George Cheeks, newly appointed to the role of co-president and chief content officer of Skydance TV, will join Paramount and Warner Bros. He explained his vision to employees on Tuesday as the $111 billion merger between Discovery officially closed.
Hours after Skydance chairman and CEO David Ellison and co-CEO Ynon Kreiz sent a memo to employees at the combined company outlining their operating philosophy and goals for the new company, Cheeks sent his own email to TV employees at the studios and networks.
The memo did not specify a structure yet, but Warner Bros. is among the department bosses who will report to him. It appears to include TV Group and US network chairman/CEO Channing Dungey, CBS Studios president David Stapf, and Paramount TV Studios frontrunner Matt Thunell. Alongside Cheeks, JB Perrette (previously WBD’s CEO/president of global streaming and gaming) serves as co-chairman and chief operating officer of Skydance TV. Perrette also fills these roles in the Skydance DTC broadcast division.
“The work ahead is important and so are the opportunities,” he said in the memo. “I am energized by the possibilities. Together, we will leverage our collective strengths to create an even stronger future.”
Cheeks’ elevation at Skydance was a huge vote of confidence from Ellison, who previously tapped the executive as head of media for Paramount TV last year, when Skydance first took control of Paramount. Before that, Cheeks was one of three co-CEOs of Paramount Global (formerly known as ViacomCBS) and the only one of that trio to transition to the new company.
Here is his note:
Set,
Today is the beginning of a new chapter. Paramount and Warner Bros. By bringing together Discovery, we have created a remarkable collection of television brands, networks and studios backed by some of the most talented teams in the industry.
I want to recognize the hard work, creativity, and dedication that each of you brought to this historic moment. Thank you for playing through the noise this past year. I am excited to move forward together and shape our future as a single team.
Our Skydance Television group
This newly formed Skydance Television group is a unique blend of networks, studios, platforms and programming genres.
- Our three television studios (Warner Bros. Television Studios, CBS Studios and Paramount Television Studios) will continue to create franchises, premium originals and unscripted hit programs that entertain audiences of all ages and interests and power our platforms and partners around the world.
- CBS continues to be a cornerstone supporting our multiplatform strategy to deliver entertainment, news and sports to audiences at scale.
- CBS Sports, TNT Sports and Warner Bros. Together, Discovery Sports creates an enviable and broad global sports portfolio.
- CBS News is one of journalism’s premier brands, delivering national and worldwide news across broadcast, streaming and digital platforms. At the local level, our 27 CBS stations serve 17 markets with best-in-class community journalism.
- Our cable portfolio features more than 50 channels worldwide, connecting viewers with culture-defining entertainment, kids and family programming, and leading lifestyle brands.
There are too many standout programs to name individually, but one thing is clear: the breadth and quality of programs in this group are second to none; It covers some of the most watched, most admired and most award-winning programs in the industry.
Our team
The next chapter will be defined by the power of our people. I know you are eager to hear more about leadership, structure, and strategy. More details will be shared as soon as possible.
What happens next?
This is a transitional moment. With this comes uncertainty. The stress of this doesn’t leave me. We expect to hear more about our structure and priorities in the coming weeks. Please continue our references Integration Center.
The work ahead is important and so are the opportunities. I draw strength from possibilities. Together, we will leverage our collective strengths to create an even stronger future.
Thank you for everything you do.
More to come.
-George