Chairman

Garth Ancier became Chairman of The WB Television Network in May 2004, adding to a resume that was already one of the most impressive in the history of television.  As Chairman, Mr. Ancier oversees all aspects of the network on a daily basis.  The WB operates as a partnership between Time-Warner and The Tribune Company.  On September 17, 2006, The WB will merge with UPN to form the new CW Television Network.

Mr. Ancier's remarkable career includes being one of only two executives in the history of television (Fred Silverman being the other) to head three different network entertainment divisions: NBC, FOX and The WB. His prolific career includes experience as President of Production at Walt Disney Television; creator and executive producer of the Emmy Award-winning talk show "RICKI LAKE"; television consultant for the 1992 Democratic National Convention, and chief programming strategist to CNN and all of the TBS entertainment networks.

Mr. Ancier returned to The WB as Co-Chairman in September 2003, after his initial tenure as the network's top programmer from 1994 until 1999. One of the key architects of America's fifth broadcast network, Mr. Ancier helped shape the broadcast service targeted for teens and young adults by developing and overseeing production of key hits like "BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER," "DAWSON'S CREEK," "7TH HEAVEN," “CHARMED," "ANGEL," "THE JAMIE FOXX SHOW," "STEVE HARVEY" and "FELICITY."

Before rejoining The WB in 2003, Mr. Ancier served as Executive Vice President, Programming, for cable giant Turner Broadcasting Systems, Inc. At Turner, Mr. Ancier helped revitalize CNN by implementing a new strategy of name brand, appointment programming that included development of new series like “AMERICAN MORNING,” “NEWSNIGHT,” and “ANDERSON COOPER 360”, adding news stars Aaron Brown, Paula Zahn, Connie Chung and Soledad O’Brien to the anchor roster, bolstered the profile of Wolf Blitzer as a key anchor, and introduced Anderson Cooper to the network.  On the entertainment side, he re-focused TBS and TNT to serve distinct audiences, and dramatically expanded the footprint of the “ADULT SWIM” block on Cartoon Network.

Beginning in 1999, Mr. Ancier served as President, NBC Entertainment. At NBC, Mr. Ancier scheduled such hit series as "THE WEST WING," "LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT" and "THIRD WATCH." During that time he also developed "ED," "LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT," "SCRUBS" and "FEAR FACTOR."

During the late 1980s, Mr. Ancier was a founder at the creation and launch of Fox Broadcasting Company, serving as that fledgling network's first President of Programming. He developed and scheduled a new brand of television programming that set pop culture trends for years with hits such as "THE SIMPSONS," "MARRIED...WITH CHILDREN," "IN LIVING COLOR" and "21 JUMP STREET."

Mr. Ancier's network television career began in 1979 when legendary NBC Entertainment President Brandon Tartikoff hired him as a program associate. He rose quickly through the ranks and ultimately supervised production of the network's top comedies including "THE COSBY SHOW," "CHEERS," "FAMILY TIES" and "GOLDEN GIRLS."

From October 1991 through July 1992, Mr. Ancier served as the Television Consultant to the Democratic National Committee, specifically to advise on the television presentation of the Convention in New York and reporting to DNC Chairman Ron Brown.  In that role, Mr. Ancier introduced political convention format innovations, such as a 56-screen "videowall" integrated into the convention podium and program, to such forums for the first time.

Mr. Ancier began his broadcasting career as a high school sophomore in 1972, working as a reporter for NBC radio affiliates WBUD-AM and WBJH-FM in Trenton, N.J.  In radio, he created "AMERICAN FOCUS," a weekly national interview program carried by over 200 radio stations in the U.S., including New York's NBC flagship WNBC.  Mr. Ancier served as executive producer and host of over 250 episodes through 1979, each featuring a full-length career retrospective interview with guests ranging from Ayn Rand to Henry Fonda to David Brinkley.  The show continued production for 17 years, and many of the programs are part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Television and Radio.

Mr. Ancier is a graduate of Princeton University and a native of New Jersey. He serves on the Board of Trustees of the National Council of Families and Television, and has served on the Hall of Fame Selection Committee for The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, the AOL Time Warner Foundation Board, the Governor's Board of the Hollywood Radio and Television Society (HRTS), and the Board of Trustees of the National Association of College Broadcasters.  He was the recipient of the 2004 Spirit of Hope Award at The Help Group's 8th Annual Teddy Bear Ball.