New Speakers Join Lineup for History Makers 2008 Summit

TORONTO, January 9:
Disney’s Bernard Gershon, along with ESPN’s chairman emeritus Herbert A. “Herb”
Granath and Greycroft’s Drew Lipsher have been added to the schedule for the
History Makers 2008 Summit, which is scheduled to take place in New York from
January 17-19.

Gershon, Granath and
Lipsher will participate in the “Strategies for Success” session, in which they
will be pitched by producers trying out their “get rich” schemes and
strategies. The three will then assess the chances of success for a line up of
would-be “history millionaires.” The session aims to help delegates benefit
from the expertise provided by “industry heavy hitters.” Delegates will also
hear about tales of success, hubris, failure and decadence that dominate the
business of television.

Bernard Gershon is the
senior VP and general manager of corporate strategy, business development and
technology at The Walt Disney Company. In this role, he is responsible for
incubating and developing new businesses in the digital media space.

Herbert A. “Herb” Granath
is chairman emeritus of ESPN, co-chairman of The Hallmark Channel and vice
chairman of Central European Media (CME). He has held numerous senior
management positions in the television industry, including chairman of Walt
Disney International Television, board chairman of ESPN, A&E, The History
Channel and Lifetime television networks. While at ABC, Granath served as
president of ABC Cable and International Broadcast Group. He is chairman of the
National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and is the recipient of two
Emmys and two Tony awards.

Drew Lipsher is a partner
of Greycroft with more than 14 years of media and entertainment corporate
development and investment experience. He has operated at senior levels at
Warner Music Group, BMG Entertainment, News Corporation and Interscope Geffen A
Records.

“Bernard Gershon, Drew
Lipsher, and Herb Granath will provide the kind of unique insight that is sure
to provide a one-of-a-kind experience for our delegates,” commented Bill
Nemtin, the executive producer of History Makers. “Strategies for Success will
be a remarkable opportunity to hear first hand about the triumphs and pitfalls
that await ambitious media companies and their executives.”

AETN’s The History Channel
plays host to this year’s Summit, with partners from key international
companies from around the world including History Television Canada, ZDF, Focal,
WGBH, Faith and Values, CBC, WNET and RAI.

—By Irene Lew