BRAD BESSEY NAMED EXECUTIVE PRODUCER OF "THE TALK," CBS's NEW DAYTIME TALK SHOW

Brad Bessey, Co-Executive Producer of "Entertainment Tonight," has been named Executive Producer of THE TALK, CBS's new daytime talk show that will examine topical events and contemporary issues through the eyes of six female co-hosts who are all mothers.

The announcement was made by Barbara Bloom, Senior Vice President, Daytime, CBS Entertainment, to whom Bessey will report.

"Having a producer of Brad's caliber at the reins of the show is a coup for 'The Talk,'" said Bloom. "We look forward to his energy, his ideas and a fantastic launch of this unique daytime show. Brad's ability to translate news and current events through the lens of a format like 'Entertainment Tonight,' along with his sensitivity as a parent of a small child, makes him the ideal person to lead our exciting new team."

"Daytime television is about to get more dynamic with six incredible, outspoken mothers who are not afraid to keep it real," said Bessey. "I am thrilled to be part of this exciting and ambitious show. I will always be grateful for my 15 years at 'Entertainment Tonight,' to my friends and mentors Linda Bell Blue, Terry Wood and John Nogawski, and to the dedicated staffs of 'ET' and 'The Insider' who inspired me every day. Now, I look forward to working with Sara and John and the production team to give daytime audiences something to really talk about with 'The Talk.'"

Bessey has been Co-Executive Producer of "Entertainment Tonight," television's number one rated syndicated magazine show, since 2005. In that position, Bessey has overseen all aspects of the broadcast, including staffing, planning, show rundowns, story approvals, interviews, scripts, writing, casting as well as supervising all aspects of ETonline, ET on MSN and TheInsider.com.

Bessey's responsibilities also included managing a staff of more than 200, including producers, writers, directors, on-air hosts and correspondents, editors, graphic artists, stage crew and online staff. He was also responsible for "Entertainment Tonight's" on-air promotion and worked with CBS Advertising Sales to create integrated content segments which generated additional revenue.

Bessey joined "Entertainment Tonight" in 1995 as coordinating producer. He was later promoted to Senior Producer and then Co-Executive Producer in 2005. He also serves as Senior Consultant on "The Insider." Prior to "Entertainment Tonight," Bessey was Director of Talent and Development, E! Entertainment Television (1994-1995), Senior Talent Executive, "Leeza" (1993-1994) and Talent Executive, "The Montel Williams Show" (1992). Bessey is a member of the Writers Guild of America.

THE TALK, which premieres on CBS in October (Weekdays, 2:00-3:00 PM, ET; 1:00-2:00 PM, PT), will be co-hosted by Julie Chen, Sara Gilbert, Sharon Osbourne, Holly Robinson Peete, Leah Remini and Marissa Jaret Winokur. The co-hosts � moms with children ranging in age from infant to adult�will swap stories, challenge each other on issues and engage the studio audience and viewers at home with events in the headlines and their own homes through the lens of motherhood. In addition to Bessey, Gilbert, who developed the show, also serves as an executive producer along with John Redmann.