Black Female TV Exec, Traci Blackwell, Sets A New Standard For Success

As the newly appointed VP of Current Programs at The CW, Traci Blackwell diligently works to ensure the network keeps television’s hottest lineup for 18–34-year-olds. With four new shows due out this fall — “Vampire Dairies,” “Melrose Place,” “Ashton Kutcher’s Beautiful Life,” and “Parental Discretion Advised,”— Blackwell is doing just that and thriving on the challenge.

“It’s a fantastic job,’ she explains. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to be here working in a field that I love.”
Blackwell is responsible for overseeing the schedules of writers, producers and directors for the network. When she’s not doing that, she’s reading scripts, making notes on all of the cuts, and acting as a liaison with the studios.

The busy executive credits her professional success to a wealth of mentors such as former Fox exec Rose Catherin Pinkly, NBC Universal diversity exec Debra Langford, and the legendary Debbie Allen. “It’s literally a surreal experience when you’re coming face-to-face with someone that you idolize, and they have a sincere interest in your development,” she shares.

Blackwell is involved in charitable causes, including Habitat for Humanity, and supports her community through various advisory roles in Colour TV, the CBS Diversity Institute’s Writer Mentoring Program, Organization of Black Screenwriters, and USC African American Cinema Society.

Despite a hectic schedule, Blackwell feels fortunate to have a job that at times double as a stress reliever. “The great part of the job is watching television and going to the movies,” she explains. “It’s research. Listening to new music is research. It really is a dream job.”

The long hours of “research” by Blackwell resulted in the development of the hit shows “Girlfriends,” “Eve,” “The Parkers” and “Moesha,” — all of which Blackwell helped to produce. Not bad for a day’s work.
–dewayne rogers and erika townsend