Entertainment brand including the additions of Varsity Inc., and E:60. Clinkscales is well known for his role as CEO and President of Vibe magazine from 1993-1999.

Marva Smalls is Executive Vice President of Public Affairs, Chief of Staff for Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids & Family Group. She is also Executive Vice President of Global Inclusion Strategyat MTV Networks. As such, Smalls works with the leadership of all MTVN brands to champion multiculturalism, inclusiveness and diversity within the global company.

Angela Palmer is Director of TV Program Development and Producer Relations for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. As such, she is responsible for advancing the priorities of CPB’s television programming department. Ms Palmer is a liaison to ITVS, the National Minority Consortia, and independent film community. Among her duties is to enhance the inclusion of diverse perspectives in the programming and production process.

Greg Rhem heads Documentary Acquisitions in Original Programming for HBO. Part of his mission has been to discover new voices in documentary programming for the Cinemax Reel Life, and HBO’s award-winning America Undercover series. He’s shepherded docs including: the Oscar®-winning Born Into Brothels, Murder on a Sunday Morning, Thoth, and Breathing Lessons; Oscar®-nominated Spellbound, The Collector of Bedford Street; the critically-acclaimed Watermarks and The Smashing Machine.

Michael Smith is the General Manager of the Cooking Channel, a spinoff of the Food Network. He has headed Food Network’s creative and brand strategies for 10 years and served as senior vice president of marketing. The Cooking Channel goes beyond marketing for Smith as he is now responsible for the development, staffing and production of the “multi-platform network that will cater to avid food lovers with informational and instructional cooking programming.”

Sean Cohan is the SVP, International, A&E Television Networks. The Harvard grad is responsible for managing and expanding A&E Television Networks’ brands and services outside the U.S, including overseeing the company’s international digital media activities. Since joining AETN International in 2004, Cohan has played a major role in the launch of several international channels and partnerships, including the launch of The History Channel Germany. Previously, Mr. Cohan worked at Primedia Inc. where he was Manager, Corporate Strategy and Operations. Prior to that, he was an Associate in the Investment Banking Division of Morgan Stanley & Co.

Loretha Jones is President of Original Programming at BET Networks, meaning she manages what you see when you switch the channel to BET. Her decision making power determines what you see or don’t see on the channel. With BET having it’s best ratings season ever, it’s safe to say that Jones is doing a stellar job. Prior to joining BET Networks, she served as Executive Vice President of MTV Films / Paramount Pictures since July 2007. Before that, she was Senior Vice President of MTV Films / MTV Home Entertainment, overseeing development, production, music and marketing for multiple feature film, television and home video projects for the MTV and CMT brands from May 2005 to July 2007.

Scott Mills is President and Chief Operating Officer of BET Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. Mills was promoted to his current position in 2007, after serving as the companies’ CFO and President of Digital Media. Before joining BET in 1997, Mills was a vice president with the Lehman Brothers financial services firm for four years.

Kendra Carter is Director of Talent Diversity Initiatives for NBC Universal. She created the Short Cuts Film Festival to help foster new talent for NBC. Carter has an eye for talent and has a background in casting. That’s how she got her start in Hollywood. Her first job in the industry was with Spike TV.