Polygram TV adds 5
Sanitsky also unveils Cooperstein promotion in Friday announcements
The new hires and Cooperstein's promotion were unveiled Friday by Polygram TV prexy Bob Sanitsky.
"Matt's promotion signals a new phase in shaping Polygram Television into the multifaceted television operation we have envisioned since day one," said Sanitsky, a former top TV agent at ICM who was tapped last spring to spearhead Polygram's expansion into TV production and distribution.
To date, Polygram TV has focused on breaking into the firstrun syndication market. The company's new offerings at this month's National Assn. of TV Program Executives syndie sales conference are the weekly drama based on "The Crow" features and a weekly music showcase, "Motown Live."
Cooperstein, senior veepee of distribution, will now oversee domestic syndication and cable sales, including the pay TV and pay-per-view markets. Cooperstein previously served as head of syndication for ITC Entertainment, which Polygram acquired in late 1995.
As part of the expansion, Polygram has tapped two former MTM sales execs to fill its newly created regional sales posts. Marc Grayson will oversee Western region sales and Beth Kelley will head up Polygram's East Coast office. Another MTM alumnus, Patrice Nardone, has been appointed manager of sales administration.
On the marketing front, Kirstin Torgen has been named executive director of marketing and creative services. Torgen, who comes to Polygram from Paramount, will report to marketing VP Lori Shackel. Heading up Polygram's TV research department in a newly created veepee post is Betsy Braun, formerly a program director for New York ad sales firm Seltel Inc.
