Weigel Co. appoints three managers to the network team: Garth Franklin to Network Creative Leader for Me-TV & Movies! Networks; William M. Craig to Brand Director for Movies! Network; Ed Johnson to Head of Content and Scheduling, Movies!

5/9/13 - Co. announces the appointment of three new network managers in recent weeks. Garth Franklin to the position of Network Creative Leader for The Me-TV Network and Movies! which is a project of Weigel and Fox Stations. William M. Craig has been appointed to the position of Brand Director of Movies! Network, and Ed Johnson to the position of Head of Content and Scheduling for Movies! Network.

Neal Sabin, Weigel Broadcasting Co. President of Content and Networks said, “the phenomenal success of Me- TV, along with the launch of Movies!, has moved our organization forward in a manner that requires the addition of leaders and creative individuals capable of delivering products to our almost 200 client stations, advertisers and growing numbers. We believe that Garth, William and Ed each possess talents and skills that will make a difference in all of these areas.”

Garth Franklin With more than 20 years in the television industry, Garth spent the last six years as Creative Director for Mark Cuban’s companies AXS TV, Magnolia Pictures and HDNet Movies in , Texas. While in this position, he worked in conjunction with filmmakers to develop content for Magnolia Pictures’ On-Demand platform ‘Watch Now Before ’s in Theaters.’ He also headed the on-air rebrand of HDNET into AXS TV during its merger with AEG, Ryan Seacrest Media and CAA. He previously served as Creative Director with Fox Channels Group for the network launch of Fox Sports Net and Fox Sports World in as well as a Writer/Producer Lakers Tonight KCAL in Los Angeles.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to be part of the tremendous growth at Me-TV and the chance to help launch Movies! My good fortune in this business continues," Garth stated.

William M. Craig William most recently served as Senior Producer at NBC ; while there he produced major marketing initiatives for the station and co-produced the marketing plan for the re-launch of NBC Chicago’s morning show; ‘Up To The Minute The Minute You’re Up.’ Between 2010 and 2012, William was an active Lead Producer at Tribune Company/Tribune Creative Group Central where he led a team of producers and graphic artists for on-air marketing initiatives.

In 2009, William served as E.W. Scripps/ABC Tampa’s Creative Services Manager, working closely with the digital team to build and maintain their social media presence using content and marketing. His current position is his second stint with Weigel Broadcasting Co., as he was a Writer, Producer, and Editor at WCIU, The U in 2003.

Ed Johnson Ed is a resourceful programming executive with a proven track record of growing viewership and revenue in broadcast, cable and non-linear platforms. His television programming career has spanned media companies including TV One, Ovation, SOAPnet, CBS Television Distribution, The WB, and Blair Television. Ed has successfully launched original programs and content, implemented plans to impact ratings and drive revenue on the schedules he’s overseen using distinct programming strategy. He is well-known in the television industry for his sophisticated methods for viewership development.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Weigel. I’ve long admired their innovative approach to programming and look forward to contributing to the future growth of their ever-expanding business,” Ed stated.

About Weigel Broadcasting Co. Weigel Broadcasting Co. and affiliate companies own and operate The U/WCIU-TV 26.1, The U Too/ WCIU-TV 26.2, Me-TV/WCIU-TV 26.3, Me-Too/WCIU-TV 26.4, THIS/ WCIU-TV 26.5, WWME-CA 23, WMEU-CA 48, Bounce TV/WWME-LD 23.2 in Chicago, IL; CBS/WDJT-TV 58.1, MeTV/WDJT-TV 58.2, THIS/WDJT-TV 58.3, Shorewest TV/WDJT-TV 58.4, MeTV/WBME- CD 41.1, WMLW-TV 49.1, Bounce TV/WMLW-TV 49.3 -/WMLW-TV 49.4, Telemundo-Wisconsin/WYTU-LD 63.1, in , WI; and ABC/WBND-LD 57.1, Me- TV/WBND-LD 57.2, CW/WCWW-TV 25.1, THIS/WCWW-TV 25.2, My Michiana/WMYS-TV 69.1, Telemundo-South Bend/WMYS-LD2, 69.2 in South Bend, IN. Weigel Broadcasting Co. also owns and operates the Me-TV, Memorable Entertainment Television network and in collaboration with MGM, created and operates THIStv Network.