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Tag: Los Angeles

  • Strengthening Bollywood & Hollywood ties to be discussed at Regional Pravasi Divas in LA

    Strengthening Bollywood & Hollywood ties to be discussed at Regional Pravasi Divas in LA

    NEW DELHI: The significant media, cultural and entertainment engagement between India and the United States will be one of the primary subjects of discussion at the ninth Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Los Angeles next month.

     

    Ways of strengthening ties between Bollywood and Hollywood would also be discussed in the meet to be held on 14 and 15 November.

     

    The RPBD will be organised by the Consulate General of India in San Francisco and the India Embassy in Washington DC in collaboration with the major community organisations of People of Indian Origin in the USA and the Overseas Indian Affairs Ministry.

     

    Various official forums for India-US collaboration will also participate in the RPBD.

     

    The RPBD Los Angeles will celebrate the presence of the single largest population of overseas Indians in any one country and strengthen the social, economic and political bonds between India, the USA and the Indian Diaspora.

     

    India and the USA share a growing partnership in almost all sectors vital to their economies. Indian Americans have made a significant impact in IT, medicine, academia, banking, hospitality, science and technology and also as entrepreneurs engaged in thriving businesses. The RPBD Los Angeles will focus and build on these synergies and collaborations, through seminars and discussions involving major stake holders on both sides.

     

    The concept of Pravasi Divas, which is to be held from 8 to 10 January in New Delhi next year, was given by a committee set up by then Prime Minister A B Vajpayee to cement ties with the Diaspora. The date was chosen since it was on 9 January that Mahatma Gandhi emigrated from South Africa to India to lead the freedom struggle in the early part of the last century. 

  • Rupert Murdoch’s pay drops 5% in 2015 to $28 million; James’ down 19% at $15 million

    Rupert Murdoch’s pay drops 5% in 2015 to $28 million; James’ down 19% at $15 million

    MUMBAI: In his last year as CEO of 21st Century Fox, Rupert Murdoch took home five per cent less salary in 2015 as compared to 2014. The senior Murdoch was named executive co-chairman of the company in July this year. His pay in the fiscal year ended in June 2015 stood at $27.9 million as opposed to $29.24 million in 2014.

     

    While his base salary was steady at $7.1 million, his stock award fell 18 per cent to $5.15 million. On the other hand, his non-equity plan compensation fell four per cent to $9.77 million. The senior Murdoch also will be pocketing a bonus of $21 million for his contribution in growing the company’s brands and businesses domestically as well as his plans for future growth with continued investments in domestic cable networks and in international markets.

     

    Additionally, 21st Century Fox CEO James Murdoch’s total pay also saw a decline of almost 19 per cent at $15.05 million in 2015 as compared to $18.7 million in 2014. His salary continued to remain the same at $3 million, whereas his stock awards were down 18 per cent to $5.42 million. His non-equity incentive compensation too declined four per cent to $5.58 million.

     

    James Murdoch, who is slated to received a bonus of $12 million, played an important role during fiscal 2015 in developing the company’s key international businesses and investments. Moreover, the company said that he continues to champion the expansion of the company’s international sports portfolio, particularly with new rights acquisitions at Star Sports in India, positioning the company for greater profitability. Under his leadership, the company continues to expand its digital offerings of its library product and explores opportunities to obtain the digital rights to other key programming and to expand its digital advertising capabilities.

     

    In a proxy filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 29 September, the company said that this was due to the decline in stock awards and non-equity incentive compensation.

     

    On the other hand, the company’s deputy chairman Chase Carey, who also served as the company’s COO with James until July, received compensation of $23.22 million for the year ended 30 June, 2015, which was down from $27.9 million in 2014. Carey’s salary remained the same at $4.05 million. Carey, who now serves as the 21st Century Fox’s executive vice chairman, will receive a bonus of $20 million for hisexceptional strategic leadership and management.

     

    21st Century Fox’s proxy filing also mentioned that the company’s annual meeting is scheduled on 12 November in Los Angeles, California.

     

    For the year ended 30 June, 21st Century Fox’s net income dropped 36 per cent to $4.51 billion, while revenues grew 15 per cent to $ 31.9 billion.

     

    21st Century Fox Business Highlights for 2015 are as follows:

     

     

    INDIA

     

    • The company continued its expansion of its international cable business, particularly at Star India. Star Sports’ broadcast of the ICC Cricket World Cup set an all-time viewership record, and the introduction of two new local sports leagues, Kabaddi and Indian Super League (soccer), provided strong ratings and present new opportunities.

