News brief: Former ABC boss joins Genius board

Former ABC Broadcast Group president Tony Thomopoulos as joined the board of Andy Heyward’s kids entertainment venture Genius Brands International.

Thomopoulos spent 12 years at broadcast network ABC during the 1970s and 1980s after being hired by Barry Diller in 1973, eventually rising to the position of president. He went on to become chairman of United Artists Pictures and launches his own firm, Morning Light Films in 2003.

“Tony brings a tremendous wealth of creative and business experience to his position on the Genius Brands International board,” said GBI chairman and CEO Heyward, a former boss of DIC Entertainment.

“Having spent decades in positions of great responsibility and authority within the broadcast and film industry, his relationships, knowledge and access is invaluable as we look to broaden our brand awareness and expand the reach of our content.”