ORLANDO, Fla. (April 4, 2007) – Today, the GOLF CHANNEL, television’s first, truly tailored sports network and the only channel offering 24-hour-a-day golf programming, named Page H. Thompson president.
Thompson, 45, is former senior vice president and general manager of video services for Comcast. In his new role, Thompson will oversee all operations at the GOLF CHANNEL and direct the network’s continued mission of providing meaningful and relevant programming to all of its viewers. He will also focus on leveraging the network’s one-of-a-kind 15-year deal with the PGA TOUR to bring fans unique content. "I’m looking forward to working with Page and believe that his experience, specifically his expertise in the new media arena, will serve the network tremendously as it moves into the new multi-platform digital world," said David Manougian, chief executive officer of the GOLF CHANNEL.
"Page has a proven track record in programming and management. He’s had tremendous success creating Comcast’s On Demand service and in developing and managing new and innovative content relationships for that service," said Jeff Shell, president of Comcast Programming Group. "Page’s leadership in multi-platform programming and enthusiasm for the sport will help the GOLF CHANNEL expand into new cross-platform programming opportunities."
Thompson said, "As someone who is passionate about golf and creating quality programming, I’m thrilled to be joining the GOLF CHANNEL. The network has experienced incredible growth and achieved remarkable brand recognition from an audience that is dedicated and committed to all that’s related to golf. I look forward to joining this terrific team and leading the network to its next phase."
At Comcast, Thompson was responsible for the company’s video product for their 24.2 million cable customers and is credited with building Comcast’s industry leading video on demand service from conception to the present platform that boasts more 9,000 programs each month and more than 4 billion views since it launched in 2004.
Before Comcast, Thompson worked in several marketing positions with both General Cinema Theatres, where he ran all marketing and communications, and served as general manager of all the non-film, revenue-generating business for the company; and for the Pepsi-Cola Company, where he served in a variety of brand management positions. He also worked in account management for New York advertising agency Benton & Bowles.
Thompson earned a bachelors degree from Princeton University and a graduate degree from Harvard Business School. A lifelong golfer, he is a member of Cape Arundel Golf Club in Kennebunkport, Maine, where he used to caddie in his youth. Thompson will make the transition to the GOLF CHANNEL’s Orlando, Fla., headquarters in May with his wife and two sons.
GOLF CHANNEL(www.GolfChannel.com), co-founded by Arnold Palmer and a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCSA, CMSK), is available in more than 100 million homes worldwide through cable, satellite and wireless companies. It features a programming schedule that includes more live golf coverage than all other networks combined, as well as news, instruction and original productions, such as the popular The Big Break. The GOLF CHANNEL became the exclusive cable home of the PGA TOUR in 2007, and will televise part or all of every official-money event. In addition, the network is exclusive television home of the Nationwide Tour, European Tour and Canadian Tour, and the exclusive cable home of the Champions Tour. Also featured is a generous mix of other competition from the LPGA Tour, USGA, PGA of America, PGA Tour of Australasia and Sunshine Tour of Southern Africa.
Contact:
Dan Higgins, GOLF CHANNEL
407-355-4018 office
Jennifer Khoury, Comcast Corporation
215-320-7408
