Showtime Networks Names Stuart Zakim Vice President, Corporate Public Relations

Showtime Networks Names Stuart Zakim Vice President, Corporate Public Relations

NEW YORK, Jan. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- In a move further signaling the growth and public profile of Showtime Networks' brand through its acclaimed original programming, new media innovations and marketing initiatives, Stuart Zakim has been named Vice President, Corporate Public Relations, it was announced today by Richard Licata, Executive Vice President, Corporate Communications for Showtime Networks. Zakim, who will report directly to Licata, will be based in Showtime's New York office.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060118/NYW121 )

In this newly created position, Zakim will work closely with Licata to heighten Showtime's entertainment and cable trade profile by creating strategic corporate public relations campaigns for its new media initiatives, research, sales, marketing and affiliate activities. One of Zakim's first assignments is to launch Showtime's 30th Anniversary media outreach. He will also act as the New York PR liaison with Showtime's corporate parent, CBS Corporation.

A public relations veteran with close to thirty years in the motion picture and magazine industries, Zakim comes to Showtime from American Media where he oversaw the public relations activities for the company and its 22 magazines. He has also held senior level public relations positions at Wenner Media, Playboy Enterprises, Universal Pictures and Columbia Pictures.

"Stu is the consummate public relations professional: smart, strategic, results oriented and respected by the media," said Licata. "As Showtime continues to develop groundbreaking original programming and keep pace with the various technological innovations sweeping the television industry, it's more important than ever to distinguish ourselves within this competitive environment. Beginning a third Showtime decade with Stu's vast PR experience and grasp of our business priorities can only strengthen the network's position as an industry leader."

"I'm very excited to be coming to Showtime and joining a team that is generating such buzz in the industry," said Zakim. "I look forward to working with Rich Licata and the Showtime senior management team as they continue to build the network's unique brand and profile within the entertainment, business and media communities."

Zakim is a graduate of Boston University's College of Communication where he serves on the Dean's Advisory Council, as well as a member of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences, the Governor's Council of PROMAX, the Executive Board of the Publicity Club of New York and the Friar's Club. He resides in Edison, New Jersey with his wife and three children.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME(R), THE MOVIE CHANNEL(TM) and FLIX(R), as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME(R) TOO(TM), SHOWTIME(R) SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME(R), SHOWTIME BEYOND(R), SHOWTIME NEXT(R), SHOWTIME WOMEN(R), SHOWTIME FAMILYZONE(R) and TMC XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD(R), THE MOVIE CHANNEL HD(TM), SHOWTIME ON DEMAND(TM) and THE MOVIE CHANNEL ON DEMAND(TM). SNI is also an owner and manager of SUNDANCE CHANNEL, a venture of NBC Universal, Robert Redford and SNI. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME(R) PPV. Additionally, the advertiser-supported television network SHOWTIME is available in Turkey through a joint venture with UK-based Zone Vision.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060118/NYW121
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN9
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Showtime

CONTACT: Frank Marchesini of Showtime, +1-310-234-5342,
frank.marchesini@showtime.net

Web site: http://www.sho.com/

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