Par TV p'grammer ankling after shakeup
Move comes after Kelly exit, Meidel hire
Move was expected, following the news earlier this month that Par Domestic TV co-prexy Frank Kelly was out and that former Universal TV and Twentieth TV head Greg Meidel would be joining the division as programming prexy (Daily Variety, May 1).
Gabelmann's post is being eliminated, according to a statement issued by a Par spokesman.
"All programming staff will report to Greg Meidel, president of programming. We are grateful to Bobbee Gabelmann for her talent, expertise and countless contributions she has made on behalf of Paramount Domestic Television," the statement said, adding that Gabelmann will move on by the expiration of her contract early next year.
Gabelmann had been the head of the programming department since March 1998.
Based in Los Angeles, she oversaw the daily production of the division's firstrun programming, including "Entertainment Tonight," "The Montel Williams Show" and this year's "Dr. Laura."
She joined Par in 1988 as an account exec in the Eastern region, moving up to exec director of cable sales, and then in 1991 to VP of programming. In 1995, she was named senior VP of programming.
Before joining Par, she held positions at TV rep firm MMT, as well as at TV stations WCBS New York, KABC Los Angeles and WLS Chicago.
She started her career as an account exec and media buyer/planner for Leo Burnett in Chicago.
