Jones changes roles at WBTV

P'grammer goes to the other side as scribe/producer

By JOSEF ADALIAN

Jones

Veteran Warner Bros. Television current programming topper Trent Jones has ankled his exec post to start a new career as a writer-producer.

Jones will remain part of the WBTV fold, however: He's inked a one-year overall deal with the studio to create, write and produce series programming.

"Trent has done a tremendous job running the current department," WBTV prexy Peter Roth said. "Over a year ago, when Trent expressed to me his passion to pursue a career as a writer-producer, I knew his creative talents would serve him and our company well in that capacity. We're very excited to work with him in his new endeavor."

Jones had been with WBTV since 1992, starting out in the company's research department. Two years later, he moved to current programming as a director.

In 1997, Jones was upped to senior VP in charge of current programming. Among the programs he oversaw were "Friends," "The Drew Carey Show," "The West Wing," "Family Matters" and "Gilmore Girls."

Roth is expected to name a replacement for Jones shortly.