     

    • Through Star India’s agreement to acquire the broadcast business of MAA Television Network Limited, the company initiated its expansion into the Telugu TV market.

     

    • The company expanded its non-linear advertising products and services through the launch of Hotstar, a digital video streaming platform in India.

     

     

    INTERNATIONAL

     

    • The company continued to grow its television and cable channel businesses through obtaining and increasing retransmission and affiliate compensation and securing key distribution agreements.

     

    • The company continued to strengthen its core domestic cable business with the growth of its national sports channel Fox Sports 1 by featuring additional sports events including the U.S. Open Golf Championship and Women’s World Cup events, and by growing its third branded FX channel, FXX, by featuring all episodes of The Simpsons and premiering an extensive slate of theatrical motion pictures.

     

    • The company’s filmed entertainment business continued to have leading worldwide box office sales while creating and growing new and existing film franchises such as The Maze Runner, Kingsman and Planet of the Apes.

     

    • The company created new hit series such as Empire and The Last Man on Earth and enhanced its key existing brands including The Simpsons, Family Guy, Modern Family and Homeland. In addition, the company is reinvigorating the broadcast network’s primetime line-up with the successful debuts of Gotham, Last Man on Earth and Empire, which was the number one new show and highest rated broadcast show in the 2014-2015 broadcast season.

     

    • The company expanded its non-linear advertising products and services through the acquisition of true[X], a leading engagement advertising company specializing in advertising formats for on-demand marketing campaigns in the U.S.

     

    • The company returned a significant amount of cash to stockholders through stock repurchases of approximately $5.9 billion during fiscal 2015, a 57 per cent increase over fiscal 2014 levels and through increasing the semi-annual dividend by 20 per cent to $0.15 per Class A and Class B share, resulting in an annual dividend for fiscal 2015 of $0.30 per share or approximately $610 million. In August 2015, the company announced that the Board approved an additional $5 billion authorization to the Company’s stock repurchase program intended to be completed by August 2016.

     

    • The company sold its direct broadcast satellite television (DBS) businesses, Sky Italia and its interest in Sky Deutschland AG (Sky Deutschland), to Sky plc (formerly known as British Sky Broadcasting Group plc) for approximately $8.8 billion, resulting in a gain of approximately $5 billion and creating a pan-European digital television leader.

     

    • The company and funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management, LLC created Endemol Shine Group, a global multi-platform content provider bringing together the Shine Group, Endemol and Core Media Group.

  • Sony Pictures Television promotes Steve Mosko as chairman

    Sony Pictures Television promotes Steve Mosko as chairman

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Television president Steve Mosko has promoted as the chairman of the company. 

     

    Mosko will continue to oversee all television operations for Sony Pictures Entertainment worldwide. He will report to Sony Entertainment CEO Michael Lynton.

     

    “Under Steve’s leadership, Sony Pictures Television has become the industry’s largest independent television studio. Our media networks business has expanded to over 150 channel feeds around the world and the company is well-positioned for growth in both production and distribution. Steve is a remarkable executive and we are proud to have him at the helm of Sony Pictures Television,” said Lynton. 

     

    Mosko added, “I am honored to be named chairman, and grateful to Michael, my colleagues at Sony Pictures, and to the incredible team at Sony Pictures Television, whose hard work and dedication has built the successful global business we have today.”

     

    A Sony Pictures Entertainment executive for more than two decades, Mosko oversees global television production, distribution of feature film and television content, and the studio’s international networks available in 180 countries, reaching more than 1.3 billion cumulative households worldwide, including Crackle, SPE’s video streaming service, and GSN, cable’s game show network.

     

    Mosko joined Sony Pictures Entertainment in 1992, and was named president of Sony Pictures Television in 2000. In this role, Mosko built on the studio’s syndication business, overseeing first-run and off-network program sales in more than 200 markets and supervising efforts of regional offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, and Dallas.

  • Warner Bros & China’s CMC ink joint venture to make films

    Warner Bros & China’s CMC ink joint venture to make films

    MUMBAI: In anticipation of Chinese President Xi’s state visit to the United States, China Media Capital (CMC) and Warner Bros. Entertainment have inked a joint venture to deepen the cultural exchange between the two countries.

     

    They joint venture company called Flagship Entertainment Group Limited will develop and produce a slate of Chinese-language films, including global tentpoles, for distribution around the world, including China.

