TELEMUNDO DELIVERS HIGHEST RATED MONTHLY PERFORMANCE IN NETWORK HISTORY IN APRIL

“La Reina del Sur” Beats Univision for Third Consecutive Week at 10pm Among Adults 18-49, Adults 18-34 –#1 program Monday through Thursday at 10pm Among Adults 18-34 Regardless of Language

Telemundo Becomes Fastest Growing Spanish Language Broadcast Network Year-Over-Year and Month-Over-Month

MIAMI – April 27, 2011 – Telemundo, a leading producer of high-quality content for Hispanics in the U.S. and audiences around the world, today announced April 2011 was the highest-rated monthly performance for Telemundo in the network’s history in prime among total viewers (persons 2+) and adults 18-49, according to Nielsen Media Research. April 2011 also ranks as Telemundo’s highest rated month ever across the key women 18-49, men 18-49 and adults 18-34 demographics.

Telemundo was the fastest growing Spanish-language network in primetime year-over-year and month-over-month among total viewers (persons 2+), adults 18-49 and women 18-49 based on percent change compared to April 2010 and March 2011, respectively. Telemundo was also the fastest growing Spanish-language network year-over-year, regardless of language, among adults 18-49.

“These ratings are a strong affirmation that Telemundo’s commitment to original content has provided the foundation for its current and future success. This performance is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of the Telemundo talent behind and in front of the cameras,” said Don Browne, President, Telemundo Communications Group.

In Monday through Friday prime, Telemundo delivered nearly 1.6 million total viewers (persons 2+) (1,574,000) and 932,000 viewers among adults 18-49. The network also delivered 521,000 adults 18-34. Year-over-year, Telemundo reported +42% growth among total viewers (persons 2+) (1,574,000 vs. 1,109,000) and +38% among adults 18-49 (932,000 vs. 676,000). Month-over-month, Telemundo reported +7% growth among total viewers (persons 2+) (1,574,000 vs. 1,475,000), +9% among adults 18-49 (932,000 vs. 852,000 and +11% among adults 18-34 (521,000 vs. 470,000).

Telemundo also garnered its best share of the Spanish-language television audience ever (defined as Telemundo, Univision and Telefutura) in Monday through Friday prime with 28% among adults 18-49 and 29% among adults 18-34.

In Monday through Sunday prime, Telemundo delivered over 1.3 million total viewers (persons 2+) (1,327,000) and 789,000 viewers among adults 18-49. The network also and 448,000 adults 18-34. Year-over-year, Telemundo delivered a +29% increase among total viewers (persons 2+) (1,327,000 vs. 1,029,000) and +25% among adults 18-49 (789,000 vs. 632,000). The network’s +25% growth among adults 18-49 surpassed all broadcast networks’ year-over-year performance, regardless of language.

Month-over-month, Telemundo reported gains of +5% among total viewers (persons 2+) (1,327,000 vs. 1,267,000), +8% among adults 18-49 (789,000 vs. 731,000) and +10% among adults 18-34 (448,000 vs. 409,000). Telemundo garnered its best share of the Spanish-language television audience ever (defined as Telemundo, Univision and Telefutura) in Monday through Sunday prime with 27% among adults 18-49 and 28% among adults 18-34.

“LA REINA DEL SUR”

For the third consecutive week, “La Reina del Sur” beat Univision from 10-11pm among adults 18-49 and adults 18-34. Telemundo delivered 2,375,000 and 1,316,000 viewers in the demographics, respectively, while Univision delivered 2,142,000 and 1,156,000 viewers during Monday-Thursday of last week.

The week of April 18 also marked the 5th consecutive week that “La Reina del Sur” out-delivered Univision’s 10-11pm programming among men 18-49 and the 8th consecutive that the telenovela beat Univision among men 18-34.

In addition, regardless of language, Telemundo was the #1 broadcast network last week with “La Reina del Sur” in the Monday through Thursday 10-11pm daypart among adults 18-34, men 18-49 and men 18-34. It was #2 among adults 18-49, beating ABC and NBC.

