• by Fern Siegel , February 20, 2019

Two cable networks have announced management hires.

Entertainment Studios owns eight 24-hour HD television networks serving nearly 160 million subscribers, including Cars.TV and Comedy.TV, as well as The Weather Channel.

At TWC, O'Brien will be responsible for all TV and digital ops, including Local Now, its streaming service. He reports to Byron Allen, chairman-CEO, Entertainment Studios.

Allen noted that O'Brien's “extensive corporate leadership experience across broadcast, cable, and digital platforms makes him the ideal executive.”

O'Brien's appointment follows Allen's acquisition of The Weather Group in March 2018.

Prior to joining TWC, O'Brien was an executive with Nexstar Media, charged with expanding its digital portfolio. He also spent 14+ years at NBCU, most recently as CNBS's chief revenue officer.

Separately, Telemundo has named Claudia Franklin as vice president, entertainment publicity. Based in Miami, she reports to Alfredo Richard, senior vice president, NBCU Telemundo Enterprises.

Franklin is tasked with promoting the Hispanic network's entertainment content and talent cross-platform and on social media. She is also working with Telemundo Global Studios to enhance the brand's reach.

Before this, Franklin was a senior vice president, communications and public affairs, Viacom International Media Networks Americas, leading brand communications throughout Latin America.

Franklin has also directed marketing efforts for Discovery Kids.

Viacom brands include Nickelodeon, Comedy Central and MTV.