It’s not official yet, but Time Warner Cable‘s influential exec vp, programming Fred Dressler is expected to call it quits by year-end—a move that could leave a considerable void at the number-2 MSO. The news (first reported Mon in Sports Business Journal by CableFAX alum John Ourand) wasn’t exactly a shock; rumors have swirled about Dressler’s eventual retirement for a while. But the timing of his departure amid programming disputes over sports costs and other issues could present big challenges for TWC. The MSO declined to confirm that Dressler is leaving, but sources said his retirement announcement is imminent and could come within weeks. Dressler’s exit will close a big chapter. “I would say it’s an end of an era,” said Kagan Research senior vp Derek Baine. “He’s an industry veteran and was very well respected.” Of course, Dressler’s hard-nosed style rankled some nets—especially in light of his success implementing sports tiers to defer the rising cost of sports programming. “We wish him the best in retirement and may sports tiers be retired with him,” sniffed a rep at NFL Net, which has been in a heated carriage dispute with TWC. NFL Net added that Dressler’s departure “can’t hurt” as parties try to resolve differences. Already, the industry is abuzz with whom might replace Dressler when he rides off into the coaxial sunset. SBJ reported that TWC offered the gig to Turner pres, programming Andy Heller, who reportedly declined (Heller wasn’t available by presstime). One issue that could deter outside candidates is a reorg last year that would have Dressler’s replacement reporting to senior exec vp Robert Marcus rather than TWC CEO Glenn Britt. Internal candidates include Dressler’s respected underlings Melinda Witmer and Lynne Costantini. But recent whispers have TWC simply eliminating Dressler’s position and moving Marcus into that role, leaving Witmer and Costantini’s positions essentially unchanged. Whatever the ultimate arrangement, insiders say they’ll miss Dressler’s unique style—especially his Oracle-like stature in evaluating new content ideas. “He was the guy you had to go to, to get into the game,” said one senior programming exec. “Fred was always the first stop. He was the Pope, so to speak.”

The Daily

Subscribe
Tuesday–July 8

Cozy Connection: Get to Know Hallmark’s New President

With Comcast and Warner Bros. Discovery spinning off their linear network businesses, there’s a lot of uncertainty over where other networks shake out.

Read the Full Issue
The Skinny is delivered on Tuesday and focuses on the cable profession. You'll stay in the know on the headlines, topics and special issues you value most. Sign Up

Calendar

Sep 11
2025 Faxies Awards Faxies Nominations Open! Final deadline: 4/4/25
Full Calendar

Jobs

Seeking an INDUSTRY JOB or hiring for one?
VIEW JOBS

In conjunction with our sister brand, Cynopsis, we are offering hiring managers a deep pool of media-savvy, skilled candidates at a range of experience levels and sectors. The result will be an even more robust industry job board, to help both employers and job seekers.

Contact Carley Ashley, [email protected], for more information about posting a job on the website and our Jobs newsletter, sent twice weekly to 85,000 media professionals.