Deborah Blackwell

Deborah Blackwell is an American television network executive who was primarily responsible for the rise of soap opera centric cable network, SOAPnet, having joined as general manager in 2001.^[1][2]

With Blackwell as general manager, the channel grew in distribution to more than 67 million homes and secured rights from NBC and CBS (in addition to owner ABC) to run same-day daytime soap episodes. During Blackwell's time as the head of SOAPnet the channel acquired primetime shows such as One Tree Hill and The OC. These joined earlier acquisitions Melrose Place, Beverly Hills, 90210 and Dallas. SoapNet also extended its stable of original programming, including developing its first scripted show, a spinoff of General Hospital: Night Shift, and reality series The Fashionista Diaries.

Blackwell left SOAPnet in October 2007. Brian Frons succeeded her in overseeing operations.^[3]

References

1. ^ "Fates & Fortunes". Broadcasting & Cable. June 24, 2001. http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/147414-Fates_Fortunes.php. Retrieved December 3, 2010. 
2. ^ Umstead, R. Thomas (January 30, 2005). "SoapNet's Deborah Blackwell Has Blazed many Paths Across Broadcast and Cable". Multichannel News. http://www.multichannel.com/article/82514-Deborah_Blackwell.php. Retrieved December 3, 2010. 
3. ^ Reynolds, Mike (October 29, 2007). "Blackwell End SoapNet Storyline". Multichannel News. http://www.multichannel.com/article/130944-Blackwell_End_SoapNet_Storyline.php. Retrieved December 3, 2010. 

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Name	Blackwell, Deborah
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