Tom Zappala Named Executive Vice President, Programming at Spike TV

Spike TV has named Tom Zappala as executive vice president, programming, it was announced today by Kevin Kay, president, Spike TV, to whom he will report. Zappala previously served as executive vice president, acquisitions and scheduling at Disney/ABC Cable Networks Group.

Zappala will oversee all of Spike's scheduling and media planning, as well as its acquisitions as the network continues to grow its original programming efforts, building upon the already successful expansion of a program schedule which appeals to its expanding demographic.

"We are thrilled to have one of the top programmers in the industry join our team," said Kay. "Tom has a proven track record of success and we look forward to utilizing his wealth of programming experience as Spike continues to grow and expand its audience."

At Disney, Zappala was responsible for all off-network, first-run and feature acquisitions and international and domestic co-productions and oversaw the strategic planning and linear and digital scheduling of ABC Family. He joined ABC Family in April 2003 as senior vice president, and oversaw the acquisition of key event features including hit movies "Cyberbully," "Another Cinderella Story," "Picture This!" as well as the co-productions of the successful "Bring it On" and "Cutting Edge" movie franchises, the original animated special, "A Miser Brothers' Christmas," and the series "Falcon Beach," which was produced in conjunction with Canada's Global TV network. He also negotiated off-net ABC Family acquisitions, including "Gilmore Girls," "My Wife and Kids," "That 70's Show" and blockbuster theatricals, including the "Harry Potter" series of films, "The Blind Side" and "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides." Zappala also oversaw the off-network, first run and feature acquisitions for the cable network SOAPnet.

Prior to joining ABC Family, Zappala was senior vice president, programming, Viacom where he was responsible for overseeing all programming and research operations for the 35-owned and operated television stations, which at various times included affiliates from the CBS, NBC, FOX, UPN and WB networks. In addition, Zappala negotiated Viacom's off-network, first-run and feature acquisitions including, "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," "Friends," "Everybody Loves Raymond" and "Dr. Phil," as well as terms for the broadcast windows for theatrical hits such as "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring." Zappala was also involved in the development of syndicated programs including "The Insider," "Hot Ticket" and "Unexplained Mysteries." Previously, he held the positions of vice president and executive director, programming at Paramount before purchased by Viacom.

Zappala holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of New Hampshire.

Spike TV is available in 99.8 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. A unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike TV's Internet address is www.spike.com.

 

 

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