Russell H. Myerson
Russell Myerson is a seasoned media and entertainment executive who, as a transformational leader, developed key media and entertainment initiatives in broadcasting and cable for major studios, syndicators and broadcast groups through innovation, financial discipline and vast institutional knowledge. He held executive management positions at Sony Pictures Entertainment and Warner Bros. / CBS for a combined 29 years launching, operating and monetizing linear networks on cable and broadcast. His career has merged extensive industry experience with platform development, affiliate capture and acquisition of linear distribution while helping develop effective content strategies to elevate brand profiles.
Russ was a member of the CW Television Network's senior executive team since its inception in 2006. His responsibilities focused on effectuating tactical initiatives designed to broaden the network’s distribution and ratings performance across multiple media platforms. Prior to this, Myerson was the EVP and General Manager of The CW’s regional broadcast networks division called “The CW PLUS.” In this role he created and deployed a 24/7 broadcast TV distribution platform that provides network and first-run syndicated programming across parts of 43 states on an advertiser supported basis. The CW PLUS debut encompassed the largest simultaneous launch of digital television multicast channels in the nation’s history. Under his leadership Myerson has assembled dozens of strategic distribution partnerships while at the same time built numerous alliances with major national and regional advertisers.
The CW launch was the third television network launch Myerson has directed.
In 1997 Myerson spearheaded the launch of an ancillary 24/7 basic cable network for "The WB Television Network", a unit of Warner Bros. which was built on a first-of-its-kind technology called "Station in a Box" or "SIB." Today this "store-and-forward" platform is the basis for broadcast deployments around the world. It is estimated that the global market for SIB deployments will be north of $312 million by 2024. The WB’s "100+" cable network forged key business relationships with cable MSO’s and broadcasters and delivered strong ratings on locally branded channels. This ground-breaking concept was awarded a technical Emmy award in 2005 from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for "Pioneering Development of Locally Integrated and Branded Content."
Myerson was also the first member of the senior executive team that launched Game Show Network in 1994, a 24/7 basic cable network which was a joint venture of Sony Pictures Entertainment and United Video. Myerson’s purview at Game Show Network included all content and on-air marketing and while there he led the charge in the creation of interactive entertainment both on-air and online. He also initiated the launch of the first web version of "Wheel of Fortune."
Since his beginning as a television cameraman at a local television station, Myerson’s communications career has spanned more than 30 years and many executive assignments including sales, programming, marketing, distribution, production and finance.
Myerson is the former chairman and chief executive officer of NATPE International, the National Association of Television Program Executives. He has been a featured speaker at colleges across the country including Indiana University, the University of Southern California and Loyola Marymount University.
A native of St. Petersburg, Florida, Myerson graduated from Loyola University, New Orleans with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications and a minor in business.
“Myerson’s communications career has spanned more than 30 years and many executive assignments including sales, programming, marketing, distribution, production and finance.”
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
THE CW TELEVISION NETWORK
Built a regional broadcast television network that encompassed the largest simultaneous deployment of DTV multicast in history
THE WB TELEVISION NETWORK
Built a regional cable television network that covered parts of 43 states and five time zones. Developed cutting edge digital central-casting facility which serviced 110 television DMA’s through 1000 individually branded cable head-ends
GAME SHOW NETWORK
Assembled a team to build America's first national cable network exclusively devoted to game shows. Created groundbreaking interactive television applications—oversaw the initial online version of Wheel of Fortune
MEDIA GENERAL BROADCAST GROUP
Highest margins and the lowest programming costs in their respective markets.
EARNED NUMEROUS AWARDS
Shared a technical Emmy award within Warner Bros. for broad deployment of “SIB—Station in a Box” technology platform—my divisions earned numerous PROMAX national gold and silver marketing awards for excellence