Last updated March 2007
Category: Worldwide
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As President BBC Worldwide America, Garth Ancier is responsible for developing
the BBC brand in the USA, building on Worldwide's US achievements to date.
This includes expanding BBC Worldwide's portfolio of channels, which currently
comprises the flagship cable channel BBC America, now in more than 53 million
homes; and working with US networks on behalf of LA-based BBC Worldwide
Productions, to produce further shows and formats.
He also manages BBC Worldwide's US TV and video sales business and, in the
digital space, he is due to oversee the introduction of BBC Worldwide's web-based
programme delivery system, bbc.com, which is currently in the process of
approval.
Most recently he ran In2TV, the Warner Bros/AOL broadband television network.
Previously, he was Chairman of the WB Television Network from May 2004 until
its merger with UPN in September 2006.
A key architect of America's fifth
broadcast network, he also served as The WB's chief programmer from 1994 to 1999.
During that time he oversaw production of key hits aimed at teens and young
adults such as Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Dawson's Creek, 7th Heaven and
Charmed.
He left WB in 1999 to become President, NBC Entertainment, where he scheduled
hit series such as The West Wing and developed shows including Ed, Law & Order:
Criminal Intent, Scrubs and Fear Factor.
He later moved to cable giant Turner Broadcasting Systems, Inc where he
revitalized CNN with name brand programming such as American Morning and
Anderson Cooper 360 and introduced a new raft of on-screen talent including
Anderson Cooper, Aaron Brown and Paula Zahn.
On the entertainment side, he
refocused TBS and TNT to serve distinct audiences and dramatically expanded the
footprint of the Adult Swim block on Cartoon Network.
During the late Eighties Garth Ancier was a member of the Fox Broadcasting Company
launch team, serving as the first President of Programming at the fledgling
network.
He developed and scheduled programming that set pop culture trends
including The Simpsons and Married… With Children.
A Princeton University graduate and native of New Jersey, he began his career
as a radio reporter and executive producer but turned to television in 1979
when he joined NBC Entertainment for the first time.
He rose through the ranks
to supervise top network comedies including The Cosby Show, Cheers and Golden
Girls.
