LOS ANGELES: Greg Matson has been promoted to the post of senior VP, business development and legal affairs, for Universal Studios Networks (USN).
USN is the international cable networks arm of Universal Television Group. Matson will oversee all new development initiatives for the international networks business, as well as all areas of legal support for the international cable networks. They include Sci Fi UK, Sci Fi Germany, 13eme Rue (13th Street) in France, Calle 13 (13th Street) in Spain, Studio Universal Italy, Studio Universal Germany, 13th Street Germany, and USA Network Latin America and Brazil.
As reported earlier by Indiantelevision.com, Vivendi sold the entertainment assets of Universal to NBC. NBC's parent General Electric's main point of interest will be the cable networks. This will allow it to compete with the likes of AOL Time Warner and Viacom.
USN president Patrick Vien says, "Greg has played a critical role as chief negotiator and strategist for all our international networks at USN. This promotion is highly deserved and I look forward to Greg entrenching himself in both operations and the crafting of our global expansion plans."