Angel

NEW YORK - Jamie Kellner, who helped start the WB television network and plans to retire next June after its eighth season, on Monday appointed three of his closest aides to run it after he leaves.

Garth Ancier, former programming chief at NBC and Fox who is now in charge of programming for the Turner networks, will become WB chairman in charge of strategic planning.

Jordan Levin, who has been entertainment president of the WB, will become chief executive officer of the network while still being in charge of programming, Kellner said.

Jed Petrick will continue as Levin’s top deputy but be promoted to network president. He’ll be in charge of duties - like advertising sales and personnel - not performed by Levin.

Ancier and Levin will both report to Barry Meyer, Warner Brothers chairman.

Kellner, 56, stepped down earlier this year as head of Turner Broadcasting, where he was in charge of several cable networks including CNN, to head back to the West Coast and the WB. All the networks are owned by Time Warner.

"Having stable management is one of our proudest accomplishments and there is no doubt in my mind that this is the best way for us to successfully deliver upon our highly profitable long-term business plan," Kellner said.