Video Interview: A&E Network’s Bob DeBitetto

December 6, 2012 World Screen Top Stories

NEW YORK: Bob DeBitetto, the president and general manager of A&E Network as well as Bio., discusses with World Screen the range of dramas currently in development for A&E and how they fit in alongside the strong non-scripted programming brands.

 

 

The A&E Network brand is built around the tagline “Real Life. Drama.” This calls to its distinctive mix of real-life nonfiction franchises, as well as its slate of original scripted drama series. The last few years have seen the network making bold moves within the drama space, with hits such as the Western-themed Longmire, which has been commissioned for a second season. Continuing on these efforts, A&E ordered Bates Motel, a much-buzzed-about prequel of sorts to the Alfred Hitchcock thriller Psycho from Lost writer and executive producer Carlton Cuse.
 
All the while A&E’s non-scripted programming has moved from strength to strength. Duck Dynasty, one of its latest successful reality series, has brought in record audiences in its second season, which is currently dominating on Wednesday nights.