     

    Flagship Entertainment will be owned 51 per cent by CMC – with Hong Kong broadcaster TVB holding 10 per cent of the CMC-led consortium – and 49 per cent by Warner Bros.

     

    The new entity will combine the expertise of Hollywood’s largest studio with China’s preeminent investment and operational platform dedicated to media and entertainment. Flagship Entertainment’s goal is to capitalize on the rapidly growing market for premium content globally, particularly in China, and the increasing demand for high-quality Chinese-language movies around the world.

     

    Warner Bros chairman and CEO Kevin Tsujihara said, “We look forward to working with CMC in this exciting new venture, as we gain additional insight into the Chinese film industry. Warner Bros. has a proud legacy of making great movies, and we’re excited to share that expertise with our colleagues in China. The country’s incredibly rich history and culture provide a huge trove of great stories, and we want to help tell those stories for new generations of filmgoers, in China and around the world.”

     

    CMC founding chairman Ruigang Li added, “CMC has been actively investing and operating throughout the ecosystem around the explosive content market in China and around the world. With the proliferation of platforms available to consumers, premium content is more valuable than ever. This partnership with Hollywood’s most iconic studio will bring Warner Bros.’ deep experience in creative storytelling and unparalleled expertise in producing global titles to China’s film industry. It will also further CMC’s commitment to building a premier platform for making films that resonate with both Chinese and worldwide audiences, helping to enhance the cultural exchange between China and the rest of the world.”

     

    The new company will be headquartered in Hong Kong, with offices in Beijing and Los Angeles. 

     

    Flagship plans to develop, invest in, acquire and produce films for distribution throughout China and around the world, utilizing Warner Bros.’ global film distribution network. The first titles bearing the new imprint could be released as early as 2016. 

     

    This creative collaboration between US and China filmmaking partners also allows for the exchange of technical expertise and the development of young Chinese talent for years to come, combining Warner Bros.’ technical and creative knowledge base with CMC and TVB’s access to local talent and market expertise.

     

    Local language film production is the cornerstone of China’s booming entertainment business. As Chinese cinemagoers continue to embrace both domestic and international movies, theatre owners are adding thousands of new screens each year, and total box office is on track to surpass $10 billion annually in the next four years.

  • Unilever partner Big Sync Music opens Singapore office

    Unilever partner Big Sync Music opens Singapore office

    MUMBAI: On the eve of Asia’s premier music conference, Music Matters, which kicks off in Singapore this week, specialist music agency and global Unilever partner, Big Sync Music, has officially opened its new Asian regional office in Singapore.

     

    The company has appointed Angel Lee as country manager and Marine Cremer as music supervisor.

     

    Lee, who comes from the Singapore Economic Development Board, is now responsible for overseeing all of Big Sync’s work across Asia – supported by Cremer.

     

    Big Sync, with current offices in London and New York, works with brands and creative agencies on global and regional advertising campaigns. It recently announced a global partnership with Unilever, making Big Sync the single supplier for its music services across all 400 plus brands in all territories covering music strategy, licensing, creative music search and amplification.

     

    In her previous role, Lee was responsible for charting and driving growth in Singapore’s music and entertainment industry by successfully establishing music businesses in Singapore for Asia. In her new role at Big Sync, she will drive the company’s business development strategy in the region as well as work with creative agencies on advertising campaigns for some of Unilever’s biggest brands such as Cornetto, Ponds and Lux.

     

    Lee said, “It is a privilege to be joining a young, fast growing, creative and energetic company that is both passionate about music and highly strategic in branded partnerships. It is an exciting time to be joining the company as there is tremendous growth in viewing music as a key building block of brand owners’ content strategy across Asia. I’m looking forward to leading a dynamic team to help different clients across Asia find the best sonic strategies for their brands, the right music solutions for local campaigns and being able to tap into Big Sync’s huge global network of music providers to do that.”

     

    Lee has over ten years’ experience in strategy, marketing and management roles across a range of music companies including digital roles at Interscope Records in Santa Monica and Sony Music in Los Angeles.

     

    Cremer was in-house music supervisor and audio producer at DDB Paris for 12 years and a creative at JWT before that, working on global campaigns from VW and Audi to Neutrogena and Nike.

     

    Big Sync Music CEO Dominic Caisley said, “Angel and Marine form the ideal team to help build on our successful first 18 months in business. Their combined talents in the music and advertising industries and also their local knowledge enhance the overall Big Sync Music offering and with a team firmly on the ground in Singapore. We look forward to helping more brands with their music strategy and also building even better relationships with local music providers. I’m taking part in a panel discussion at Music Matters Live in Singapore on Wednesday 20 May discussing how music is licensed in advertisements and look forward to learning more about the music industry in this region.”

