CBS Fills New Post for Limited Series & Event Programming

NEW YORK: CBS has hired Stacy Mandelberg as VP of limited series and event programming, a newly created position that reports to both Nina Tassler, the president of CBS Entertainment, and David Stapf, the president of CBS Television Studios.

Mandelberg will acquire, develop and oversee production of short-run scripted programming based on books, historical events and original ideas. Previously, Mandelberg served as senior VP of Von Zerneck/Sertner Films. Prior to that she was an executive producer of the Lifetime movie Haunting Sarah and a programming exec at Atmosphere Entertainment.

"There is a lot of interest—from writers, producers and actors—to tell shorter-form stories that make noise in the industry as well as on a network's schedule," said Stapf. "This position formally establishes a point person to facilitate the pitching, development and production process."

"We believe there is viewer demand for scripted projects, with built-in promotional appeal, that air over a few days, or maybe a couple weeks," added Tassler. "It is programming that can complement our regular series and live event specials, and offer scheduling opportunities at various points of the year as an alternative to repeats."