Burbank, California — Channing Dungey, a leading executive at Warner Bros. Discovery, is navigating the complexities of an impending corporate split that will create two distinct entities next year: Streaming & Studios and Global Networks. As the chair and CEO of Warner Bros. Television Group, Dungey has taken proactive steps to clarify her role amid the restructuring.

In an internal memo following the recent announcement of the split, Dungey expressed excitement about her continuing leadership of Warner Bros. Television Group as it integrates into the new Streaming & Studios division. Her ability to bridge these two distinct realms is seen as vital for the company’s ongoing success.

Dungey stands out as one of the few prominent TV executives managing responsibilities across both cable networks and studio production. Brett Paul, a veteran in Warner Bros. Television, shares a similar cross-functional role as president of the Television Group while serving as chief operating officer of U.S. Networks. While it remains uncertain what the future holds for Paul, sources suggest he will likely continue to play a significant role in the transition.

Unlike other recent corporate restructurings in the media industry, the split at Warner Bros. Discovery appears less fraught with complications. After the 2022 acquisition of WarnerMedia by Discovery, Kathleen Finch was appointed to oversee the integrated cable networks, which operated independently from Warner Bros. Television and HBO.

Dungey’s ascension to Finch’s role, alongside Paul taking on additional responsibilities, has blurred the lines between these divisions. Joint programming initiatives have already emerged, such as the airing of The Pitt, a drama series by Warner Bros. Television, on TNT, indicating a collaborative approach to content across divisions.

While questions remain about additional responsibilities Dungey may acquire as the split unfolds, it is clear that the structural separation of the two new entities will lead to distinct operational strategies. Currently, there is minimal overlap in executive leadership, as most departments—ranging from programming to marketing—have been kept separate to maintain focus.

Within this evolving landscape, some leadership changes have occurred. Suzanna Makkos, who previously led comedy and animation initiatives at Max and Adult Swim, transitioned to a new role heading comedy for ABC Entertainment and Hulu Originals earlier this year. This shift indicates a clear move away from a hybrid role, emphasizing distinct pathways for the Global Networks division, which includes Cartoon Network programming.

Additionally, David Leavy, a long-time ally of CEO David Zaslav, recently left his position as COO of CNN to return to Warner Bros. Discovery. This move positions him to continue working with Zaslav as he takes charge of the Studios & Streaming segment, while CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels has been appointed CEO of Global Networks.

As Dungey steers Warner Bros. Television Group through this pivotal moment, her expertise and leadership will be crucial in shaping the future of the newly formed entities, positioning them to effectively navigate an increasingly competitive media landscape.