Webster to pitch UTG
Sr. VP to o'see all communication efforts
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Webster most recently served as vice prexy of corporate communications and marketing planning for Game Show Network. Publicity veteran Cindy Ronzoni has been tapped to succeed him at the Sony- and Liberty- owned gamer network.
As for Webster's new gig, Universal Television Group chairman Michael Jackson told Daily Variety the position was created because "we want to make sure that people understand what it is the group is trying to achieve and also underline some pretty good successes."
"We have a series of pretty substantial assets, channels, programs that together represent the Universal Television brand," he added.
Webster will report to UTG prexy-chief operating officer David Goldhill. He will oversee all communication efforts for UTG, which consists of Universal Television Distribution, Universal Television Prods., USA Network, Sci Fi Channel, Emerging Networks and Reveille.
Webster will work closely with UTG's divisional communications execs to create and communicate the group's message and brand to consumer and trade media. However, those divisional execs will continue reporting directly to their respective presidents.
"Universal Television Group -- is one of the worldwide leaders in television, and we needed to have a strong executive to communicate that message," Goldhill said in a statement. "Steve has the right combination of strategic and creative thinking, media contacts and management skills to help enhance the group's image both domestically and internationally."
Before his yearlong stint at Game Show Network, Webster served as veep of publicity for FX Networks from 1999-2001. Before that, he was director of PR for Fox Sports Network.
As for Ronzoni, she'll report to Game Show Network's senior VP of marketing Dena Kaplan. Ronzoni's responsibilities as VP of publicity and corporate communications include overseeing media relations and all publicity efforts for the cabler.
"We are excited to have Cindy join us as a key player on our executive team," Kaplan said. "She has established a terrific track record in communications with her vast experience, strong media relationships and innovative publicity strategies."
Ronzoni spent nearly 15 years at Fox in various PR and corporate communications positions. Most recently, she served as VP of corporate communications at Fox Cable Networks Group.
