YES Network has elevated Eric Handler to vice president of communications.
Handler, who joined the regional sports network in May 2005 as director of communications, will continue to oversee all corporate communications and programming publicity efforts for the service, promoting its array of business, on-air and digital initiatives. YES is the regional home to Major League Baseball’s New York Yankees and the National Basketball Association’s New Jersey Nets.
“Eric has done a great job of developing and implementing strategic communications plans which have enhanced the value of YES in the eyes of our viewers and our business partners,” said YES COO Ray Hopkins, to whom Handler will continue to report, in a statement. “Eric will play a vital role as we continue to roll out new programming, production, sales and marketing initiatives, on our linear network and on various digital platforms.”
Before joining YES, Handler was director, corporate communications at CSTV, now known as CBS College Sports. The industry veteran also did a stint as director of publicity for the United States Tennis Association’s professional tennis unit, including the U.S. Open.
Handler also served in various capacities at The Walt Disney Co. from 1995-2001. After working in ESPN’s corporate communications unit from1995-97, he became director of communications for the Walt Disney Internet Group, where he managed media relations efforts for ESPN.com, ABCNEWS.com, the group’s advertising sales department and Disney’s interactive television unit.
His resume also includes entries at Lapin East/West Public Relations and publicity positions at Madison Square Garden Boxing and Yonkers Raceway.
