SAN FRANCISCO, January 24, 2002 -- TechTV Chairman and CEO Larry Wangberg today announced he will be stepping down from his leadership role at the company to pursue his many other interests. He plans to devote his time to various board positions and other activities in the cable TV world. As part of the transition, Wangberg will lead the search for his own replacement and remain on the TechTV board.
Since joining the company in 1997 to build and launch the network, Wangberg has led TechTV through many exciting changes as evidenced from its evolution from ZDTV to TechTV. Wangberg's role has been instrumental in making TechTV the only cable television channel covering technology information, news, and entertainment from a consumer, industry, and market perspective.
"Leading the search for his replacement is a testament to the character, knowledge, and trust we have in Larry Wangberg," said Bill Savoy, president of portfolio and asset management at Vulcan Inc., which wholly owns TechTV. "Larry is the type of person who knows how to get the job done, motivate teams, and lead a company during challenging times. He has given his guidance and all his knowledge of the cable industry to make TechTV a real stand-out in cable programming," Savoy said.
"One of my goals in acquiring this network was to educate people worldwide about the potential uses of new technologies, PC related hardware and software, and other consumer electronics. Larry has helped us achieve that goal," said Paul Allen, chairman of Vulcan Inc.
"The TechTV network continues its momentum throughout the world. It is now received domestically in more than 30 million cable and satellite homes, we just launched in Canada, and our programming is available to more than 70 other countries. TechTV's affiliates and viewers are very supportive, and we have a terrific team of people working with us," Wangberg said.
"I am excited about what the future holds for both me and TechTV, and appreciate the opportunity to have worked so closely with Paul Allen and Bill Savoy over the years," Wangberg continued.
In addition to continuing to serve on TechTV's board of directors, Wangberg will be nominated to serve on Charter Communications' board of directors in the next few weeks. "Larry's leadership and history in cable will be a welcome addition to the Charter board," said Paul Allen, who is chairman of Charter Communications.
About TechTV
TechTV is the only 24-hour cable television network dedicated to showcasing the impact technology has on our everyday lives and the world at large. By creating and delivering entertaining and insightful programming regarding today and tomorrow's technology news, events, products, and people, TechTV enables viewers to stay current and connected with all things related to technology. TechTV is currently available in more than 30 million households and distributes content to 70 countries. With 1.5 million unique visitors per month, techtv.com enhances the TV viewing experience with compelling companion content and interactivity. TechTV is owned by Vulcan Inc.
About Vulcan Inc.
Vulcan Inc. creates and advances a variety of world-class endeavors and high-impact initiatives that change and improve the way people live, learn, do business, and experience the world. Founded in 1986 by investor and philanthropist Paul G. Allen, and under the direction of President and CEO Jody Patton, Vulcan oversees various business and charitable projects including real estate holdings, investments in more than 100 companies --from Charter Communications, DreamWorks SKG, and Digeo Broadband to TechTV, the Sporting News, and Rosetta Inpharmatics, the Seattle Seahawks NFL and Portland Trail Blazers NBA franchises, First & Goal Inc., Clear Blue Sky Productions, the Seattle Cinerama Theatre, Experience Music Project, and the six Paul G. Allen Foundations. Visit Vulcan online at www.vulcan.com.
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Media Contact:
Alyssa Donelan
Senior Director of Corporate Communications, TechTV
Phone: 1.415.355.4427
Cell: 1.415.317.4374