Source: The Nielsen Company, NPM, Live + Same Day, program average strict dayparts used for M-F 7-11pm, M-Su 7-11pm and M-Thu 10-11pm; 3/28/11-4/24/11 vs. 2/28/11-3/27/11 and 3/29/10-4/25/10; 4/18/11-4/21/11. Spanish share defined among Telemundo, Telefutura and Univision.

 

THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY IS BULLISH ON LEE HIRSCH’S ACCLAIMED DOCUMENTARY THE BULLY PROJECT

Acquires All Rights For North America, U.K., Australia, New Zealand, South Africa And Germany, Plus Pan-Asian Satellite TV Distribution Rights

New York, NY, April 25, 2011 – The Weinstein Company (TWC) announced today that it has acquired from Submarine Entertainment all rights to THE BULLY PROJECT, the acclaimed new documentary from Emmy and Sundance award-winning filmmaker Lee Hirsch (AMANDLA! A REVOLUTION IN FOUR PART HARMONY) that premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on Saturday, April 23. The deal covers all rights in North America, the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Germany. TWC also acquired the film’s distribution rights for pan-Asian satellite TV, and will be the sales agent for the remaining global territories. THE BULLY PROJECT is directed by Lee Hirsch, produced by Hirsch and Cynthia Lowen, and written by Lowen and Hirsch. Cindy Waitt is the executive producer. The announcement was made by TWC’s Executive Vice President of Acquisitions and Co-Productions Peter Lawson.

Said Lawson, “THE BULLY PROJECT is a phenomenally insightful and moving examination of bullying and its long-term impact. We think this is one of the year’s most important films, and we intend to bring all our energy and creative resources to bear in bringing THE BULLY PROJECT and its message to audiences of all ages.”

“As filmmakers we are overjoyed to be working with The Weinstein Company,” remarked Hirsch and Lowen. “Their significant commitment towards this film will ensure it reaches the national stage, and will certainly amplify its capacity to effect change.”

TWC Co-Chairman Harvey Weinstein commented, “After my team saw THE BULLY PROJECT, they immediately called and urged me to see it. I am glad they did. As a parent of four, bullying is an issue that concerns me deeply, and I jumped at the opportunity to be involved with a film that could help eradicate this plague once and for all.”

The deal was negotiated for TWC by Lawson and Vice President of Acquisitions Dan Guando; and for the filmmakers by Submarine Entertainment’s Josh Braun and David Koh.

THE BULLY PROJECT – SYNOPSIS
This year, over 18 million American kids will be bullied, making it the most common form of violence experienced by young people in the U.S. Directed by Sundance and Emmy-award winning filmmaker Lee Hirsch, the documentary THE BULLY PROJECT follows “a year in the life” of America’s bullying crisis, offering an intimate look at how bullying has touched five kids and their families. With an intimate glimpse into homes, classrooms, cafeterias and principals’ offices, the film offers insight into the often cruel world of the lives of bullied children. As teachers, administrators, kids and parents struggle to find answers, THE BULLY PROJECT examines the dire consequences of bullying through the testimony of strong and courageous youth. Through the power of their stories, the film aims to be a catalyst for change in the way we deal with bullying as parents, teachers, children and society as a whole.

ABOUT THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY
The Weinstein Company (TWC) is a multimedia production and distribution company launched in October 2005 by Bob and Harvey Weinstein, the brothers who founded Miramax Films in 1979. TWC also encompasses Dimension Films, the genre label founded in 1993 by Bob Weinstein, which has released such popular franchises as SCREAM, SPY KIDS and SCARY MOVIE. Together TWC and Dimension Films have released a broad range of mainstream, genre and specialty films that have been commercial and critical successes, most recently Tom Hooper’s THE KING’S SPEECH, winner of four 2011 Academy Awards®, including Best Picture; Derek Cianfrance’s Academy Award®-nominated BLUE VALENTINE; John Wells’ feature directorial debut, THE COMPANY MEN; Julian Schnabel’s MIRAL; and Wes Craven’s SCRE4M. Since 2005, TWC and Dimension Films have released such films as GRINDHOUSE; I’M NOT THERE; THE GREAT DEBATERS; VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA; THE READER; THE ROAD; HALLOWEEN; THE PAT TILLMAN STORY; PIRANHA 3D; INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS; A SINGLE MAN; and 2011 Golden Globe® Best Foreign Language Film nominee THE CONCERT. Upcoming releases include SPY KIDS 4, APOLLO 18, OUR IDIOT BROTHER, THE DETAILS and MY WEEK WITH MARILYN. Recently wrapping is I DON’T KNOW HOW SHE DOES IT. Currently in production is COGAN’S TRADE.

