TCM programming chief to remain following backlash over cuts to classic movie channel

Steven Spielberg was among the filmmakers who spoke to Warner Bros. Discovery has reversed its plan to lay off the programming chief for Turner Classic Movies and announced moves to help bolster the channel after planned cuts incurred the wrath of film fans with planned cuts. Tabesh was slated to exit along with other top TCM management as part of cost-cutting moves across the Warner Bros. Discovery’s TV channels as the company looks for ways to reduce its debt. As part of that effort, the company is enlisting the services of three film directors — Steven Spielberg, Paul Thomas Anderson and Martin Scorsese — who have long championed the channel. Discovery Chief Executive David Zaslav engaged with Spielberg, Anderson and Scorsese when news first emerged about the executive cuts last week.