Credits Include Rachel Ray, Entertainment Tonight and Access Hollywood
PAWTUCKET, R.I.--(Business Wire)--
Kathy Samuels - an industry veteran with a proven track record of success during
stints at both CBS Television Distribution Group (CTDG) and NBC - has been named
Executive Producer at the newly-formed, Los Angeles-based Hasbro Studios. In
this new role, Samuels will be responsible for overseeing production on a number
of the Studio`s creative initiatives, covering a variety of program genres,
according to Stephen J. Davis, Hasbro Studios President.
Samuels` engagement follows her work at CTDG, television`s number one syndicator
of programming. As CTDG`s Senior Vice President, Samuels was part of the team
that oversaw the development, launch and programming of shows like "Rachel Ray",
"The Doctors", "Entertainment Tonight" and "The Insider".
"I've had the great fortune to work on some of the best brands in television,"
Samuels said. "However, as a working mom, I've always had a personal and
professional passion to make great television for kids, and in the kid and
family arena, Hasbro owns and has access to the best brands in the business. I
see Hasbro Studios as a perfect fit for my skills and interests, and it presents
me with a wonderful opportunity."
Prior to CTDG, Samuels spent more than a decade at NBC. As Senior Broadcast
Producer, Samuels helped launch the nationally syndicated news magazine show
"Access Hollywood" and its teen spin off "Real Access" for the Noggin network.
Previously, she was the Entertainment Producer for KNBC Los Angeles.
Hasbro Studios president Stephen J. Davis said, "Kathy comes to Hasbro Studios
with a solid track record as a top producer and has been closely involved with
some of television`s most successful and enduring franchises. The Studio is
establishing itself as a home for great talent - and Kathy`s vision and
creativity complements the talented group of professionals we have been putting
in place here."
Hasbro Studios` productions will feed the new television network created by the
joint venture between Hasbro and Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB,
DISCK), that is planned to debut Fall 2010. New programming is planned based on
iconic Hasbro brands such as ROMPER ROOM, TRIVIAL PURSUIT, SCRABBLE, CRANIUM, MY
LITTLE PONY, G.I. JOE, GAME OF LIFE, TONKA and TRANSFORMERS, among many others.
In addition, the "virtual" studio will produce programs from top third party
content creators. Many of these shows will run on multiple channels in
international and domestic markets.
About Hasbro:
Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS) is a worldwide leader in children`s and family leisure
time products and services with a rich portfolio of brands and entertainment
properties that provides some of the highest quality and most recognizable play
and recreational experiences in the world. As a brand-driven, consumer-focused
global company, Hasbro brings to market a range of toys, games and licensed
products, from traditional to high-tech and digital, under such powerful brand
names as TRANSFORMERS, PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS,
CRANIUM and WIZARDS OF THE COAST. Come see how we inspire play through our
brands at http://www.hasbro.com. (C) 2009 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Certain statements contained in this release contain "forward-looking
statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995. These statements include expectations concerning the programming which
Hasbro and Hasbro Studios anticipate developing for the joint venture with
Discovery Communications and for other outlets, as well as the anticipated
timing for the development of that programming, and may be identified by the use
of forward-looking words or phrases. Hasbro's actual actions or results may
differ materially from those expected or anticipated in the forward-looking
statements due to both known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Specific
factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to: (i)
greater than expected costs, or unexpected delays or difficulties, associated
with Hasbro`s creation of Hasbro Studios, Hasbro Studios` efforts to develop
programming for the network and for other outlets, and the rebranding of the
joint venture network, (ii) consumer interest in and acceptance of the
programming created by Hasbro Studios, including for the joint venture network,
as well as (iii) other factors impacting the business and financial performance
of Hasbro Studios and the joint venture network, including other risks and
uncertainties as may be detailed from time to time in Hasbro's public
announcements and SEC filings. Hasbro undertakes no obligation to make any
revisions to the forward-looking statements contained in this release or to
update them to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this
release.
Hasbro, Inc.
Wayne Charness, 401-727-5983
Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications
wcharness@hasbro.com
or
Karen Warren, 401-727-5401
Senior Vice President, Investor Relations
kwarren@hasbro.com
Copyright Business Wire 2009
