Warner Bros.’ Bruce Rosenblum: ‘Obviously, I’m disappointed’

Bruce Rosenblum, president of Warner Bros. Television Group, was surprised to learn over the weekend that he was not getting the top entertainment job at the legendary Burbank studio. Instead, the role is going to the studio’s digital guru, Kevin Tsujihara.

“Obviously, I’m disappointed, who wouldn’t be?” Rosenblum said in a statement. “Warner Bros. is a unique and special place and I know it will be in good hands with Kevin at the helm.”

On Monday, Time Warner Inc. Chief Executive Jeff Bewkes picked Tsujihara to lead the film and television studio, underscoring the importance of digital entertainment to the company’s future. Tsujihara becomes chief executive and will eventually replace Barry Meyer, the current chairman, when Meyer retires at year’s end.

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Early on, Rosenblum was seen as a favorite candidate because he has been at the studio 24 years and has strong management credentials. He has been responsible for the studio’s most profitable division -- television -- for more than seven years.

Rosenblum’s contract expires in August. He was not immediately available for an interview. He is expected to remain at the studio through the transition, but it’s unclear whether he will stay beyond that.

“I continue to be proud of our accomplishments and I have the most respect and admiration for our amazing team at the studio -- a team that is thriving in an ever-transforming business,” Rosenblum said.

The future of Warner Bros. movie chief Jeff Robinov, who was not considered a candidate for Meyer’s job, is also uncertain given the management shift. Robinov was not available for immediate comment.

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