TWC is also active in television production, with credits including the Emmy® Award-winning hit reality series “Project Runway,” and the critically acclaimed HBO comedy/crime series “The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency.” The company is producing two “Project Runway” spinoffs, “Project Runway: Masters” and “Project Runway: Accessories,” which are expected to debut in 2011. The company currently has 15 series in different stages of development, including: “Mob Wives,” a reality series for VH1; “Marco Polo,” a scripted historical series about the great explorer; “The Nanny Diaries,” based on the hit book; and “The Mad Ones,” adapted from the Mafia novel of the same name.

 

THE PALEY CENTER FOR MEDIA TO HONOR AL MICHAELS AND MARY HART AT ANNUAL GALA: SALUTE TO EXCELLENCE IN LOS ANGELES

Entertainment Tonight host Mary Hart and iconic sportscaster Al Michaels this year at its annual gala event, Salute to Excellence. Hart is being recognized for her outstanding contributions to the television industry and Michaels for his prolific achievements in sports broadcasting including more than 2,200 hours (and counting) of live primetime over-the-air network broadcasts. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Paley Center’s ongoing educational efforts to increase the public’s understanding of the media and its growing significance in today’s society through various public and industry programs. The gala will be held on November 30 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.

“This year we honor two of the most respected broadcasters in the entertainment business. Mary’s success as host for the number-one syndicated entertainment news show for thirty years speaks to her journalistic integrity and distinctive ability to gain exclusive access to many celebrities and politicians,” commented Pat Mitchell, president and chief executive officer of The Paley Center for Media. “With a voice that most of America recognizes, Al has covered more major sports events than any other sportscaster. With his journalism background and his experience of being in the booth for over thirty years, he has been involved in some of the most memorable moments in sports history.”

Past gala honorees include Alan Alda, Julie Andrews, Steven Bochco, Kevin S. Bright, David Brinkley, Tom Brokaw, Jerry Bruckheimer, Carol Burnett, James Burrows, Sid Caesar, Marcy Carsey, Peter Chernin, David Crane, Ted Danson, Dick Ebersol, the cast and writers of Everybody Loves Raymond, Kelsey Grammer, Merv Griffin, John S. Hendricks, Marta Kauffman, David E. Kelley, Leslie Moonves, Mary Tyler Moore, Jack Paar, Dan Rather, Sumner Redstone, Carl Reiner, the cast and writers of Saturday Night Live, Jerry Seinfeld, Garry Shandling, Martin Sheen, Showtime Networks Inc., The Simpsons, Sony Corporation, Sir Howard Stringer, Barbara Walters, John Wells, Dick Wolf, Bob Wright, and Jeff Zucker.

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The Paley Center for Media, with locations in New York and Los Angeles, leads the discussion about the cultural, creative, and social significance of television, radio, and emerging platforms for the professional community and media-interested public. Drawing upon its curatorial expertise, an international collection, and close relationships with the leaders of the media community, the Paley Center examines the intersections between media and society. The general public can access the collection and participate in programs that explore and celebrate the creativity, the innovations, the personalities, and the leaders who are shaping media. Through the global programs of its Media Council and International Council, the Paley Center also serves as a neutral setting where media professionals can engage in discussion and debate about the evolving media landscape. Previously known as The Museum of Television & Radio, the Paley Center was founded in 1976 by William S. Paley, a pioneering innovator in the industry. For more information, please visit www.paleycenter.org.

 

STATEMENT BY ANNE SWEENEY (Co-Chair Disney Media Networks/President Disney/ABC Television Group) IN RESPONSE TO APPLE ANNOUNCEMENT TODAY

Statement on behalf of Anne Sweeney, co-chair, Disney Media Networks and president, Disney/ABC Television Group, made in response to Apple’s announcement today of the new television rental model on iTunes:

“When we put our shows on iTunes five years ago, it was revolutionary,” said Anne Sweeney, co-chair Disney Media Networks and president, Disney/ABC Television Group. “Since then, we’ve continued to provide viewers with innovative new ways to access our programming, and today we’re proud to team with Apple on a rental option for fans of our shows.”

