Skydance TV Finalizes Post-Merger Leadership Hierarchy Under George Cheeks

Key points

• George Cheeks, Skydance TV co-chair and chief content officer, issued a memo detailing the division's new executive hierarchy.
• Channing Dungey will lead Warner Bros. TV Group and oversee the combined Paramount and WBD cable networks, including 50+ brands like HGTV and TNT.
• David Stapf continues as head of CBS Studios, which will now include See It Now Studios as a label, while Matt Thunell remains head of Paramount TV Studios.
• David Berson leads the Global Sports Group, managing rights for the NFL, UEFA Champions League, and other major leagues across CBS, TNT, and WBD Sports.
• Bryon Rubin serves as COO, expanding his role to include oversight of CBS Television Stations, while Amy Reisenbach leads CBS Entertainment.
• The structure includes dotted reporting lines for marketing and communications to broader Skydance executives, such as Rebecca Mall and Melissa Zukerman.

Background

This move follows the recent closure of the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger, which created Skydance. Previous coverage indicated that Cheeks and JB Perrette would co-chair the TV division, with Cheeks focusing on content and Perrette on business operations. Earlier reports in October 2026 highlighted staff uncertainty regarding integration and potential cuts, but this memo aims to provide clarity on the leadership team responsible for the combined portfolio.

How outlets are covering it

Variety and Deadline provide nearly identical details on the leadership memo, confirming the titles and reporting structures for the top executives. Both outlets emphasize the consolidation of studios and the expanded role of Channing Dungey over cable networks. Yahoo and Adweek focus on a parallel development in the advertising division, where Jay Askinasi has named a new leadership team following the exit of Warner Bros. Discovery ad chiefs Ryan Gould and Robert Voltaggio. While Variety and Deadline focus on content and sports leadership, the advertising news highlights the broader corporate restructuring and the departure of legacy executives from the pre-merger entities. All sources agree that the new structure aims to streamline operations and maximize the value of the combined assets.

Why it matters

The formalization of Skydance TV's leadership structure is critical for the stability of one of the world's largest media companies. By defining clear roles for studios, sports, and news, the company aims to reduce internal friction and accelerate the integration of Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery assets. This clarity is essential for maintaining production schedules, protecting brand value, and ensuring smooth transitions for advertisers and partners during a period of significant corporate change.

What to watch

Skydance TV is expected to continue sharing more information about the integration process in the coming weeks. The advertising division will focus on continuity as it merges sales teams from Paramount and WBD. Further details on the Skydance Sports Entertainment division are anticipated, as are potential announcements regarding international cable networks and cost-cutting measures. The company will likely hold regular updates with staff to address questions and provide clarity on the transition.