• by David Goetzl , June 12, 2006

The industry group dedicated to convincing the networks to air more multi-generational programming in prime time has named two new leaders. Pat Gentile, Procter & Gamble's national television programming manager, and Carole Millsaps, an advertising manager at FedEx, have been tapped as co-chairs of the Family Friendly Programming Forum.

The pair join Kaki Hinton, Pfizer Consumer Healthcare's vice president of advertising services, as group chairpersons.

Dawn Jacobs, Johnson & Johnson's vice president of advertising, stepped down from the chair post earlier this year after serving two years.

The eight-year-old Forum aims to promote the development of programming that families can watch together during the 8 to 10 p.m. block.

Its Script Development Fund, which provides financial aid for show development, supported a record five shows that will be on network schedules this fall: ABC's "Betty the Ugly," "Notes from the Underbelly" and "Brothers & Sisters"; NBC's "Friday Night Lights"; and "Runaway" on CW. Two other FFPF-supported programs were renewed: "Gilmore Girls" and "Everybody Hates Chris," both on CW.

Gentile, Millsaps, and Hinton will serve as contacts for networks and the creative community to provide an advertiser perspective on programming. The trio will also work to build consensus among the FFPF's membership on key issues.

"Pat has been a key member since the Forum's inception eight years ago and Carole has been actively involved in our Executive Committee," Hinton said. "Both are passionate about making a difference in today's television landscape by helping to provide an array of programming options for families to enjoy watching together." FFPF members include more than 40 major national advertisers and all members of the ANA. The group says it represents about 30 percent of U.S. television spending.