Disney finally fills television team top spot

as NBC’s entertainment publicity chief, arrives at a crucial time for

the entertainment giant. Disney/ABC Cable Networks is in the process of

reorganizing its TV units and preparing to create a stronger structure

for its cable holdings, and has announced plans to operate the cable

group as a stand-alone operation.

Weinberg, who was named VP of media relations, will share a seat at the

management table with Rich Ross, general manager and EVP for programming

and production. Other top-level appointments include Eleo Hensleigh

(EVP, marketing) and Peter Cullen (VP, new business development).

Weinberg, who was unavailable for comment, will be responsible for PR

activity for Disney’s flagship family-oriented channel as well as for

two other soon-to-be-debuted cable channels, Toon Disney and the Soap

Opera Channel. The latter is expected to launch in January.

Weinberg, joined the Disney Channel in February 1997 as director of

media relations, and had been in limbo while waiting for her promotion

to be made official. She had previously served as director of publicity

for Fox’s fx channel.

The new management team was selected by Anne Sweeney, president of

Disney/ABC Cable Networks.