Cosgrove To Head Discovery 3D Network
Programming Veteran To Report To JV Board, Comprising Sony, IMAX, Discovery Officials
Mike Reynolds -- Multichannel News, 6/8/2010 1:11:13 PM
Tom Cosgrove has been named president and CEO of the joint venture between Discovery Communications, Sony Corp. and IMAX that will spawn a 3D network.
Cosgrove, who has been serving as executive vice president and COO for Discovery Channel, will lead the yet-unnamed 3D service, which was announced in January and is slated to bow early in 2011, presenting programming from national history, space, exploration, adventure, engineering, science and technology, as well as movie fare from Sony Pictures Entertainment, IMAX, Discovery and other third-party providers.
In his new position, Cosgrove will oversee all business and creative areas of the joint venture, with a goal of driving consumer adoption of 3D televisions and giving the network long-term leadership in the 3D home marketplace. He will report to the joint venture's board of directors, comprised of representatives from the three companies, which finalized the formation of the joint venture last week.
The announcement comes two days before ESPN 3D kicks off with coverage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and carriage for the service on Comcast and DIrecTV. Later this month, DirecTV is expected to bow a trio of 3D services.
Cosgrove will be assisted by Rebecca Glashow, senior vice president of digital distribution for Discovery Communications, who will oversee carriage efforts for the channel, and Amy Carney, president, advertiser sales, Sony Pictures Television, who will direct advertising/promotion sales. Sony Pictures Television will provide all related advertising sales-related services for the JV.
At Discovery Channel, Cosgrove managed day-to-day operations for the service, and also was responsible for the formation of the Discovery Times Square Exhibitions, as well as windowing strategies for all Discovery digital platforms.
Before that, Cosgrove served as general manager of Science Channel. He joined Discovery Communications as senior vice president of programming for the portfolio of Discovery Channel, Science Channel, Discovery Times and Military Channel.
Prior to joining the programmer, was general manager for TV Guide Channel. He has also held senior management positions at ABC Family, Fox Family, Fox Kids, and Fox Broadcasting, with duties pertaining to live sports, programming, acquisitions, marketing, research, sales, operations, and affiliate relations.
"Tom's experience and success as the operational leader of Discovery's flagship network makes him an exceptional choice to lead our 3D joint venture with Sony and IMAX," said Discovery Communications president and CEO David Zaslav in a statement. "His broad expertise across every aspect of running a successful network, from content development to marketing to scheduling, will ensure that the Discovery, Sony and IMAX 3D network plays a leading role in bringing the next-generation television experience to viewers."
Noted Sony Pictures Entertainment chairman and CEO Michael Lynton: "We welcome Tom Cosgrove to what is really an historic position heading up a groundbreaking 3D television network. We're at a turning point in entertainment history, not unlike the transition from silent movies to ‘talkies' or black-and-white to color. This is the start of something really big, and we're excited about delivering high-quality 3D entertainment to people every day, all day."
Added IMAX CEO Richard Gelfond: "We believe Tom's background in high-quality programming and cable operations will be incredibly valuable in driving the strategy and growth of the channel. We look forward to working with Tom and with such strong partners as Sony and Discovery to make in-home 3D a reality."
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