Nickandmore!

[via press release]

Kids’ WB! Expands Programming Department

(February 17, 2000 – Burbank, CA) – Kids’ WB!, the #1 kids’ network, has expanded its programming department in an effort to create a strong development and scheduling team, it was announced today by Susanne Daniels, President, Entertainment for The WB, and Donna Friedman, Senior Vice President, Kids’ WB! John F. Hardman has been named Director, Development, and Jessica Pinto has been promoted to Director, Current Series and Scheduling. They both report directly to Ms. Friedman.

“We are thrilled with the growth of Kids’ WB! in the past year,” said Ms. Daniels. “I look forward to this year as Donna and the excellent team she has appointed continue to ignite the Kids’ WB! schedule, providing the most innovative programming approach to kids broadcast television.”

“John’s versatile development experience and Jessica’s network and children’s programming knowledge have proven to be an incredible combination,” stated Ms. Friedman. “Together they bring a wealth of experience and strong relationships with the creative industry, opening the doors to lots of new talent. As we work to maintain our leadership position, Kids’ WB!’s new programming team brings tremendous energy and passion for kids to the network which has translated into the best programming for our viewers.”

In this newly-created position, Mr. Hardman is responsible for the development of all new innovative programming, identifying new creative talent and strengthening the relationships with current creative teams. He oversees the production process of all development projects and works with Warner Bros. Animation and all other production companies to ensure each project maintains the Kids’ WB! quality. Mr. Hardman currently serves as programming executive on “Batman Beyond” and the network’s first 3D CGI animated series “Max Steel,” set to debut February 26, 2000.

In her new capacity, Ms. Pinto will continue to oversee current programming and the strategic planning and scheduling of 19 hours of programming to further grow and strengthen the network. Her responsibilities also include working in tandem with internal departments, such as research, marketing, media sales and affiliate relations and marketing to support the Kids’ WB! brand. She currently serves as programming executive on “Pokémon,” “Detention,” “Men in Black,” “The Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries,” “The …Big Cartoonie Show,” “The New Batman/Superman Adventures” and “Warner Bros.’ Histeria!”

Prior to joining Kids’ WB!, Mr. Hardman supervised television series development and current programming for TV Animation at DreamWorks SKG, where he was responsible for children’s and primetime programming. Previously, he served as Manager of Development and then Director of Creative Affairs, at Klaspy Csupo, Inc., where he supervised the development, writing and recording on all current programs, including Nickelodeon’s hit series “Rugrats” and “The Wild Thornberrys,” and was involved in the early development of “Rocket Power.”

Ms. Pinto has worked at The WB for more than three years, most recently serving as Manager of Kids’ WB! Programming, where she served as programming executive on various series and was responsible for the strategic scheduling of the network’s 19 hours of programming. Prior to joining the programming department, she served as Manager, Broadcast Standards & Practices, working closely on the development of several original Kids’ WB! programs and ensuring network adherence to FCC-regulatory compliance. In addition, Ms. Pinto also was responsible for monitoring the content of many of The WB’s primetime series, including “Buffy, The Vampire Slayer.”