Dennis Johnson Joins GSN, the Network for Games, as Executive Director, Publicity and Corporate Communications

Dennis Johnson Joins GSN, the Network for Games, as Executive Director, Publicity and Corporate Communications

Former Fox Sports Net Public Relations Director Will Handle Sports Entertainment Programming Among Other Department Duties

SANTA MONICA, Calif., March 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Dennis Johnson has been named to the newly-created position of Executive Director, Publicity and Corporate Communications for GSN, the network for games, announced Cindy Ronzoni, Vice President, Publicity and Corporate Communications, GSN, to whom he will report. Johnson, who was Director of Public Relations at Fox Sports Net West and West 2 since 2000, will be based in GSN's Santa Monica headquarters.

Johnson's responsibilities for the Sony Pictures Entertainment and Liberty Media Corporation owned cable network will include series coverage and corporate communications messaging in conjunction with the 56 million home network and its companion website, GSN.com. Among his immediate duties, Johnson will oversee the network's popular EXTREME DODGEBALL series, acquisitions, and aspects of publicity for the network's casino programming, community affairs events, marketing endeavors and series development. He will also assist Ronzoni regarding trade matters, corporate announcements and in creating long-range strategies for the department.

"As GSN's casino and sports entertainment programming continues to grow in popularity it became apparent that the department needed a sports specialist to address our immediate needs," said Ronzoni. "I have always been a big fan of Dennis'. His background, skills and industry contacts are among the best in the business. I look forward to working with him and implementing the new ideas that he will bring to department. He was the perfect candidate for the job and we are very excited that he will be joining our team."

Johnson joins GSN after serving 10 years at Fox Sports Net where his tenure began as Publicist at Fox Sports Net West and Fox Sports Net West 2. While there, he helped develop media plans and strategies for branding new networks and handled trade and consumer press for numerous series. In 1997, he was named Manager of Media Relations for Fox Sports Net Northwest located in Seattle and was responsible for managing the new public relations department for the regional sports network which covered Oregon, Washington and parts of Alaska, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. In 1998, he was promoted to Manager of National Media Relations for Fox Sports Net. He handled publicity efforts on such national shows as "Fox Sports News," "The Last Word with Jim Rome," and "NFL This Morning," among others. From there, he rose to Director of Public Relations at FSN West and West 2. In this most recent position, he was in charge of all public relations responsibilities for the successful regional sports network including charity events, with professional and college team partners, community relations and marketing efforts.

Prior to joining Fox Sports Net, he worked in various positions for the Los Angeles Dodgers organization and was the office manager for Andrew D. Bernstein Photography, the official photographer for the Los Angeles Lakers, Dodgers, Kings and Clippers.

Johnson graduated from the University of Southern California (USC) with a bachelor of science in business administration and marketing. Johnson and his wife, Patty, reside in Los Angeles' South Bay area.

GSN, the Network for Games, is the only U.S. television network dedicated to game-related programming and interactive game playing. The network features game shows, reality series, documentaries, alternative sports programs and casino games. As the industry leader in interactivity, GSN features 84 hours per week of interactive programming, which allows viewers a chance to win prizes by playing along with GSN's televised games via GSN.com. Reaching 56 million Nielsen homes, GSN is distributed in the U.S. through all major cable systems and satellite providers. The network is jointly owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Liberty Media Corporation. For further media information, visit GSN's press website at corp.gsn.com.

Source: GSN

CONTACT: Dennis Johnson, +1-310-255-6935, djohnson@gsn.com, or Cindy Ronzoni, +1-310-255-6933, cronzoni@gsn.com, both of GSN

Web site: http://corp.gsn.com/

NOTE TO EDITORS: A digital photograph of Johnson is available upon request.

------- Profile: Ent