Susanne Daniels Named President, Entertainment, Lifetime Entertainment Services

Susanne Daniels Named President, Entertainment, Lifetime Entertainment Services

NEW YORK, Aug. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Susanne Daniels, whose award-winning tenure as head of programming at The WB Television Network included a glittering array of hit drama and comedy series such as "Gilmore Girls," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Dawson's Creek," has been named President, Entertainment, Lifetime Entertainment Services, beginning September 12, it was announced today by Betty Cohen, President and CEO, Lifetime Entertainment Services.

Daniels, who will be based in Los Angeles, will be responsible for all programming on Lifetime Television and Lifetime Movie Network, the two highest-rated women's networks, as well as Lifetime Real Women.

"During her nearly 20 years in the television community, Susanne has demonstrated an extraordinary creative antenna for the pulse of pop culture, especially programming appealing to younger women," said Cohen. "Her remarkable success at The WB, where she was the driving vision behind shows that have become pillars of the industry, demonstrates the insight, industry relationships and hit-driven track record that we've been looking for in our new head of programming."

"I've long been a fan of Lifetime Television and deeply respect the successes they've enjoyed as the destination for women," said Daniels. "Their interesting and engaging mix of movies and series is an outstanding foundation upon which to build, and I'm looking forward to this great opportunity to bring a new generation of hits to the network."

Susanne Daniels

In 1994, at the age of 29, Daniels became one of the highest-ranking television executives in the business when she was named Head of Primetime Series for The WB Television Network, given responsibility for every aspect of development and production for all primetime programs.

In 1998, Daniels was named head of The WB entertainment division. Her legacy was notable for the prestigious feature film writers/producers she attracted, which resulted in cornerstone programs like the critically acclaimed "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Angel" (Joss Whedon), "Dawson's Creek" (Kevin Williamson), "Felicity" (J.J. Abrams) and "Smallville" (Al Gough and Miles Millar).

She also tapped a stellar group of proven comedy producers, who created "Gilmore Girls" (Amy Sherman-Palladino), "Reba" (Allison Gibson) and "Off Centre" (Paul and Chris Weitz).

Prior to joining The WB, Daniels spent two years at the FOX Broadcasting Company as Director of Comedy Development. While at FOX, she developed the hit comedies "Martin" (featuring Martin Lawrence) and "Living Single" with executive producer Yvette Lee Bowser, who brought her next comedy, "For Your Love," to The WB.

Before that, Daniels spent two years at the ABC Television Network as Director of Variety, Reality and Specials. She was involved in the development of the reality series "American Detective" and "America's Funniest People," and was responsible for all of ABC's specials -- from the Academy Awards and the "Happy Days Reunion" to "Muhammad Ali's 50th Birthday Special." She was also instrumental in the development of the popular "American Comedy Awards" with legendary producer George Schlatter.

A graduate of Harvard University, Daniels began her career as an assistant to Lorne Michaels on the award-winning, late-night staple "Saturday Night Live." After only one year, she was promoted to Manager of Development for Michaels' Broadway Video Entertainment, where, among other projects, she helped develop "Kids in the Hall."

Daniels serves on the board of The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, which honored her in 1999 for her leadership role in making teen pregnancy prevention a top priority in the media industry. She is also a member of the board of the Alliance for Children's Rights and on the advisory committee of Run for Youth and Women to Women International. In 1999, Daniels won a Special Achievement Shine Award from the Media Project, which honors those who have responsibly portrayed sex in the media. In 2001, Daniels was given the Gemini Award, the highest honor from The American Women in Radio & Television. She is a frequent speaker, guest panelist and moderator for such prominent groups as Women In Film, The Directors Guild, The Television Academy and The Hollywood Radio & Television Society.

Daniels and her husband Greg Daniels, co-creator and executive producer of the FOX series "King of the Hill," and executive producer of the NBC series "The Office," reside in Los Angeles with their three children.

LIFETIME is the leader in women's television and one of the top-rated basic cable television networks. A diverse, multi-media company, LIFETIME is committed to offering the highest quality entertainment and information programming, and advocating a wide range of issues affecting women and their families. Launched in 1984, LIFETIME Television serves over 89 million households nationwide. In 1998, LIFETIME launched Lifetime Movie Network, now in more than 45 million homes, and in 2001, Lifetime Real Women. LIFETIME Television, Lifetime Movie Network, Lifetime Real Women, Lifetime Radio for Women, Lifetime Home Entertainment and Lifetime Online are part of LIFETIME Entertainment Services, a 50/50 joint venture of The Hearst Corporation and The Walt Disney Company.

Source: Lifetime Television

CONTACT: Gary Morgenstein of Lifetime Television, +1-212-424-7162, or
morgenstein@lifetimetv.com

Web site: http://www.lifetimetv.com/

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