Remembering Theresa Plummer-Andrews & Linda Kahn

The children’s television industry is mourning the passing of two consummate professionals, extraordinary human beings and loyal friends: Theresa Plummer-Andrews and Linda Kahn.

Theresa worked for many years at BBC Children’s, in charge of acquisitions and co-productions, and later founded her own consultancy firm, Plum Trees TV. Linda worked at Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite and MTV, then Scholastic Media before setting up Linda Kahn Media.

While their resumes are chock-full of accomplishments, both women are best known for their unfailing willingness to help, mentor and provide guidance to dozens of women and men starting out in the business. It must not be forgotten or taken for granted that they advanced in their careers at a time when there were not many opportunities for women—not many doors were open. With their knowledge, skills and indefatigable work ethic, they pushed through the doors and paved the way for so many of us to follow.

Social media is replete with tributes to both Theresa and Linda. I reached out to three women for theirs.

Anne Sweeney, formerly the president of the Disney-ABC Television Group and co-chairman of Disney Media Networks and ESPN Media Networks, who worked with Linda at Nickelodeon, told me, “Linda’s talent in business was only eclipsed by her beauty as a human being.”

Adina Pitt, the VP of content acquisitions, partnerships and co-productions for the Americas at WarnerMedia Kids & Family, gave this tribute: “Theresa and Linda were two trailblazers who paved the way for so many people in our industry. They led by example and truly loved what they did for a living, every chapter of their careers. Both mentored me throughout my career, and I will miss Theresa’s wonderful frankness and candor and Linda’s laugh, her ever-present gentle ear and her red lipstick!”

Deirdre Brennan, the executive VP of content partnerships at WildBrain, recalled, “I had the privilege of meeting Theresa and Linda in my first year in the children’s industry and have always believed their energy, generosity of experience and laughter was a shining example of how to live your life, professionally and personally. We will miss them terribly.”

Indeed, we will. I interviewed Theresa when I was a young reporter. She was intimidating at first, but then shared her knowledge and expertise. I also met Linda as a journalist, and we became friends. We met for breakfasts and lunches in Manhattan’s Upper West Side. She freely offered advice, reassured and bolstered me when I lacked confidence. Both avid readers, we shared novels. Her kindness and positive attitude impacted me profoundly.

May all of us who were so fortunate to be influenced by these two marvelous women now follow their example and pay it forward. That would be the best way to honor their legacies.