He predicts big ratings results will be visible in six months to a year. That could happen as early as this fall. Cross-promote more heavily among the sister networks and generate buzz about them. Launch new cable networks. The first could come next year, though Kellner insists he doesn't know if it will be a rumored music channel.
Some observers predict problems.
Few new cable networks in recent years have been able to get in enough homes to be successful, they say. They also say it will be a long time before Kellner can attract many more viewers to existing cable networks. It isn't easy following a living legend who isn't happy about losing control, though AOL Time Warner reduced Turner's role long before Kellner's arrival. Turner remains a vice chairman of AOL Time Warner and has said he thinks Kellner will be good for the business. But he's also told reporters the parent company's steep profit goals will hurt the quality of the cable networks he built.