Eric Berger, Senior Vice President, Digital Networks, Sony Pictures Television to Lead Crackle
PRNewswire
CULVER CITY, Calif.
10/29/2008
Eric Berger, senior vice president, digital networks, will take over the reins of Crackle, Sony Pictures Entertainment's online video network, it was announced today by Sean Carey, senior executive vice president, Sony Pictures Television (SPT).
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In this role, Berger will oversee content development and programming, marketing and distribution for Crackle.
"Eric has a clear vision for the future of Crackle," said Carey, "one that takes advantage of the studio's current relationships and assets as well as looking for breakout talent. His passion for the space and for Crackle's potential are certain to take it to the next level."
"Crackle is our next generation premiere content network, developed specifically for interactive platforms," said Berger. "With our huge distribution footprint, we're poised to become a terrific digital brand that combines the best attributes of traditional television with an immersive online-friendly experience."
Crackle, based at the studio's headquarters in Culver City, marries the best elements of traditional television with an online sensibility, providing new original content daily that is available on-demand and an immersive experience, organized in a branded, easy to use format. Drawing on the resources and assets of the studio, Crackle brings the best new original series developed specifically for online and mobile, as well as programming from the studio's vast library of television series and feature films.
Crackle's content can be found at www.crackle.com as well as across one of the largest distribution networks in the industry, making it possible for consumers to enjoy Crackle content across the best online and mobile outlets including: YouTube, MySpace, Hulu, AOL, Sprint, Verizon and AT&T, among others.
Berger also manages the day to day operations of the digital networks group. These responsibilities include the programming and distribution functions for multi-platform channels including The Minisode Network; the Vault, SPT's television library channel; and PIX, SPT's movie channel.
Berger joined the company in 2006 as vice president, mobile entertainment. He guided SPT's mobile games division from 17th to 5th place in the market, and he successfully launched video services on all available mobile operators including Verizon, Sprint and AT&T. Prior to Sony, Berger was Vice President of Strategic Planning at Time Warner Inc. (AOL, HBO, Turner Broadcasting, Time Inc., Time Warner Cable, and Warner Bros.) where he was responsible for wireless initiatives and the creation of new digital growth businesses. His efforts included shaping the company's overall mobile strategy, including driving investment, acquisition and business development.
Sony Pictures Television is one of the television industry's leading content providers. It produces and distributes programming in every genre, including series, telefilms, theatrical releases and family entertainment for network and cable television, as well as first-run and off-network series for syndication. With more than 25 programs on the air, SPT boasts a program slate that includes the top-rated daytime dramas and game shows, landmark off-network series, original animated series and critically acclaimed primetime dramas, comedies and telefilms. SPT also owns one-half of cable channel GSN and is a partner in FEARnet, the premier horror/thriller website and VOD service. Sony Pictures Television oversees all of Sony Pictures Entertainment's (SPE) domestic digital distribution efforts across all electronically delivered platforms, including the internet and mobile. Sony Pictures Television, advertiser sales, is one of the premiere national advertising sales companies, handling the commercial inventory in SPT syndicated series as well as in all of SPE's digital businesses in the United States, for Sony Music Entertainment and for the Tennis Channel, and is part owner of national media sales company ITN Networks, Inc. SPT (www.sonypicturestelevision.com) is a Sony Pictures Entertainment company.
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SOURCE: Sony Pictures Television
CONTACT: Paula Askanas, Senior Vice President, Media Relations of Sony
Pictures Television, +1-310-244-3790
Web Site: http://www.crackle.com/
http://www.sonypicturestelevision.com/