  • Miley Cyrus’ home robbed again

    Miley Cyrus’ home robbed again

    MUMBAI: Miley Cyrus’ Los Angeles home was robbed on 16 December 2014. According to prosecutors, a large quantity of her and her brother’s property was stolen from the 22 year old American singer and actress’ Toluca Lake home.

     

    The alleged thief, Rusty Edward Sellner was arrested on Monday for the offence and entered pleas for the same. However, he was pleaded not guilty when the case went to court on Wednesday.

    The Los Angeles police department’s north Hollywood division is investigating the alleged burglary.

     

    Sellner will face a preliminary hearing at the Los Angeles county superior court, van nuys branch on 20 January 2014. He could face up to seven years and eight months in state prison if convicted.

     

    Sellner has previous convictions for burglary and evading arrest.

     

    This is the second burglary for Cyrus in less than a year and a third time in two years that her home has been targeted by thieves.

     

    In May, thieves broke into her San Fernando Valley home and took clothes, purses, jewelry and a 2014 Maserati that was later abandoned. An Arizona couple went to prison for that break-in.

     

  • 2nd BAFTA Film Talent Showcase in NY, LA

    2nd BAFTA Film Talent Showcase in NY, LA

    MUMBAI: The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has today announced that it will profile BAFTA-winning director Amma Asante (A Way of Life, Belle) in April at the first of this year’s ‘Brits to Watch: The Screenings’, a series of showcase events hosted by BAFTA in New York and Los Angeles, in partnership with British Council, that introduce outstanding British film talent to the US film industry.

     

    On Tuesday 1 April in New York, and on Thursday 3 April in Los Angeles, director Amma Asante will be introduced at a screening of her second feature film Belle, which premiered at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival to strong reviews, and opened this year’s Palm Springs International Film Festival. Belle is inspired by the true story of a mixed race girl raised as an aristocratic Lady in England around the time of the abolition of slavery. The film will be released by Fox Searchlight in the US on Friday 2 May, and in the UK on Friday 13 June.

     

    In 2005, BAFTA awarded Asante the Carl Foreman Award for the Most Promising Newcomer for her debut film A Way of Life. She was also named Best Director – Drama at the BAFTA Cymru Awards in Wales in the same year.

     

    At each ‘Brits to Watch: The Screenings’ event, a British actor, director, writer or producer who shows great promise presents a sample of recent work to an exclusive audience of film industry professionals. BAFTA also arranges a number of follow-up meetings for the individuals to meet with key industry figures in both cities.

     

    Amanda Berry OBE, Chief Executive of BAFTA exclaimed his delight on continuing our ‘Brits to Watch’ activity in 2014. Three years ago, with the support of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, he launched their very first ‘Brits to Watch’ event in Los Angeles. Since then, BAFTA introduced a range of activity to support up-and-coming British talent and, now in its second year, ‘Brits to Watch: The Screenings’ – a strand that BAFTA is uniquely placed to deliver – introduces British rising stars to the US film industry. “I am thrilled that Amma Asante, a very talented film maker, and a BAFTA winner – is our next ‘Brit to Watch’.”

     

    Nigel Daly, Chairman of BAFTA Los Angeles, added: “The Brits to Watch: The Screenings series is central to BAFTA’s mission, and here in Los Angeles we are in a privileged position to offer a platform for the best British talents as they break through to the US marketplace. There is a long tradition of talent exchange between the US and UK, and we are honored to showcase the new generation of talents and support Amma as she furthers her career in the US.”

     

    Charles Tremayne, Chairman of BAFTA New York, added: “This is the second year of our Brits to Watch: The Screenings program in New York and we are delighted that we have been able to bring such talented up and coming individuals to showcase their considerable work in America. It’s a vital role for BAFTA as New York is clearly where Britain meets America so it’s even more important that we continue to encourage directors, producers, writers and actors from both sides of the pond to work together to create excellence in a truly globalized entertainment world.”

     

    Briony Hanson, Director of Film at British Council, said: “British Council is delighted to be continuing the series by showcasing the talents of Amma Asante. She’s a perfect fit for the programme having made a hugely confident second feature in Belle which marries a traditional view of British Cinema – period drama and a top notch cast – with a very unusual and surprising story. We really look forward to helping her connect with the US industry during her visit.”

