Turner appoints UK kids TV boss

Turner Broadcasting System has handed the director of UK kids channels role to Sean Gorman.

Gorman has been at Turner for eleven years, previously as senior programming manager for its UK kids channels.

In his new role, replacing Gary Finnegan who left in September, he will oversee acquisitions, commissioning and on-air creative for a trio of channels: Cartoon Network, its preschool sibling Cartoonito and classic toons net Boomerang.

He will report to Anthony Lukom, manager director for Turner UK, who said: “Sean shows an unrivalled passion for, and knowledge of, the kids programming business. This is an important role, pivotal in our continued commitment to deliver the best content for our young audiences.”

Jaime Ondarza, senior VP and general manager of Turner’s UK, French and Italian businesses added: “I’m particularly pleased about Sean’s appointment. It rewards his talent and the great job he has done in programming for Turner kids. It is great to rely on internal talent for strategic leadership positions. In 2013 our kids’ channels in the UK achieved their best audience performance ever.”

The appointment follows a period of change at Turner’s kids and wider business. Under the leadership of Gerhard Zeiler the channels operation has been restructured with new regional bosses appointed and headcount reduced in Europe and Asia.

On the kids side high profile departures included chief creative officer for the kids channels Michael Carrington, who is now at HIT Entertainment.

Turner said that Cartoon ranks first among boys 4-to-15 in the UK and the channel’s rating are up 60% year-on-year. Boomerang’s ratings are up 12% year on year and the channel is number one for kids in the 4-to-9 demo.

Gorman said: “I am delighted to be taking on a role which helps build and develop this great network. We have some of the best content in this sector and this is an exciting time for our business.”