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Big shift coming for TV? Kill some networks, CEO says

What if the folks at a TV network had a system in place that could vary programming by viewer and TV set? That’s part of what John Martin sees ahead as CEO of Turner, which controls some of the most popular networks on cable. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

Credit: Hyosub Shin

Credit: Hyosub Shin

What if the folks at a TV network had a system in place that could vary programming by viewer and TV set? That’s part of what John Martin sees ahead as CEO of Turner, which controls some of the most popular networks on cable. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM
By Matt Kempner
May 19, 2017

The head of one of the nation’s biggest cable TV empires says it’s time to say goodbye to a bunch of competing television networks.

Turner CEO John Martin, who oversees TBS, CNN, Cartoon Network, TNT and other channels, is continuing calls for cable providers to slash how many networks they carry, perhaps leaving only 60.

>> Which ones should disappear? Find out more, including how Martin intends to 'sniff" out more information about viewers and launch "personalized" TV, in my latest Unofficial Business column on MyAJC.com.

AJC Unofficial Business columnist Matt Kempner offers you a unique look at the business scene in metro Atlanta and beyond. You'll find more on myAJC.com, including these columns:

Never miss a minute of what's happening in local business news. Subscribe to myAJC.com.

About the Author

Matt Kempner is an award-winning journalist who seeks out intriguing twists about people and subjects beyond what the AJC might typically cover. A former columnist and editor, his past assignments have included business investigations, energy, the economy, entrepreneurs, big business, consumer spending, politics, government and the environment.

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