The Future of Turner Classic Movies

Last week, word started going around about massive lay offs of the heads of Turner Classic Movies. Vanity Fair, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter and more began reporting that longtime executives like Pola Changnon were out. Changnon had led TCM since 2020, and had been with network for over 25 years. Others out at TCM included executives Charles Tabesh, Dexter Fedor, Genevieve McGillicuddy, and Anne Wilson. The Wrap reports that the staff of 90 at the network was slashed to just 20, with other people under the Warner Brothers Discovery taking over the responsibilities of TCM.

On June 20th it was announced that Michael Ouweleen would be taking over responsibilities and oversee TCM. He is currently the president of Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Discovery Family and Boomerang. Michael is thankfully not a complete stranger to TCM. Others appointed, Pamela Abdy, and Michael De Luca, are said to be curators and overseers of programming.

It was also reported this past weekend that TCM UK, also known as TCM Movies is being shut down July 6th. Between shake ups with executives in the US, and now TCM UK being shuttered, I feel a little more than concerned for my beloved TCM. I’ve revised and updated this multiple times before it went to the blog, and I find a new article with every google search. New information is coming out daily. It’s evolving at a rapid pace and makes me feel uneasy.

So what does that mean for the network? Nobody knows really. But it’s understandably put fear into many of us die hard, loyal TCM fans. I’m one of them. I’m sure you are too.I felt reassured after reading the statement from directors Steven Spielburg, Martin Scorsese, and Paul Thomas Anderson who were immediately on a zoom call with WBD CEO Davis Zaslav, raising their concerns and showing support for our beloved network. Like so many of us, they see TCM as more than just a channel on the television. It’s a way of life. A community of people who see these films as living and breathing, that need to be nurtured and protected for generations to come. It is a living history channel for America to see where we came from. No other channel can offer that. And it’s simply entertainment. You can’t go anywhere else and see Casablanca, Vertigo, Stand by Me, and The Gold Rush, all on one channel. Literally no where. On top of seeing these films, you get smart and fun intros and outros to most films, theatrical trailers, documentaries, and classic animated shorts. All in one spot. Doesn’t get better than TCM, and never will.

Even with the support and reassuring words of Scorsese, and Spielburg, I don’t feel good about TCM’s future. Zaslav has said many times about loving TCM, and having it on all day in his office. He was quoted in one article as saying he was keeping Ben Mankiewicz and the other hosts, and wanted to spend more money on the network and market it better. The article also said Zaslav has a vision of TCM where Spielberg, Scorsese, Anderson and del Toro are involved in programming and curating, and actors like George Clooney present movies that inspired them. Yet, with all that’s happened in the last week, he doesn’t seem to be protecting it. Gutting it for the sake of a dollar. Firing so many important people who’ve been there for decades. I’m afraid to put any trust in him.

As of today, the hashtag #SAVETCM is trending and picking up speed. I’ve seen tweets and Instagram posts from the likes of Ryan Reynolds, Mark Hamill, and hosts Dave Karger and Eddie Muller, showing support for TCM. Ryan Reynolds going so far as to say “Don’t f*ck with TCM”, (couldn’t agree more).

IF you’d like to send Mr. Zaslav an email, the address is [email protected]. Does it need to be scathing? Probably not. Passionate? Absolutely!!!

Zaslav was quoted as saying “I think it could be bigger and more powerful with more reach. This is going to be a magical thing”. I sure hope the magic of TCM continues for decades. It deserves to be protected and loved for generations.

Enjoy a classic Tuesday Matinee on TCM tomorrow. I certainly will.