NBC Universal Programming and Marketing Executive Tapped
to Oversee Domestic and International Programming,
New Business Development and DVD Distribution
NEW YORK, Nov. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sheraton Kalouria, a veteran
television executive who led NBC's daytime programming to prominence during
his tenure with NBC Universal, has been named President of Television for
Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. (NYSE: MSO). Kalouria, 39, who most
recently served as NBC Universal's Senior Vice President, Daytime Programs,
will oversee MSLO's television business segment, anchored by "MARTHA," the
nationally syndicated "how-to" series, which launched this past September.
In addition to managing MSLO's current television portfolio including the
public television series, "Everyday Food"; the nationally syndicated program,
"Petkeeping with Marc Morrone"; and original programs produced for the Style
Network and the Discovery Networks, Kalouria will spearhead all development
efforts and will oversee distribution of MSLO's extensive library which houses
more than 1,600 hours of programming. He also will be responsible for the
development and production of domestic and international programming for
cable, broadcast and syndication, and will oversee the company's growing DVD
business as well as manage MSLO's expansion in the area of digital content
including video-on-demand and mobile technologies.
In announcing the appointment, Susan Lyne, President and CEO of Martha
Stewart Living Omnimedia, said: "Sheraton brings the perfect mix of talent and
experience to this position. He has a keen understanding of our brand and our
business, and we are confident that under his leadership, the television
segment will realize its full potential. I was a fan of his at ABC and
followed with admiration his success at NBC, so I couldn't be happier that he
is joining the MSLO team."
Martha Stewart, Founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, said: "I am
pleased to welcome Sheraton to our team at Martha Stewart Living and am
excited about the creative opportunities that lie ahead for the television
division." She added: "Sheraton is an accomplished and experienced
entertainment executive who understands the objectives of our company. His
passion for the task at hand will be an enormous asset for MSLO as we continue
to expand our TV business into other related areas."
"Leading the television team at MSLO is an incredible opportunity,"
Kalouria said. "This is one of America's most successful and recognized
lifestyle brands and I look forward to working with Martha and Susan to take
the television division even further down the road of success."
Mr. Kalouria has nearly 20 years experience in television and advertising
and most recently executed a winning turnaround strategy that resulted in
NBC's daytime soaps moving from third to first place, a status that was
maintained for four consecutive seasons. He also developed cross-media
platforms that helped to drive sampling and viewership including the
development of made-for-internet content, licensing, video games, commerce
programming, publishing, events and music. During the 2004-2005 television
season, NBC Entertainment President Jeff Zucker charged Kalouria with
developing the entire primetime lineup for NBC-owned PAX-TV, resulting in the
creation of 12 series including "Cold Turkey," the award-winning reality
program about kicking the smoking habit; "Model Citizens," a series that
celebrated community restoration with the help of models who wanted to make a
difference; and the improvisational comedy series, "World Cup Comedy,"
produced by "Frasier" star Kelsey Grammer.
Prior to joining NBC Universal, Kalouria led the marketing team at ABC
Daytime and was instrumental in the development of all on-air and off-air
promotion and marketing for the daytime talk show, "The View." During his
tenure at ABC, Kalouria also created campaigns for "The Wonderful World of
Disney" and ABC's programming block for children. Before that, he held
positions at Grey Advertising and the former CompuServe (now AOL). Kalouria
is a graduate of Ohio's Miami University and received his MBA from the Kellogg
School at Northwestern University.
Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. (MSLO) is a leading provider of
original "how-to" information, inspiring and engaging consumers with unique
lifestyle content and high-quality products. MSLO is organized into four
business segments: Publishing, Television, Merchandising, and Internet/Direct
Commerce. Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. is listed on the New York
Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol MSO.
SOURCE Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc.
CONTACT: Elizabeth Estroff, AVP, Corporate Communications,
of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc., +1-212-389-4444;
or Sheila Feren of FerenComm, +1-212-983-9898,
for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc./
/Web site: http://www.marthastewart.com/
(MSO)
