Entertainment industry executive Rich Frank has joined the board of directors for the child development television network BabyFirst. 

Frank assumes his board member role after having served as a key strategic advisor to the company, helping the channel forge successful distribution and programming strategies. 

“During his role as strategic advisor, Rich has provided invaluable guidance that has helped BabyFirst grow to become a significant player in children’s television in the U.S. and worldwide,” says Guy Oranim, chief executive officer, BabyFirst. “We look forward to continuing to benefit from Rich’s unparalleled creative vision and network expertise, which includes developing and launching several of the most prominent network brands in television including The Disney Channel, E! and USA Network.”

Frank served as chairman of Walt Disney Television and Telecommunications and headed Disney’s syndication arm Buena Vista. He was also president of Walt Disney Studios for nearly a decade. Prior to his tenure at Disney, Frank served as president of the Paramount Television Group and president of Chris Craft Television. Under Frank’s leadership, TV series and films such as "Cheers," “Taxi," "Family Ties," "Entertainment Tonight," "Golden Girls," "Ellen," Dead Poet’s Society, Pretty Woman, Father of the Bride, Aladdin and The Lion King achieved success.

Frank oversaw The Disney Channel during his tenure as president of Walt Disney Studios, was one of the founders of USA Network and served on the network’s board, and both acquired with Comcast and ran E! Television.

He was also president of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for an unprecedented six years, and was honored by the Television Academy in 2007 with the Founders Award, only the eighth time the Academy had bestowed this honor created to recognize members who have made a significant positive impact on the Academy through their efforts and service over many years of involvement.

Frank currently serves as vice chairman and executive board member of the American Film Institute and is currently executive producing “Royal Pains” on the USA Network and “Wilfred” on FX. 

 “2013 has been a significant year of accelerated growth for BabyFirst, as the network’s ratings numbers have more than doubled and have recently exceeded, during daytime, established women’s and kids’ networks including OWN, WE and The Hub, among others,” says Frank. “BabyFirst has also demonstrated its unparalleled effectiveness as a co-viewing destination, with 97 percent of moms watching with children and average daily co-viewing time exceeding all other women’s and children’s networks. As a result, BabyFirst is uniquely positioned for brands that need to communicate directly with moms. I believe that BabyFirst has a huge business opportunity, and I am delighted to join its board of directors at this exciting time of growth and expansion.”