Oxygen Founders
Chairman and CEO, Oxygen Media
Having figured out how to change the television landscape for kids in the 80s and 90s as the creative and business force behind Nickelodeon and Nick at Nite, Geraldine has shifted her focus to women. Smart women need a place to have fun that respects their intelligence and doesn't take itself too seriously. Laybourne founded Oxygen Media and has served as its chairman and chief executive officer since its inception in 1998. Geraldine has been honored for her many contributions to the industry including being named as one of the 25 most influential people in America by Time magazine in 1996. She has received numerous awards including: the Annenberg Public Policy Center's award for Distinguished Lifetime Contribution to Children and Television, the New York Women in Communications Matrix AwardÒ for Broadcasting, and the Creative Coalition's Spotlight Award. In 1995, she was inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame. Laybourne sits on a number of boards and advisory committees, including The National Cable Television Association, The YES Network, The National Council for Families and Television, New York Women in Film & Television (Advisory Board), and Cable Positive (Honorary Chair).
Oxygen co-founder
Talk show host, actress, producer, philanthropist, influential book lover, fitness standard-bearer, motivator of and nurturer to millions of women (about 22 million a week via television alone). Oprah has been duly awarded for her unusual level of success and excellence. Awards include: 33 Emmys; The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Lifetime Achievement Award (1998); Honored as one of the hundred most influential people of the 20th century (Time magazine, 1998); Recognized as the most Important Person in Books and Media (Newsweek, 1997) and TV Guide's Television Performer of the Year (1997). She was looking for a place where she could kick off her shoes and really express herself, relaxed, smart and full of fun. This has helped to inform Oxygen's direction.
and Caryn Mandabach
Oxygen co-founders
Principals of the Carsey-Werner-Mandabach Company, one of the most successful independent production companies in Hollywood. Developers and producers of top-rated, beloved television shows, including Roseanne, Third Rock From the Sun, The Cosby Show, Grace Under Fire, That '70s Show, Cybill, A Different World and more. Why they're partners in Oxygen: Says Caryn: "To create a full-spectrum network that reflects the dynamic and changing nature of women's lives today, providing innovative programming, helpful information, community experiences and a touch of much-needed humor."