LPWire: ABC Sports Names George Bodenheimer President
ABC Sports Names George
Bodenheimer President ABC, Inc
ABC Sports President Howard Katz Departs Disney Team After Decade with ABC and
ESPN Veteran television sports executive Howard Katz, most recently president of
ABC Sports, has decided to resign from The Walt Disney Company to pursue other
interests after a highly successful management track record at both ESPN and ABC
over the past decade. The announcement of Mr. Katz's resignation, effective
March 14, was made today by Robert Iger, president and chief operating officer
of The Walt Disney Company, and Alex Wallau, president of the ABC Television
Network.
At the same time, Messrs. Iger and Wallau announced that George Bodenheimer
will become president of ABC Sports, in addition to his ongoing duties as
president of ESPN, Inc. Mr. Bodenheimer's expanded responsibilities will put
both television sports assets of The Walt Disney Company under his direction.
In making these announcements, Mr. Iger commented: "George's record of
success and innovation at ESPN and his familiarity with ABC Sports make him
uniquely suited to take on this role. This move will enhance the overall
efficiency and effectiveness at both TV sports operations and, in particular, in
our dealings with sports leagues and other rights sellers."
No other changes in the management of ABC Sports are contemplated at the
present time, and ABC Sports and ESPN will continue to be run as separate
operations within The Walt Disney Company. In his dual capacity, Mr. Bodenheimer
will continue to report to Mr. Iger; however overall management of ABC Sports
will continue to function as part of the ABC Television Network.
"Over the past 10 years, Howard Katz has been a tremendous force for
television sports excellence at both ABC and ESPN," Mr. Iger added. "We wish
Howard much continued success as he moves on to new playing fields."
Mr. Wallau commented: "Bob Iger and I both have our roots at ABC Sports and,
like so many people inside and outside the Company, we've witnessed first-hand
the multifaceted talents and numerous innovations Howard has brought to the
business. All of us here at the ABC Television Network wish him well as he
focuses his energy and expertise in new directions."
Mr. Katz said: "After the past decade at ABC and ESPN, and more than 32
nonstop years in the TV sports business overall, I feel it's now time to
consider new opportunities. The outstanding quality and reputation of ABC Sports
is a direct reflection of the many people I've been privileged to work with in
the sports division, and I couldn't be prouder of what we've all accomplished
since I returned to ABC Sports from ESPN four years ago."
Mr. Bodenheimer said: "Thanks in no small measure to Howard's leadership over
the years, ABC Sports and ESPN represent two of the most powerful assets in
sports television. Going forward and with the support of The Walt Disney
Company, we will continue to provide our fans, advertisers, affiliates and
rights sellers with programming, production and marketing efforts second to
none. With new technologies like high-definition television, the years ahead
will be even more dynamic."
Howard Katz biography
Howard Katz was named president, ABC Sports, on March 25, 1999, moving from
ESPN. Under his leadership, ABC Sports acquired or renewed the television rights
for the NBA, the Indianapolis 500 and the Indy Racing league, the British Open,
the PGA TOUR and the Little League World Series. Additionally, the contract to
televise the Bowl Championship Series was extended, along with the addition of
the Big East Conference college football and an extension of the Big 12
Conference. Mr. Katz is also credited with signing John Madden to join ABC's
"Monday Night Football," and with creating the first-ever primetime golf match
between Tiger Woods and David Duvall in August of 1999, as well as the
subsequent follow-ups that have aired in primetime each summer.
Prior to his appointment to ABC Sports, Mr. Katz served as executive vice
president, ESPN, where he oversaw all remote and studio production for ESPN's
domestic and international activities, as well as the company's engineering and
technical operations. His responsibilities extended to ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNEWS,
ESPN Classic, ESPN Regional Television, ESPN Radio and ESPN International's
worldwide networks.
Mr. Katz joined ESPN in May 1993 as senior vice president, Production. He
played an integral role in the company's expansion, including the launch of
ESPN2 and ESPNEWS, the growth of the ESPY Awards and the expansion of ESPN
"SportsCenter" to a one-hour program. ESPN received numerous Sports Emmy Awards
and CableACE Awards under his direction.
Before joining ESPN, Mr. Katz had been president and chief operating officer
of Los Angeles-based OCC (formerly Ohlmeyer Communications). He worked at Trans
World International in both New York and Los Angeles (1974-83) as vice
president, responsible for TWI's television production and program development.
He was at ABC Sports from 1971 to 1974.
George Bodenheimer biography
George Bodenheimer, who joined ESPN in 1981, was named ESPN president in
October 1998. Since that time, ESPN's domestic and international businesses have
grown to more than 40 entities. He set the strategy for The Walt Disney
Company's successful acquisition of the NBA, and negotiated a wide-ranging,
multi-media agreement with the league, making ESPN the first television network
in history to own television rights to all four major professional leagues at
the same time.
Under Mr. Bodenheimer's direction, ESPN has increased its commitment to
original program content -- the result is ESPN Original Entertainment, which
produces popular programming outside the network's traditional event and
news/information genres -- and acquired the businesses and assets of BASS, the
world's largest fishing organization, leading to the creation of another
programming initiative, ESPN Outdoors.
Through Mr. Bodenheimer's leadership, ESPN has secured long- term agreements
with the NCAA, including every game of the Women's Basketball Tournament,
beginning this year; the PGA Tour; the French Open, and World Cup and MLS
soccer. His focus on utilizing new technologies to serve fans has led to ESPN's
variety of services, including interactive television, broadband, video on
demand, wireless products and -- launching March 30 -- ESPN HD, a
high-definition simulcast service of ESPN.
ESPN will also launch ESPN Deportes, a 24-hour Spanish language network to be
distributed in the U.S. Offshore, nine new networks have been launched since Mr.
Bodenheimer became president, including ESPN Classic Sport in France and in
Italy.
--Posted March 3, 2003
George Bodenheimer Becomes President of ABC Sports, In Addition to His Ongoing
Responsibilities as President of ESPN, Inc
Source: ABC Sports