Betsy McGowen, a senior exec at Kids WB! since the inception of the network in 1995, has been promoted to svp/gm of Kids WB! to oversee series development, current programming and scheduling for the network.
"Since taking over Kids WB! I've felt the network needs a leader like Betsy: an infectious advocate who has embodied the spirit of the network from day one, when she came aboard," said Jordan Levin, co-ceo of The WB, to whom McGowen reports. "She's a savvy creative and business executive who will inspire our team and continue to strengthen the bonds with corporate siblings Warner Bros. Animation and Cartoon Network, while keeping our doors open to the creative community at large."
"I'm excited by the challenges of this new position at Kids WB!," said McGowen. "Capturing the creative spark for our network will be top of mind in everything we do, from programming and development to marketing and publicity. It is truly thrilling to assume this post after starting at the network in its infancy."
McGowen most recently served as svp Kids WB! marketing. She has held a top marketing position at Kids WB! since 1995, significantly contributing to the networks image and branding. She supervised a team that created and produced all of the Kids WB! on-air promotions, network branding elements, interstitial material, PSAs and off-network elements such as video presentations and cable and radio spots. McGowen has been working closely with corporate sibling Cartoon Network as well.
McGowen will continue to oversee all marketing activities for Kids WB!, and will report on these marketing matters to Suzanne Kolb, evp, marketing. All network marketing initiatives will report to Bob Bibb and Lew Goldstein, co-presidents, marketing.
Prior to joining The WB, McGowen was a freelance writer/producer/editor for many clients, including Fox and the Disney Channel. From 1992-93, she was a staff writer/producer for Fox Kids Network. McGowen also was an offline/online videotape editor at NBC and Fox, where she first worked with Bibb and Goldstein.
Kids' WB!, a leader in kids' television, is the children's programming service of The WB Network. Kids can find more on Kids' WB!'s Website at www.KidsWB.com.
