RICK COTTON, EXECUTIVE VP AND GENERAL COUNSEL, NBC UNIVERSAL, TO CHAIR 35TH INTERNATIONAL EMMY® AWARDS GALA

New York, July 9th, 2007 – Bruce L. Paisner, President & CEO of the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, announced today that Rick Cotton, Executive Vice-President and General Counsel of NBC Universal will serve as Gala Chair for the 35th International Emmy Awards which will take place on Monday, November 19, 2007 in New York City.

“Rick Cotton has been a steady supporter of the International Academy’s initiatives for many years now, and I am honored that he has agreed to be the Chair of our 35th International Emmy Awards Ceremony,” said Paisner.  “His extensive expertise with the international television business and intellectual property issues both in the U.S. and worldwide make him one of the most respected professionals in our industry.”

“The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences is an extraordinary organization that brings together the leading lights of the international television business, and the awards gala is the premier global forum to recognize outstanding artistic achievements,” said Cotton. He added, “As we get ready to celebrate exceptional creative accomplishments, it’s important to note that these critically acclaimed productions rely on the efforts of everyone in this industry – from creators to distributors – to protect them from the growing threat of international piracy. I am pleased and honored to serve as this year’s Chair.”

Rick Cotton was named Executive Vice President and General Counsel of NBC Universal in August 2004. He supervises the NBC Universal Law Department, which provides legal advice to all NBC Universal business units for their ongoing operations and for new strategic plans and acquisitions. He also oversees NBC Universal’s Washington office, which is responsible for the company’s regulatory and legislative agenda at the FCC and in Congress. Cotton reports directly to Jeff Zucker, President and Chief Executive Officer of NBC Universal. In January, he was also appointed Chairman of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce-led Coalition Against Counterfeiting and Piracy (CACP).

In addition to the presentation of the International Emmy Awards for programming, the Academy will present two special awards. Former US Vice-President Al Gore will receive
the International Emmy Founders Award for his role in launching cable/satellite channel Current TV and his ongoing effort to alert the world to one of the great challenges of our time, global warming. The International Emmy Directorate Award will be given to Patrick Le Lay, Chairman of the TF1 Group for guiding the growth of the TF1 brand from
a traditional commercial television broadcaster to a multi-media organization that is a pioneer in many of the emerging new digital platforms.

The semi-final judging of the International Emmy Awards is taking place around the world this summer, with finals held in September. Nominees will be announced at a press conference in Cannes at MIPCOM on Monday, October 8, 2007.  This year’s sponsors, to-date, include: Accenture, Ascent Media, GloboTV, Microsoft, NBC Universal, Phoenix-TV, Reed Midem, Sofitel Hotels and Variety.

The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences is the largest organization of global broadcasters, with members from nearly 70 countries and over 400 companies. The Academy was chartered with a mission to recognize excellence in television programming produced outside of the United States, and it presents the International Emmy Awards to programs in fourteen categories: Arts Programming; Best Performance by an Actor; Best Performance by an Actress; Children & Young People; Comedy; Current Affairs; Documentary; Drama Series; Interactive Channel, Interactive Program, Interactive Service, News; Non-Scripted Entertainment and TV Movie/Mini-Series.

The Academy is a unique, independent organization including the world’s television and media leaders who come together to exchange ideas, discuss common issues and promote new strategies for the future development of quality global television programming. Each year, the Academy produces the International Emmy World Television Festival and the International Emmy Awards Gala in New York City. The Festival features programming from around the world, and presentations and panels from international producers and directors. The International Emmy Awards Gala attracts over 1,200 international figures in broadcast, entertainment and media. More information can be found online at www.iemmys.tv.  

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Media Contacts:

The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
Eva Obadia, Marketing Manager
eva.obadia@iemmys.tv
1-212-489-6969

The Lippin Group
Don Ciaramella
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