Jon Goldwater CEO of Archie Comics: The Archie Comics line of comic books is one of the most successful, longest running lines in the history of the comic industry. As the son of Archie Comics founder John L. Goldwater he looks forward to expanding the role of his family’s company, Archie Comics Publications, in prominence in the comic book medium as well as other media. Jon Goldwater began his career 20 years ago as the partner to the Japanese concert promoter, Zak Concerts. On Zak Concerts' behalf, Jon Goldwater negotiated concert major tours of Japan include the "Super Rock Festival" and many others. He is the former President and CEO of AFA Music Group, Ltd., the Executive Producer of the film, "Return of Superfly", He has served as President and CEO of Crash Management Inc.
    Using his vast experience in the entertainment industry he plans on focusing his attention on a variety of family entertainment projects from his family business, suitable for your family. Jon Goldwater plans on bringing the kids from Riverdale to a larger multi-media audience. He is also looking ahead to developing new projects focusing on not just Archie, Betty, Veronica, Jugehead and Reggie, but other long standing Archie Properties such as Katy Keene, Lil Jinx, the Red Circle Heroes, Sabrina, Josie & the Pussycats, Cosmo The Merry Martian, Pat The Brat, Wilbur Wilkins, Bingo Wilkins, Suzie and Ginger Snapp. just to name a few.

    Jon Goldwater purchased an ownership interest in the company with the intent of making Archie Comic entertainment powerhouse. In his first few days as CEO he has already started negotiations on projects that will be announced shortly, including a big budget Archie feature film, a new Archie animated project, a Katy Keene television program and a major music deal for the Archies. Every effort will me made to bring all the Archie Comics properties to the forefront of the entertainment industry.

Very cool!  It's always great to see an infusion of new ideas, but great that there is the historical family connection so that we know the "brand" will be respected as such. (ie. no Betty and Veronica lingerie lines).

The world changes, and I think some of the "healthiest" decisions are made when this is acknowledged - such as the iTunes comics, film, animation, etc. 

It's also great to see an entertainment industry background brought into the mix.  Cross-selling and expanding the reach of the characters through various outlets will only make things financially healthier for the company and serve us fans of the gang and comics well.

http://comicsworthreading.com/2009/06/25/archie-gets-new-ceo-founders-son-jon-goldwater/#comments

I posted this at Johanna's website originally.

It’s good to see someone in charge that is enthusiastic about the Archie characters. Marvel has said (and apparently their financials back it up) that they are primarily a character licensing company. DC doesn’t even have to make that statement; it’s obvious.

It’s hard to say if this multi-media push will be good for the comics. While non-stop, lousy, mega-crossover events have ruined Marvel and DC comics, they do look good and there is some occasional good innovation with the characters. With Archie Comics… in some cases, they have no where to go but up in terms of quality.

The comic book art form should never go away, but time may passing the “floppy” format by. I wouldn’t be surprised if new guy transfers the comics to another medium and/or format fairly soon.

The possibility of seeing some new TV shows and movies is kind of exciting. The Sabrina show was pretty good (though the comic book may have just been canceled.) I could totally see Katy Keene as a Disney show.