In another senior level executive move, CBS Corp. named Ray
Hopkins president of television networks distribution.
Hopkins, who had been chief operating officer of the New
York Yankees' YES Network, will report to Joseph Ianniello, whoon Wednesday was promoted from CFO at CBS to COO.
Hopkins and Ianniello will work together to secure new
retransmission and affiliation agreements for the CBS Television Network,
Showtime Networks, CBS Sports Network, Smithsonian Networks and TVGN, the
company said.
"CBS Corporation provides much of the best content in the
business to cable operators, satellite providers and telco services, among others,"
Ianniello said in a statement. "Realizing full value from the growing number of
viable distribution services is a cornerstone of the company's growth strategy.
We are very pleased to add an executive of Ray's caliber -- particularly one
with his wealth of relevant experience -- to bring this initiative to another
level."
CBS has been growing its subscription-based income, reducing its
dependence on advertising revenue, which can vary with ratings and the economy.
Hopkins
spent nine years as COO at YES Network. Before that, he was executive VP of
affiliate sales and marketing for Gemstar-TV Guide. Previously he was with Fox
Cable Networks. He began his career at CNBC in 1989 in affiliate relations.
