Leighton Leaves Starz Entertainment Group Programming Post

Leighton Leaves Starz Entertainment Group Programming Post Shelanski Takes Over Scheduling, Acquisition Duties ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Jan. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Starz Entertainment Group LLC (SEG) today announced that Robert Leighton has resigned as executive vice president of programming and programming operations at the company. He had been with SEG since 1998 and played a key role in concluding numerous long-term programming agreements that secured rights for thousands of films from major Hollywood studios for the premium television service, including the rights to transmit those films in an on-demand format and over the Internet. "It's been a great run for me at Starz. Helping to build a billion dollar business with John Sie and the rest of the team will always be a highlight in my life, both professionally and personally. With our film supply deals in place for many years to come, this seemed an opportune time for new challenges," Leighton said. "I take great pride in the widely popular channels we have created, the relationships we have forged with our studio partners, and the remarkably talented team we have assembled in the programming department. So I depart feeling confident about the continued growth and success of Starz, particularly with Bob Clasen at the helm." SEG president and chief executive officer Robert B. Clasen said, "Starz Entertainment Group owes a great deal to Bob Leighton. His knowledge of both our distribution partners and our suppliers played a key role in bringing us to the position where we have long-term deals for the top Hollywood films and the rights to transmit those films over a variety of distribution systems. We all wish him the very best in his next venture." Clasen announced that Leighton's position will not be filled immediately. The bulk of his duties in programming acquisitions, original productions and scheduling will be assumed by Stephan Shelanski, senior vice president of programming and acquisitions. Leighton joined SEG in 1998 after 17 years at HBO where he served in a variety of posts, including senior vice president of HBO International. He began his career in 1979 at Young & Rubicam in New York City where he bought advertising time on broadcast and cable networks. He received his undergraduate degree from Harvard College and an MBA from Columbia University. Prior to coming to SEG in 1994, Shelanski worked for HBO, serving as director of scheduling for Cinemax. Shelanski received his undergraduate degree from Harvard College and a Masters in Cinema Studies from New York University. Starz Entertainment Group LLC (SEG) is the largest provider of premium movie services in the United States with approximately 167 million pay units. SEG offerings include the Starz Super Pak(R), with up to 13 digital movie channels and more than 750 movies per month, STARZ! HD, Starz On Demand(R), and STARZ! Ticket, the first and only on-demand premium TV subscription service available on the broadband platform. Starz Entertainment Group is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation (NYSE:L)(NYSE:LMCb), www.starz.com. Contact: Tom Southwick Senior Vice President Starz Entertainment Group (720) 852-5821 tom.southwick@starz.com Source: Starz Entertainment Group LLC CONTACT: Tom Southwick, Senior Vice President of Starz Entertainment Group, +1-720-852-5821, tom.southwick@starz.com Web site: http://www.starz.com/ ------- Profile: International Entertainment