 

FOX BROADCASTING COMPANY ELEVATES CURRENT PROGRAMMING EXECUTIVES

James Oh and Shana C. Waterman Named Vice Presidents of Current Programming

David Sleven Appointed Director, Current Programming

Fox Broadcasting Company has strengthened its Current Programming leadership team to ensure the continued success and growth of broadcast television’s leading scripted programming lineup, it was announced today by Kevin Reilly, President, Entertainment and Marcy Ross, Executive Vice President, Current Programming.

Shana C. Waterman and James Oh have both been promoted to Vice President, Current Programming. In their new roles, Oh and Waterman will oversee all aspects of production and serve as the primary creative advisers for FOX’s diverse slate of new and returning series. Both executives will report to Ross and will be responsible for nurturing and growing the network’s current scripted programming to build even more strength and stability across FOX’s schedule.
In addition, David Sleven has been appointed Director, Current Programming. Previously Manager, Comedy Development, Sleven will also report to Ross and will be responsible for the day-to-day management of current FOX shows.

“With the level of competition today, it’s more important than ever that we invest in top-notch talent to ensure that our programming remains innovative and relevant,” said Reilly. “It’s thanks in part to the tremendous dedication and creativity of our current programming team that FOX just notched its first of fall season win.”

“Shana and James are two gifted, creative executives who have won the trust and admiration of their peers and the executive producers of their shows,” said Ross. “Together with the fresh energy of David Sleven, I have the most dynamic and talented group in the business.”

Previously, Mr. Oh served as Director, Current Programming at FOX and supervised several of the network’s new and returning series, including HUMAN TARGET, CODE 58 (working title), 24, THE SIMPSONS, LIE TO ME, BONES and THE WANDA SYKES SHOW. Prior to that, he held leadership roles within the network’s program and audience research departments, where he provided strategic analyses evaluating overall network, program and schedule strengths. Before joining FOX in April 1998, Mr. Oh held production and market research roles at Vibe TV and The Martec Group. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Ms. Waterman joined FOX as Director, Current Programming in 2006. In this role, she oversaw several of the network’s acclaimed scripted series including HOUSE, GLEE, FRINGE, FAMILY GUY, AMERICAN DAD and THE CLEVELAND SHOW. Prior to joining FOX, she was a Manager of Development at Timberman/Beverly Productions. In addition to her work in television, Ms. Waterman has sustained her ongoing interest in theater. She recently completed several years of service as a board member and former chair of Los Angeles-based, Cornerstone Theater Company and has worked as a consultant to New Haven’s Tony Award-winning Long Wharf Theatre. She also served as a senior researcher for playwright/actor Anna Deavere Smith, and in that capacity participated in Harvard’s Institute on the Arts & Civic Dialogue. Ms. Waterman produced the play “Ah Ha Moments,” which was nominated for an NAACP Excellence in Theater Award. Currently she serves on the Board of the New York Foundation for the Arts. Ms. Waterman is a graduate of Yale College and Yale Law School.

Prior to transitioning to his new role in Current Programming, Mr. Sleven served as Manager of Comedy Development at FOX, with a focus on animation. While in this role, Mr. Sleven developed FOX’s newest animated series, BOB’S BURGERS, for which he will be the covering Current executive, as well as THE CLEVELAND SHOW, FOX’s latest animated hit.

Mr. Sleven was also actively involved in developing the Fox Inkubation Studios program, a partnership with 20th Century Fox Television that provides funding for writers and animators to produce short pieces for potential network development and or digital distribution.

 

DAVID FRIEDMAN NAMED EXECUTIVE PRODUCER OF CBS NEWS’ “THE EARLY SHOW”

Sean McManus, President, CBS News and Sports, announced today that David Friedman has been named Executive Producer of CBS News’ THE EARLY SHOW.  The appointment will be effective January 2010.  In this role, Friedman will report to McManus.

