PBS KIDS Sprout Names Sandy Wax President and Andrew Beecham Senior Vice President of Programming

PBS KIDS Sprout Names Sandy Wax President and Andrew Beecham Senior Vice President of Programming

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- PBS KIDS Sprout, a new television and online provider of content devoted to preschool children and their parents and caregivers, today announced two senior executive appointments: Sandy Wax will join the network as President effective November 2 and Andrew Beecham has joined the network as Senior Vice President of Programming. In addition, Diana Kerekes, Vice President and General Counsel of Content Development for Comcast Corporation, will assume a seat on the PBS KIDS Sprout Board of Directors after serving as acting General Manager for the network during its development and launch.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051025/PHTU017-ahttp://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051025/PHTU017-b )

"We're making PBS KIDS Sprout the premier multi-platform destination for outstanding programming that kids love and parents trust, and Sandy and Andrew are ideally suited to lead those efforts," said Ms. Kerekes. "Their extensive industry experience, enthusiasm and creativity will help ensure the network's continued success."

Added Jeff Shell, President of Comcast Programming, "Sandy brings tremendous programming expertise and a solid understanding of how to effectively communicate programming to consumers. I'm confident she will build on the successful foundation that Diana and the entire Sprout team has created for this new network."

Ms. Wax will oversee all strategy and operations for the new Philadelphia- based network. She joins PBS KIDS Sprout from Disney ABC Cable Networks, where she most recently served as Senior Vice President, SOAPnet Program Planning, Scheduling and Acquisitions. A 16-year cable industry veteran, Ms. Wax joined Disney ABC Cable Networks in 1998, where she developed the Playhouse Disney curriculum, which became the brand blueprint for Playhouse Disney. She also has held several senior management positions with Disney ABC Cable Networks and Discovery Networks.

"I am thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking effort to meet the needs of preschoolers and the people who love them with the first and only 24x7 preschool channel, VOD service and Website," said Ms. Wax. "I'm looking forward to making PBS KIDS Sprout the first choice for parents looking for safe, fun, quality programming for their children - anytime, anywhere."

Mr. Beecham, who most recently served as Senior Vice President of Programming Investments for HIT Entertainment, will report to Ms. Wax and is leading PBS KIDS Sprout's programming development and acquisition strategies. In this role, he is responsible for the overall consumer-facing presentation of the network's 24x7 digital cable channel, video-on-demand (VOD) programming and Internet site (http://www.sproutletsgrow.com/).

While at HIT Entertainment, Mr. Beecham worked closely with Ms. Kerekes in the formation of PBS KIDS Sprout, serving as HIT Entertainment's liaison in developing the network's programming policies and on-air presentation. Prior to joining HIT Entertainment, he served as Director Playhouse Disney, Worldwide Programming Strategy Group for ABC Cable Networks Group. During his nine-year tenure, Mr. Beecham was responsible for creating and introducing the Playhouse Disney programming format to numerous International markets and oversaw global production.

"PBS KIDS Sprout has a programming strategy together with a look and feel that is totally unique in the U.S.," said Mr. Beecham. "I'm delighted to be joining a network that will change the way kids and caregivers view and use pre-school content; on air, on-demand and on-line."

PBS KIDS Sprout launched its VOD service in April, and its 24x7 digital cable channel and Website (http://www.sproutletsgrow.com/) in September. The network is available on digital cable and satellite with over 16 million committed subscribers, with a program lineup that includes Sesame Street(R), Bob the Builder(TM), Barney & Friends(TM), Thomas & Friends(TM), Angelina Ballerina(TM), Sagwa: The Chinese Siamese Cat(TM), Caillou(R), The Berenstain Bears(TM), Jay Jay the Jet Plane(TM), Teletubbies(TM), Dragon Tales(TM), Pingu(TM), Noddy(TM) and more.

About PBS KIDS Sprout

PBS KIDS Sprout was created as a partnership between Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA)(NASDAQ:CMCSK) the country's leading provider of cable, entertainment and communications products and services; PBS (Public Broadcasting Service), the most trusted distributor of award-winning children's programming; and HIT Entertainment and Sesame Workshop, two of the leading providers of quality entertainment for young children.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051025/PHTU017-a http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051025/PHTU017-b AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/ AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN4, PRN5 PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Source: Comcast Corporation

CONTACT: Jenni Moyer, Comcast Corporation, +1-215-851-3311, jenni_moyer@comcast.com

Web site: http://www.comcast.com/ http://www.sproutletsgrow.com/

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