Turner Boosts Research Unit

Turner Broadcasting System Inc. expanded its corporate research unit and added new responsibilities for some senior executives, chief research officer Jack Wakshlag said Tuesday.

Nancy Lucas, currently head of research for TBS Superstation, has been promoted to corporate vice president, strategic research and audience analysis. She will work with Wakshlag on strategic research priorities covering all of Turner's business units, and she will also oversee research publicity support for the company's news and entertainment networks.

To fill Lucas' current position, Wakshlag has tapped Robin Thomas, currently VP of forecasting and planning for Turner Broadcasting Research, to serve as VP of research for TBS Superstation and Turner South.

Greg Gajus, currently VP of audience analysis, will assume the role of VP of research, responsible for series and sports at TBS Superstation and serving as Thomas' point man for Turner South.

And Fred Spring was named VP of research for Turner Network Television and Turner Classic Movies. Spring adds TNT to his prior responsibilities, which previously included TCM, as well as Turner South.