David Levy
Since Levy was elevated to his current position in August 2013, the Turner networks have achieved a number of notable competitive victories, with TBS currently ranking as basic cable’s #1 entertainment network among adults 18-49 for the third consecutive year; TNT scoring six of basic cable’s Top 10 original series in 2013 and 2014, more than any other network; Adult Swim ranking as the top network in total day delivery of adults 18-34 and adults 18-49; Cartoon Network finishing 2014 as the only major kids network to deliver audience growth; and truTV successfully revamping its brand and primetime lineup.
On the sports front, Levy recently led Turner’s efforts in expanding its media rights partnership with the NBA. The deal continues TNT’s successful and popular Thursday night NBA franchise, cements the network’s foundation for televising more NBA playoff games than any other network, The deal also provides TNT with an additional 12 showcase games, extends the network’s exclusive coverage of the league’s signature All-Star Weekend events and provides enhanced rights for Bleacher Report and activation opportunities.
Also under Levy, Turner has become an industry leader in creating affiliate value by leveraging the company’s portfolio of networks. Levy and Turner Network Sales, the company’s affiliate sales division, continue to drive the company’s industry leading efforts for TV Everywhere (TVE), now available in more than 80 million households.
Prior to being named to his current position, Levy served as president of sales, distribution and sports for Turner. Under his leadership, the Turner ad sales division has consistently been recognized as the leading television and digital sales organization. Clients continually acknowledge the division for its creativity in developing innovative and integrated sponsorship ideas across Turner’s vast portfolio of television, digital and mobile platforms that further drive value and exposure for advertising partners.
Since assuming executive leadership for Turner Sports in 2003, Levy has been instrumental in deepening and expanding Turner’s media rights and defining the division by its association with premium sports content, brands and events. Levy has negotiated a number of wide-ranging agreements, each representing a significant change that extended well beyond traditional television rights.
In 2012, under Levy’s direction the company reached a new, long-term, multimedia rights agreement with Major League Baseball, the most expansive in Turner’s history with the league. He also led Turner’s efforts in the acquisition of Bleacher Report, a leading online multi-sport destination. In 2010, Levy was instrumental in orchestrating a landmark deal, partnering with CBS for the television, Internet, wireless, marketing and corporate sponsorship rights to the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship through 2024. In 2014, TBS exclusively televised the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, marking the first time in the event’s history the National Semifinal games were televised by a cable network.
The Turner Sports portfolio consists of premium sports content year-round featuring partnerships with the NBA, the NCAA for the Division One Men’s Basketball Championship, Major League Baseball and the PGA of America.
Levy, who has received numerous awards for his professional achievements during his career at Turner, was elected to the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame in 2012.
Turner, a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news; entertainment; kids and young adult; and sports media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.
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