Lifetime Networks Names Emmy(R) Winning Producer and Veteran Programmer JoAnn Alfano ('30 Rock,' 'Scrubs,' 'Will & Grace') as Executive Vice President, Entertainment
NEW YORK, Sept. 3 -- JoAnn Alfano, a driving creative
force behind critically acclaimed hits such as "30 Rock," "Scrubs," "Will &
Grace," "Fresh Prince of Bel Air" and "Homicide: Life on the Street," has
been named Executive Vice President, Entertainment, Lifetime Networks,
effective immediately.
During her more than 20-year career as a network executive, Alfano led
the drama and comedy departments at NBC, where she developed some of the
most popular shows on television, including the Emmy(R) Award-winning "Will
& Grace," the Peabody Award-winning "Scrubs," and audience favorites "Ed,"
"Providence" and "Profiler." Before joining Lifetime, Alfano was executive
producer of "30 Rock," as well as president of her production company, TV
Tray Entertainment, which had a first look deal at NBC Universal Media
Studios.
Alfano will be responsible for the programming and scheduling of
Lifetime Television and Lifetime Movie Network, far and away the two
highest-rated women's networks, as well as Lifetime Real Women (LRW). She
will be based in the company's Los Angeles office.
In making the announcement, Andrea Wong, President & CEO, Lifetime
Networks, said: "As an accomplished and seasoned executive, JoAnn
understands television from both the network and production perspective.
Over her career, she has compiled an extensive record of success in
comedies and dramas, and forged strong relationships with top-flight talent
within the creative community. JoAnn has the ideal combination of creative
instincts and leadership skills to develop our next generation of series
and movies."
Alfano said: "Everything I've done in my career has led me to this
point. I hear about programming jobs all the time and not many turn my
head, but this was different. Lifetime is an amazing brand, loved by women
and respected in the industry, and to be able to speak to an audience I'm
deeply invested in, well, it may sound corny, but it really is the
opportunity of a lifetime. I can't wait to start developing new programming
and build upon the terrific foundation that Andrea, Susanne, and their
staff have created."
Susanne Daniels, who launched "Army Wives," the #1 cable drama for
W18-49, and reinvigorated the Lifetime Original Movie franchise, will
remain as a consultant to Lifetime Networks.
JoAnn Alfano
Prior to starting TV Tray Entertainment in June 2007, Alfano was
President of Broadway Video Television, where she developed and executive
produced NBC's "30 Rock" and the short-lived, but critically acclaimed ABC
series "Sons and Daughters."
Alfano rose through the ranks at NBC, from New York-based publicist to
become Senior Vice President of Drama Development, and then Senior Vice
President of Comedy Development.
As Vice President of Prime Time Series for NBC Studios, Alfano
developed and oversaw production on several series, including the
ground-breaking comedy "Will & Grace," the Peabody Award-winning drama
"Homicide: Life on the Street," as well as "Providence," "Profiler," "Fresh
Prince of Bel Air," "Working," "In the House" and "The Pretender."
Before joining NBC Studios, Alfano was Director of Current Comedy for
NBC Entertainment. She had previously been Director, NBC Media Relations
and Primetime Series. In that position, she oversaw the network's press
activities for all West Coast-based primetime series. Alfano started her
career at NBC as a publicist for "Saturday Night Live" and "The Cosby
Show."
Alfano graduated from Queens College in New York with Bachelor of Arts
degrees in Communication Arts/Television and English/Pre-Law.
LIFETIME is the leader in women's television and one of the top-rated
basic cable television networks. A diverse, multimedia 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. LIFETIME Television, Lifetime Movie Network, Lifetime Real
Women and Lifetime Digital (including myLifetime.com) are part of LIFETIME
Entertainment Services, a 50/50 joint venture of Hearst Corporation and The
Walt Disney Company.
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