     

    The first ‘Brits to Watch: The Screenings’ events took place in 2013 with BAFTA-nominated directors Clio Barnard (The Selfish Giant) and Richard Laxton (Burton and Taylor). As a result of their trips, Barnard has secured US representation with The Gersh Agency and is in contact with a number of US producers about future projects, while Laxton is in talks on a number of US projects, one of which is expected to be announced imminently.

     

    The series builds on the legacy of BAFTA’s 2011 ‘Brits to Watch’ initiative supported by Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, at which BAFTA introduced 42 promising British newcomers to leading figures in the US film, television and games industries at a black-tie gala event in Los Angeles. It is endorsed by ‘Friends of Brits to Watch: The Screenings’, a high-profile group of film professionals including: actors Damian Lewis (Homeland) Tom Hiddleston (Avengers Assemble, Midnight in Paris), Andrea Riseborough (Shadow Dancer, Brighton Rock), Simon Pegg(Star Trek, The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn), Alice Eve (Star Trek Into Darkness, Men in Black 3) and Sienna Miller (The Girl, Interview), Rebecca Hall (Parade’s End, Vicky Christina Barcelona) and David Harewood (Homeland, Blood Diamond); director Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World); screenwriter John Logan (Skyfall, Hugo, The Aviator); and writer, director and producer Armando Iannucci (Veep, In The Loop).

  • Award changes for 66th Primetime Emmy Awards

    Award changes for 66th Primetime Emmy Awards

    MUMBAI: The Television Academy’s Board of Governors has voted to approve several Award and category changes for this year’s 66th Primetime Emmy Awards. These changes were carefully considered by the Television Academy Awards Committee along with the Board of Governors to ensure that the Primetime Emmy Awards accurately celebrates the excellence in our ever-evolving industry. The following changes will be implemented into this year’s award competition:

     

    Separation of Outstanding Miniseries and Movie Program Category

     

    Outstanding Miniseries or Movie will now be split into two separate program categories. The new categories will be Outstanding Miniseries and Outstanding Television Movie. This separation is only for the program category with all other awards in the category remaining combined between the two formats. Movies and Miniseries were consolidated into a single program category in 2011 due to a general industry downtrend of the genre. The Television Academy acknowledges the increased programming of both movie and miniseries over the past three years and returned them to their pre-2011 status as separate program categories.

     

    Split of Outstanding Reality Program Category

     

    Outstanding Reality Program will now be separated into two categories – Outstanding Structured Reality Program (i.e. “Antiques Roadshow,” “MythBusters,” etc.) and Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program (i.e. “Pawn Stars,” “Duck Dynasty,” etc.). As with miniseries and movies, there is a general industry uptrend in two different types of narrative reality programming and the split accommodates that trend.

     

    Split of Outstanding Voice-Over Category

     

    Outstanding Voice-Over Performance will now be separated into two categories – Outstanding Narrator and Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance. As with longform and reality, this split acknowledges and accommodates a general industry uptrend in the distinctly different achievements that are VO narration and VO character performance.

     

    Increase in Number of Nominees for Directors, Writers and Performers in the Miniseries/Movie Category

     

    The number of longform nominees in writing, directing and performing has been increased from five to six nominees. Additionally the final voting procedure has been changed from a preferential vote in which nominations are ranked one against the other in a head-to-head competition to a ratings-score vote, in which each nomination is considered on its own terms and given its own score (with the top scorer emerging as the award recipient).

     

    Implementation of the 2% Rule for Outstanding Comedy and Drama Series Categories

     

    The 2% rule will now be applied to the comedy and drama series program categories. Under this change, a comedy or drama series whose total first-round votes are within 2% of the sixth place series would also receive a nomination, creating the possibility of seven nominees in each category. Previously the 2% rule had only applied to categories with five nominees.

     

    Outstanding Technical Direction/Camerawork/Video for a Series

     

    This award will now be classified as an area award with the possibility of one or more than one award. The nominations would continue to be proportioned according to the entries. Additionally, the number of nominations will be increased from five to six.

     

    The 66th Primetime Emmy Awards are scheduled for Monday, Aug. 25, 2014 live coast-to-coast (8-11 PM ET / 5-8 PM PT) on NBC from the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles.