“David’s wide-ranging talents and experience in news, entertainment and primetime specials will be enormous assets to the broadcast and to CBS News,” said McManus.  ”THE EARLY SHOW has a great on-air team in place, the show has been making advances and we are committed to decisively moving to the next level.  The change in the competitive landscape is a terrific opportunity for us to bring on an experienced and creative EP with a fresh approach and a demonstrated track record of success.”

Friedman, who spent six years at the “Today” show, has been with NBC in a number of roles since 1993, most recently as executive producer of “Last Call with Carson Daly,” where he innovatively and successfully experimented with and evolved the show’s format and content.  He annually executive produces NBC’s New Year’s Eve special broadcast and recently executive produced the “2009 Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular.”  Prior to that, Friedman was a producer and development executive for NBC Studios.

During Friedman’s tenure at “Today,” he rose swiftly from researcher to producer.  His responsibilities for “Today” included producing their 2000 Olympic coverage in Sydney, overseeing multi-camera shoots with on-air talent and producing high-profile interviews and performances.  He began his network career as a researcher on the NBC primetime newsmagazine “Now” with Tom Brokaw and Katie Couric.

 

THE NBC AGENCY ANNOUNCES CONSOLIDATION OF WEST COAST CREATIVE TEAM UNDER JIM VESCERA EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, CREATIVE DIRECTOR, NBC ENTERTAINMENT MARKETING

REORGANIZATION INCLUDES ADVANCEMENT OF DAVE DORE TO A NEW ROLE AS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, CREATIVE DIRECTOR, NBC ENTERTAINMENT MARKETING AND LORENZO DE GUTTADAURO TO SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, BRAND CREATIVE, NBC ENTERTAINMENT MARKETING

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. – November 30, 2009 – The NBC Agency announced today a consolidation of the Agency’s West Coast Creative Team under the leadership of Jim Vescera, Executive Vice President, Creative Director, NBC Entertainment. The reorganization, which combines the on-air promotion and off-air advertising/digital teams into one creative group, includes the advancement of Dave Dor? to a new role as Senior Vice President, Creative Director, NBC Entertainment Marketing. Dor? will work closely with John-David Currey, the Senior Vice President, Creative Director, NBC Entertainment Marketing responsible for leading the On-Air Promotion team. The Agency also announced the promotion of Lorenzo de Guttadauro to Senior Vice President, Brand Creative, NBC Entertainment. The announcements were made today by Adam Stotsky, President of Marketing, NBC Entertainment, to whom Vescera reports.

“The way consumers experience our content is rapidly changing and this creates new marketing and promotional opportunities. Jim Vescera’s experience, dedication and disposition make him uniquely qualified to lead the charge. Jim has a proven capacity to build and lead teams of creative people against a singular vision,” said Stotsky.

“Dave Dor? and John-David Currey’s combined experience and proven capabilities are invaluable as we work toward one strategic vision across all media in our marketing campaigns. With Lorenzo de Guttadauro’s vital skills and assets added to the mix, we have three multi-talented, versatile and progressive leaders that will help to keep The NBC Agency at the top of its game,” said Vescera.

Dor? becomes Senior Vice President, Creative Director, NBC Entertainment for The NBC Agency. In the position, he will be responsible for all launch and ongoing print and off-air advertisement for NBC’s entertainment programming. Previously, Dor? served as Vice President, Special Projects for The NBC Agency. He was responsible for working on overall network creative branding and program promotion efforts and was the Creative Director for “Sunday Night Football”

Throughout his career, Dor? has conceived, produced and directed many award-winning campaigns for NBC, including for “Sunday Night Football,” “Knight Rider,” “The Apprentice,” “Chuck” and “My Name Is Earl.” He has also created successful short pieces for NBC’s Web ventures, including “Deal Model Theater.” Prior to joining The NBC Agency, Dor? directed the pilot for BBC-TV’s “Scoobs,” as well as campaigns and specials for ABC, Fox, Warner Bros., USA Network, Bravo, Nickelodeon, The WB and many others. Previously, Dor? was a Director, and later Vice President of Marketing at The WB, where he helped build both the Primetime and Kids’ Networks from the ground up.

