Betty Cohen
| Betty Cohen | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1956 (age 61–62) |
| Residence | New York City, United States |
| Education | Stanford University |
| Occupation | Businesswoman, television executive |
| Years active | 1982–present |
Betty Cohen (born 1956) is an American businesswoman and television executive who is best known as the founder and original president of Cartoon Network from 1992 to 2001, and as the CEO of Lifetime Entertainment from 2005 to 2007.
Early life
Cohen grew up in Racine, Wisconsin. She was involved in theater in high school and wrote her senior paper on the Children's Television Workshop. She attended Stanford University, where she majored in communications.
Career
Cohen became president of Cartoon Network from 1992 to 2001. Under her leadership, the network became a global phenomenon with asset value of nearly $3 billion.[1] Cohen stepped down from her post on June 18, 2001, stating "I was afraid I would die the queen of cartoons."[1] She was succeeded by Jim Samples.
Under Cohen's watch, iconic brands such as Toonami, the Cartoon Cartoons, Cartoon Cartoon Fridays, and Cartoon Orbit were introduced to the network, as well as successful original series such as Space Ghost Coast to Coast, What a Cartoon!, Dexter's Laboratory, Johnny Bravo, Cow and Chicken, The Powerpuff Girls, Ed, Edd n Eddy, and Courage the Cowardly Dog. Dexter's Laboratory, in particular, was one of her favorite animated shows.[2]
From 2005 to 2007, Cohen served as CEO and president of Lifetime Entertainment.[3]
References
- 1 2 "Betty Cohen". SheMadeIt.com. The Paley Center for Media. Archived from the original on 2015-09-24. Retrieved 2015-10-17.
- ↑ Furman, Phyllis (November 8, 1999). "Cartoon Network on Rise Popular Shows Put Nick in Rival's Edge". Daily News. New York. Retrieved 2012-05-25.
- ↑ "Betty Cohen President, Betty Cohen Media Consulting". Springboard Enterprises. Retrieved 2015-10-17.