TOM WERNER

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Net Worth:

$895 million +2%


Last Year:

$875 million


Age:

57


Residence:

Los Angeles


Source of Wealth:

Entertainment



The Money:

Bulk of net worth comes from Carsey-Werner TV show library, which includes “The Cosby Show” and “Roseanne.” Value estimated at $1.2 billion when he and partner Marcy Carsey considered library sale in 2004; instead kept library but closed production unit. Werner has sports interest as chairman of Boston Red Sox, which he bought with partner in 2002, along with 80 percent of lucrative New England Sports Network cable channel. Television library’s value hasn’t changed, but by one estimate valuation of the Red Sox increased by 17 percent this year to $724 million based on stadium deal and improved broadcast rights package.



Buzz:

Tough year for Carsey-Werner co-founder. WGM production company he formed in 2005 with two associates broke up as its two-year deal with Warner Bros. Television was about to end. Werner has since signed a two-year solo deal with Warner Bros., bringing with him WGM president Mike Clements. The new company, yet unnamed, won’t be starting from scratch, but two WGM pilots picked up last fall have not been renewed, and two new pilots so far have not found takers. Carsey-Werner was last of the major independent TV studios to handle all production and distribution functions. Had difficulty in its final years selling pilots to networks, which were demanding ownership stakes and liked cheaper, reality shows. Sunnier news on the sports front. Werner and partner, former Florida Marlins owner John Henry, are transforming Red Sox from rich man’s toy to valuable asset. After team broke an 84-year drought by winning the 2004 World Series, corporate sponsorships soared. In December, team signed Japanese pitching sensation Daisuke Matsuzaka, increasing demand for Fenway Park’s new premium seats. In February, Werner and Henry also bought 50 percent stake in NASCAR’s Roush Racing organization. Lives in Pacific Palisades.

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