Before moving to Los Angeles, Dor? produced and directed three seasons of live Major League Baseball television broadcasts and served as Director of Promotion and Production at WCIU-TV, Chicago and KSMO-TV Kansas City. He has received numerous Emmys and advertising awards from PROMAX, the Chicago Festivals, the New York Festivals, and more. Dor? lives in Studio City with his wife and three daughters.

De Guttadauro, now promoted to Senior Vice President, Brand Strategy, The NBC Agency, will supervise the strengthening of the NBC network brand across all platforms. He will also lead On-Air promotional efforts as Creative Director for the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Earlier, de Guttadauro was promoted to Vice President, Brand Strategy in 2008, a newly created position at the time. In this role, he worked to increase brand awareness and strength in all promotional areas. He also oversaw the on-air promotional efforts as the Creative Director for the 2008 Summer Olympics

De Guttadauro joined The NBC Agency after a seven-year stint as Vice President of Brand Creative and Promotion for USA Network. Prior to his years there, he served as Senior Art Director for the National Football League from 1999-2000 and Art Director for Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide from 1994-98. De Guttadauro graduated from the University of Missouri with Bachelor of Arts degrees in journalism and political science.

Continuing in their existing roles are Ron Hayes Senior Vice President and Creative Director, Special Projects for NBC On-Air Promotion, and Larry Hart, Senior Vice President, who all round out Vescera’s team.

 

“NBC NIGHTLY NEWS” ANCHOR AND MANAGING EDITOR BRIAN WILLIAMS ACCEPTS THE 2009 WALTER CRONKITE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN JOURNALISM

New York – November 18, 2009 – Brian Williams, anchor and managing editor of “NBC Nightly News,” received the 2009 Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism from Arizona State University today. ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism bestowed its 26th Cronkite Award to Williams at a luncheon ceremony at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel.

In his acceptance speech, Brian Williams thanked ASU, noting:

“In our corner of the world, we are able to report good news. While our company, NBC, represents the oldest three letters in the MSM, we have more NBC Nightly News viewers this year than we did last year — even at the height of the most exciting Presidential race in modern times. In part, it’s because people know where to find real news; they know we will cover the story.”

“I am convinced that had Walter Cronkite come along today, there’s a chance we wouldn’t know his name. In the midst of so much clutter, so much noise — I’m not sure the modest man from Missouri would have been able to punch through. Instead, as it happened, God and history combined to give us Walter Cronkite — he was the right man, in the right job, at the right time.”

“Cronkite was the first man of the Mad Men era: when ties were thin and glass frames were thick.”

“The honor you give me here today is the highest of my career. I get to have my name mentioned alongside the best there ever was — the man I wanted to be.”

Williams became the seventh anchor and managing editor of “NBC Nightly News” in 2004, replacing Tom Brokaw, who won the Cronkite Award three years ago.

Williams is the most honored network evening news anchor, the recipient of four Edward R. Murrow awards, five Emmys, the duPont-Columbia University Award and the George Foster Peabody Award. He also holds six honorary doctorates. His award-winning work has included coverage of Hurricane Katrina, which the New York Times called “a defining moment as a network reporter and anchor.”

Previous Cronkite Award recipients include TV journalists Tom Brokaw, Bill Moyers and Jane Pauley; newspaper publishers Katharine Graham Al Neuharth and Otis Chandler; television executives Bill Paley, Frank Stanton and Ted Turner; and newspaper journalists Ben Bradlee, Helen Thomas and Bob Woodward. Last year’s winners were Jim Lehrer and Robert MacNeil of PBS.

The Cronkite School was named in honor of the former CBS Evening News anchor in 1984. The nationally recognized school, which offers professional programs on the undergraduate and master’s levels, annually ranks in the Top 10 of the Hearst intercollegiate journalism competition.

 

MCCLOSKEY JOINS NBC SPORTS

NEW YORK- November 4, 2009- Chris McCloskey, former Executive Vice President, Communications, Arena Football League and nine-year veteran of the NFL’s communications department, has joined NBC as Vice President, Communications, NBC Universal Sports & Olympics.

“Chris is a smart, strategic thinker who is known for building strong relationships with partners and the media,” said Mike McCarley, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Promotion and Communications, NBC Universal Sports & Olympics. “He brings a wealth of experience and a strategic approach to this position. We are fortunate to have him join the NBC Sports team.”

