Michael Wright to Exit Turner

ATLANTA: Michael Wright, a 12-year veteran of Turner, is leaving his post as the president and head of programming for TBS, TNT and Turner Classic Movies (TCM).

His departure comes as Turner initiates voluntary buyout offers to more than 500 staff members as part of a company cost-cutting plan.

Wright has been responsible for all original programming for the networks, including original content for their digital extensions. He also oversees programming scheduling for TBS and TNT. He joined the company in 2002 and was named senior VP of original programming for TNT in 2004. His remit expanded to TBS in 2005 and TCM in 2007. He became the executive VP and head of programming for the three networks in 2008, and was named to his current post in May 2012.

It is said that Wright will remain with Turner as the search for his replacement takes place.