or


[03/11/09 - 10:29 AM]
Ion Media Networks Creates Integrated Multichannel and Broadcast Distribution Organization
John Lawson will oversee the distribution relations team, taking over for the departing Steve Friedman.
[via press release from ION Media Networks]

ION Media Networks Creates Integrated Multichannel and Broadcast Distribution Organization

John Lawson, EVP, ION Media Networks, is Appointed to Lead

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- ION Media Networks, Inc. today announced the creation of an integrated distribution organization that manages the company's relationships with multichannel operators, broadcast affiliates, and industry policy leaders. The Distribution Relations team will be overseen by John Lawson, Executive Vice President, ION Media Networks, who also has been nominated to represent ION on the boards of the National Association of Broadcasters and Maximum Service Television.

Long-time cable distribution executive, Steve Friedman, ION Media Network's President of Network Distribution, will depart ION to pursue personal business ventures, but will remain senior advisor on strategic multichannel distribution matters.

"John's background brings an integrated business and policy approach to our network distribution relations with multichannel and broadcast affiliates," said Brandon Burgess, Chairman and CEO of ION Media Networks. "Steve Friedman has been integral to building ION Television's footprint, and I will continue to rely on his experience as senior advisor to me and the team."

"This new organization will maximize our opportunities as we continue to expand the reach of our networks," said Lawson. "I look forward to working alongside, John Heffron, ION's SVP, Affiliate Sales, who will continue to lead us in developing our invaluable distribution partnerships."

Lawson joined ION in 2008 after seven years as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Public Television Stations, where he played a lead role in fundraising and strategic business alliances for the digital transition and expansion of public television. He was also a founding board member of the Open Mobile Video Coalition.

About ION Media Networks

ION Media Networks, Inc. owns and operates the nation's largest broadcast television station group and ION Television, which reaches over 95 million U.S. television households via its nationwide broadcast television, cable and satellite distribution systems, and features popular TV series and movies from the award-winning libraries of RHI Entertainment, CBS Television, NBC Universal, Sony Pictures Television, Twentieth Television and Warner Bros., among others. Using its digital multicasting capability, the Company has launched several digital TV brands, including qubo, a channel for children focusing on literacy and values, and ION Life, a channel dedicated to active living and personal growth. It also has launched Open Mobile Ventures Corporation (OMVION), a business unit focused on the research and development of portable, mobile and out-of-home transmission technology using over-the-air digital television spectrum. For more information, visit www.ionmedia.com.





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