, one of the most prominent, influential and beloved TV business executives of the past three decades, died today, Jan. 21, after a long battle with cancer. She was 65.
“Debby was a mentor and dear 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 counsel and guidance, both professionally and personally. You always left her office feeling a little bit smarter and emotionally stronger. There was no one who was more universally loved, admired, and respected at CBS and across our business.
In addition to her key role in introducing program ownership to CBS’ primetime, Barak helped establish a business blueprint and led dealmaking for the switch of CBS’ late-night real estate from leased to fully-owned. She negotiated the talent and production agreements for, the first CBS’ late-night shows to be produced by CBS Studios.
“Mentor and friend to so many during her stellar career, Debby was foundational to the network’s success,” Tassler continued. “Above all, her moral compass never wavered, treating everyone with grace and dignity.”