NBC BOOSTS MUSIC PRESENCE

In a move designed to expand its presence in music, Kim Niemi has been named Senior Vice President of Video, Music and Product Development for NBC Enterprises. In addition, George Nunes has been named Vice President, Video, Music and Product Development, NBC Enterprises.

Niemi will report to Ed Wilson, President NBC Entertprises, while Nunes will report to Niemi.

"In order to build a business, it is imperative to think creatively and utilize an entrepreneurial approach in working with all divisions of NBC," said Wilson. "Kim is a savvy business leader with the proven ability to create unique opportunities and seek out profitable ventures for the NBC brand."

Musically, NBC Enterprises partners with a variety of production companies, sports organizations, and other entities to produce soundtracks, events, CDs and other music-driven entities. Recently, the division produced 16 nights of concerts at the 2002 Winter Olympics Medal Plaza. The company has also partnered with the Today Show to produce Volumes 1 and 2 of their summer concert CD series.

In her new role, Niemi will be responsible for developing new business ventures for NBC properties in home video, book publishing, merchandising, licensing and music. The NBC network properties include the following: Will & Grace, Weakest Link, Passions, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Saturday Night Live, Today Show, Providence, Crossing Jordan, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Fear Factor, Spy TV and first-run syndicated programs Access Hollywood, The Other Half and Rebecca’s Garden.

Niemi joined NBC Enterprises from Capitol in 1999 as VP, Business Development. Most recently, Niemi spearheaded the Olympic Medals Plaza Concert Series during the 2002 Winter Olympics. Under her direction, NBC Enterprises formed a licensing & merchandising alliance to maximize the value of product and network brand; partnered with ShopNBC on direct response initiatives; partnered with book publishers on multiple releases including the upcoming NBC 75^th Anniversary book.

A 13-year veteran of the music business, Niemi began at Capitol as an A&R Coordinator, rising to VP of Product Planning. Niemi served as executive producer for the Good Will Hunting soundtrack and was involved in negotiating artists/record label participation on Capitol soundtracks. In addition, she created and implemented strategic marketing plans for soundtrack releases.

In his new role, Nunes will be responsible for growing NBC's ancillary business including home video, music, special markets, merchandising, licensing and establishing marketing partnerships.

"George’s proven track record and leadership skills make him a natural choice to help build NBC Enterprises," said Niemi. "His broad experience in sales and strategic marketing and knowledge of the industry will be an invaluable asset to our growing division."

Prior to joining NBC, Nunes served as VP of Media Properties for House of Blues Entertainment, General Manager of Unapix Home Entertainment/Miramar Recordings, Inc., Head of Business Development at Entertainment Software, Inc. and Integrated Media Specialist for KidStar Interactive Media, Inc. Nunes also held the position of VP of Sales & Consumer Marketing for Capitol. He began his career as a Territory Manager for Capitol-EMI Music in Seattle, Washington.