Jon Wax Moves Up at WGN America

LOS ANGELES: Seasoned development exec Jon Wax has been elevated to executive VP of original programming for WGN America and Tribune Studios.

In his new role, Wax will continue to work under Matt Cherniss, the president and general manager of WGN America and Tribune Studios. He will continue to oversee all scripted series development for WGN America and Tribune Studios. He previously served as senior VP of scripted programming, during which time he led the development slate as the network launched the scripted series Underground, Outsiders, Salem and Manhattan.

Wax joined WGN America in 2013 to oversee its new scripted programming initiative. Earlier in his career, he spent nearly 15 years working on the Fox lot, most recently as VP of drama development for 20th Century Fox Television.

Cherniss said: “From the beginning, Jon has been instrumental in putting WGN America on the map as a home for dynamic scripted shows, and is as good a development executive as there is in the business. His eye for talent and willingness to take risks on daring programming has become a signature element of WGN America’s programming slate.”