  • AXN Thrillionaire awards celebrates the fandom for the top English shows

    AXN Thrillionaire awards celebrates the fandom for the top English shows

    MUMBAI: After a successful stint with the Action Awards, AXN is back with yet another on air property —AXN Thrillionaire awards. Unlike other Indian awards, AXN Thrillionaire is an award for the viewers who love international English content. Through these awards, AXN will hunt for the biggest AXN Total Thrill Junkie [TTJ] and provide the winner an opportunity to be on the sets of The Voice in Los Angeles.

    Lisa Haydon, whose performing career spans movies, television and the stage, will host the AXN Thrillioniare Awards. From her film debut with Ayesha and second outing as an actress in ‘Rascals, Kingfisher’s sultry model is all set to now play a pivotal role in the movie Queen. Watch out for the excitement, spontaneity and thrill that Lisa Haydon will bring to the show.

    Commenting on the pioneering initiative, Sunil Punjabi, Business Head, AXN India says, “We are ecstatic to introduce the very first edition of the AXN Thrillioniare Awards. As one of the pioneers in the English entertainment genre in India, we wanted to reward the AXN fans for their relentless love and fandom for the shows on AXN. Through this initiative, we intend to celebrate and thank the AXN viewers for their unconditional support and hope our viewers are just as thrilled as we are. We believe that Lisa Haydon is the perfect host for the show as she truly defines the class that AXN stands for. Moreover, her versatility and charisma will serve her very well as the host of AXN Thrillionaire Awards.”

    With the Thrillionaire Awards, AXN continues the format of voting wherein the fans will play the most important role of choosing their favorites from the various categories. To find out more on the nominees and the voting procedure, viewers can log on to www.axnawards.com.
    Log on to catch a dose of action entertainment only on AXN!

     Categories:

    •    Thrilling moments

    •    Thrilling premieres

    •    Thrilling series

    •    Thrilling Reality

    •    Thrilling gang

    •    Thrilling man

    •    Thrilling woman

    Watch out for the toxic amalgamation of thrill, adventure and the alluring Lisa Haydon only on AXN Thrillionaire Awards.

    About AXN

    Backed by the powerhouse of Sony Pictures Entertainment, AXN is the first 24 hour cable and satellite TV channel in Asia exclusively dedicated to action and adventure programming. Launched in 1998 in India, it is a leading English general entertainment destination among upscale, affluent adults aged 18-44. The channel delivers four distinctive types of programming which includes the latest global hit series, action movie blockbusters, latest seasons of adventure-reality and lifestyle sports programs and innovative AXN original productions. The channel not only enjoys a high penetration and viewership in the metros, but is also popular in tier II and tier III cities and reaching 110 million viewers in India yearly. As promised by the brand, AXN brings to its viewers intelligent, edgy, exciting, unpredictable, high energy and an unparalleled entertainment experience.

    AXN India is wholly owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment, and managed by SPE Networks – Asia. Visit www.axn-india.com for more information.

     

  • Debra O’Connel to preside over ABC National Sales

    Debra O’Connel to preside over ABC National Sales

    MUMBAI: American Broadcasting Company (ABC) executive Debra O’Connell has been promoted to president of ABC National Television Sales, it was announced today by Rebecca Campbell, president of the ABC Owned Television Stations Group. She succeeds John Watkins, who previously announced that he will retire at the end of January.

     

    ABC National Television Sales is the sales and marketing arm of the ABC Owned Television Stations Group. Ms. O’Connell will be responsible for national advertising sales at ABC’s eight owned stations in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Houston, Raleigh-Durham and Fresno as well as their extensive digital platforms, The Live Well Network and ABC Regional Sports & Entertainment Sales. ABC National Television Sales has nine regional sales offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Dallas, Atlanta, Detroit and Boston.

     

    Ms. OConnell has been with ABC for 17 years. She was previously senior vice president of sales for ABC National Television Sales, a position to which she was named in 2011. Prior to that, she served as senior vice president of Multimedia Sales and Marketing for the division from 2006-2011. She was also vice president of Marketing at WABC-TV in New York, where she first joined the ABC Television division in 1999 after working at ABC Radio in Sales and Marketing.

     

    She began her career as an account executive for two of Liberty Broadcasting’s radio stations, and marketing director for DiCarlo Distributors.

     

    Ms. O’Connell serves as chairman of the Television Bureau of Advertising Sales Advisory Committee, as well as being an Executive Board Member, where she works with senior media & advertising executives to develop policy and new trends in the local broadcasting industry. She is also a member of Nielsen’s Local Alliance Committee. Ms. O’Connell is a mentor in The Walt Disney Company mentor program and is deeply involved in the ABC NTVS internship program.