McCloskey will serve as the primary media contact for NBC’s Olympic coverage, NBC’s “Football Night in America” studio show, Notre Dame football, golf and the NHL. McCloskey will report to McCarley and begin his duties immediately.

McCloskey recently served as a brand strategy consultant focused on communications and sports marketing for a number of clients, including Phillips-Van Heusen and NBC Sports. He is currently an adjunct professor at Iona College’s Hagan School of Business where he teaches a course on sports and entertainment communications strategy.

Many of the skills McCloskey utilized during his six-year AFL tenure were learned while serving for nine years in the National Football League’s communications department. While at the NFL, McCloskey conducted Super Bowl press conferences, supervised all media services at the NFC Championship Game and NFL Combine, and created publicity campaigns for the players attending the NFL Draft.

McCloskey oversaw all communications elements at the AFL and dramatically increased its media coverage, which contributed to a nearly 40 percent increase in attendance, a six-fold increase in television exposure and a doubling of franchise values.

McCloskey resides in Darien, Conn. with his wife, Renie Anderson, and their two daughters Callie and Kate.

 

NBC UNIVERSAL ANNOUNCES TWO EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS IN CABLE ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS AFFAIRS

Lauren McCollester Promoted to Senior Vice President, NBC Universal Cable Entertainment Business Affairs
Jeeun Kim Named Vice President, NBC Universal Cable Entertainment Business Affairs

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. – October 21, 2009 – NBC Universal announced two key executive appointments as Lauren McCollester is promoted to Senior Vice President, NBC Universal Cable Entertainment Business Affairs, while Jeeun Kim has been named Vice President, NBC Universal Cable Entertainment Business Affairs as she arrives from her previous position at NBC Entertainment Business Affairs.

The announcements were made by Beth Roberts, Executive Vice President, NBC Universal Cable Entertainment and Universal Cable Productions Business Affairs, to whom both executives report.

“Lauren has been a valuable asset to NBC Universal and Cable Business Affairs for several years through her hard work and savvy negotiating skills,” said Roberts. “She truly deserves this promotion and this advancement will further enhance her ability to contribute in the future.”

Roberts continued: “Jeeun comes to the cable side from our broadcast network’s business affairs department, where she has demonstrated great initiative and versatility. She has an outstanding record of performance and a solid reputation here at NBCU, and we look forward to having her as part of our Cable Business Affairs team.”

McCollester will continue to be responsible for negotiations for all of NBCU’s cable entertainment networks, including USA, Syfy, Bravo and Oxygen , but will focus primarily on negotiations and strategy for Bravo and Oxygen.

Kim’s new responsibilities include servicing all Cable Entertainment Networks and Universal Cable Productions.

McCollester has been with the Business Affairs department since October 2004. She first joined NBC in February 2000 as Interactive Media Counsel in the NBC Law Department. In 2003, after the acquisition of Bravo, McCollester began working with NBC’s Program and Talent Contracts Department in addition to continuing with her interactive media responsibilities. She was promoted to Director in NBCU’s Television Business Affairs group in 2004, and was promoted to Vice President in 2006. In early 2007, the cable and broadcast business affairs groups were created and McCollester remained with the cable group.

Since then, McCollester has handled negotiations for USA, Syfy, Bravo and Oxygen. Recently, McCollester was elected to an additional new role as Brand Focus leader for Bravo, Oxygen and women@NBCU. In that new role, she will be responsible for, among other things, establishing business affairs policies and collaborating with the leaders of those business units to understand their goals and execute their strategies.

McCollester graduated Colgate University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and later received her J.D. degree from the College of William and Mary. She lives in New York City with her husband and two sons.

Kim comes to the cable side of NBCU from NBC Network Business Affairs, where she worked as a Vice President for Rick Olshansky, Executive Vice President, NBC Universal Network & Studio Business Affairs, since September 2007.

Prior to this role, she served in NBCU’s Television Legal Affairs group since January 2002. Kim also worked at Latham & Watkins as an associate in the Corporate Department.

Kim has a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from the University of California at Berkeley, and a J.D. degree from Columbia University in New York.

 

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