Deborah Barak, one of the most prominent, influential and popular TV executives of the past three decades, died today, January 21, after a long battle with cancer. She turned 65.
Barak’s death comes just two years after she left CBS in late 2020. During her 35-year tenure with the company and her rise to president of business operations, she created business templates and introduced business models that became industry standards. An experienced negotiator well-respected by her peers, Barak — known to all as Debby — led the network and studio’s high-profile negotiations. She brokered many mega talents and show deals and always kept a cool head even in the most chaotic situations.
Behind the steely exterior, humble and shy, Barak had a great sense of humor. She was also a great mentor to many industry professionals who now carry on her legacy.
“Debby was a mentor and close friend to so many of us at CBS,” said David Stapf, president of CBS Studios and a longtime colleague and friend of Barak’s. “She was the person everyone turned to for advice and guidance, both professionally and personally. They always left the office a little smarter and emotionally stronger. No one is more loved, admired or respected at CBS, or throughout our organization.
“Debby was also that rare person who was intimidating, smart as hell and incredibly insightful, which made her a unicorn,” Stapf added. “She was my life partner, my best friend and someone who made me a better person.”
During her time at CBS, Barak helped create a business framework for the network to establish an in-house production department and oversaw contracts for the studio, from the first original series to then-CBS production, including documentaries. Save 911 and acting touched by an angel to CBS Studios’ 75 Extended Series at the time of their departure.
In addition to her key role in establishing ownership of CBS prime-time programming, Barak helped create a business plan and manage transactions to transition CBS’ legacy properties from lease to full ownership. She negotiated the talent and production deals Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Late Late Show with James Cordenthe first CBS nighttime programs produced by CBS Studios.
Barak also helped create the business template for the CBS summer original series model through reduced network licensing fees and an in-season SVOD window. It was used for series like Under the dome, current, zoo and brain dead In addition, she established the royalty structures for CBS All Access original series such as Star Trek: Discovery.
Barak handled license renewals for the network’s series, including high-profile renegotiations for The Big Bang Theory, two and a half men and The Late Show with David Letterman, as well as long-term renewals for major franchises including the Grammy Awards, The Kennedy Center Honors, and the Academy Of Country Music Awards. In 2000 she composed the original survivor Cast contract that became a template for reality talent deals. Barak recently negotiated CBS’ purchase of a stake in Kapital Entertainment and a long-term distribution and co-production deal with Imagine Entertainment. She also represented CBS on the CW Board of Directors and oversaw operations for Paramount+ predecessor CBS All Access.
“Respect and admire across the media spectrum. Wise, hard and fair to all. Her business acumen and refined negotiation skills were matched by her humanity and decency,” said producer Nina Tassler, a former CBS programmer-turned-president-of-entertainment during her tenure. “Working together for over 20 years has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, refined intellect and a deep appreciation for artists that sets Debby apart from the world class few possess her myriad unique talents.
“As a mentor and friend to so many throughout her amazing career, Debby has been at the heart of the network’s success,” Tassler continued. “Most importantly, her moral compass never wavered and treated everyone with grace and dignity.”
Barak joined CBS’s West Coast network legal department in 1985 as broadcast counsel. She rose through the ranks to SVP, Business Planning and Special Projects, where she played a key role in negotiating new media deals and co-production agreements; SVP, Business Affairs, CBS Entertainment; EVP, Business Affairs, CBS Network Television Entertainment Group; EVP, Operations, CBS Network Television Entertainment Group; and finally President of Business Operations, a position she was promoted to in 2015.
When Barak announced her impending departure at the end of January 2020, she was looking for a new chapter in her career with a focus on non-profits, an area in which she was deeply involved. She served on the boards of Jewish Family Services, including a stint as president, and the Adat Ari El School; she was also active at, among others, Unistream and the Israel Policy Forum. Barak was also open to other opportunities, including board positions, and planned to spend time with her grandchildren.
The pandemic disrupted her last year at CBS, and then the illness derailed many of her plans for the future.
Author: Nellie Andreeva
Source: Deadline
Joseph Fearn is an entertainment and television aficionado who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a keen eye for what’s hot in the world of TV, Joseph keeps his readers informed about the latest trends and must-see shows.
