Philadelphia, PA, October 25, 2005 - PBS KIDS Sprout, a new
television and online provider of content devoted to preschool
children and their parents and caregivers, today announced two
senior executive appointments: Sandy Wax will join the network as
President effective November 2 and Andrew Beecham has joined the
network as Senior Vice President of Programming. In addition,
Diana Kerekes, Vice President and General Counsel of Content
Development for Comcast Corporation, will assume a seat on the PBS
KIDS Sprout Board of Directors after serving as acting General
Manager for the network during its development and launch.
"We're making PBS KIDS Sprout the premier multi-platform
destination for outstanding programming that kids love and parents
trust, and Sandy and Andrew are ideally suited to lead those
efforts," said Ms. Kerekes. "Their extensive industry
experience, enthusiasm and creativity will help ensure the
network's continued success."
Added Jeff Shell, President of Comcast Programming, "Sandy
brings tremendous programming expertise and a solid understanding
of how to effectively communicate programming to consumers.
I'm confident she will build on the successful foundation that
Diana and the entire Sprout team has created for this new
network."
Ms. Wax will oversee all strategy and operations for the new
Philadelphia-based network. She joins PBS KIDS Sprout from Disney
ABC Cable Networks, where she most recently served as Senior Vice
President, SOAPnet Program Planning, Scheduling and
Acquisitions. A 16-year cable industry veteran, Ms. Wax
joined Disney ABC Cable Networks in 1998, where she developed the
Playhouse Disney curriculum, which became the brand blueprint for
Playhouse Disney. She also has held several senior management
positions with Disney ABC Cable Networks and Discovery
Networks.
"I am thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking effort to meet
the needs of preschoolers and the people who love them with the
first and only 24x7 preschool channel, VOD service and Website,"
said Ms. Wax. "I'm looking forward to making PBS KIDS Sprout
the first choice for parents looking for safe, fun, quality
programming for their children - anytime, anywhere."
Mr. Beecham, who most recently served as Senior Vice President of
Programming Investments for HIT Entertainment, will report to Ms.
Wax and is leading PBS KIDS Sprout's programming development and
acquisition strategies. In this role, he is responsible for
the overall consumer-facing presentation of the network's 24x7
digital cable channel, video-on-demand (VOD) programming and
Internet site (www.sproutletsgrow.com).
While at HIT Entertainment, Mr. Beecham worked closely with Ms.
Kerekes in the formation of PBS KIDS Sprout, serving as HIT
Entertainment's liaison in developing the network's programming
policies and on-air presentation. Prior to joining HIT
Entertainment, he served as Director Playhouse Disney, Worldwide
Programming Strategy Group for ABC Cable Networks Group.
During his nine-year tenure, Mr. Beecham was responsible for
creating and introducing the Playhouse Disney programming format to
numerous International markets and oversaw global production.
"PBS KIDS Sprout has a programming strategy together with a look
and feel that is totally unique in the U.S.," said Mr.
Beecham. "I'm delighted to be joining a network that will
change the way kids and caregivers view and use pre-school content;
on air, on-demand and on-line."
PBS KIDS Sprout launched its VOD service in April, and its 24x7
digital cable channel and Website (www.sproutletsgrow.com)
in September. The network is available on digital cable and
satellite with over 16 million committed subscribers, with a
program lineup that includes Sesame Street®, Bob the Builder™,
Barney & Friends™, Thomas & Friends™, Angelina Ballerina™,
Sagwa: The Chinese Siamese Cat™, Caillou®, The Berenstain
Bears™, Jay Jay the Jet Plane™, Teletubbies™, Dragon Tales™,
Pingu™, Noddy™ and more.
About PBS KIDS Sprout
PBS KIDS Sprout was created as a partnership between Comcast
Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) the country's leading provider
of cable, entertainment and communications products and services;
PBS (Public Broadcasting Service), the most trusted distributor of
award-winning children's programming; and HIT Entertainment and
Sesame Workshop, two of the leading providers of quality
entertainment for young children.
PRESS CONTACT
Jenni Moyer
215-851-3311
jenni_moyer@comcast.com
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