Ryan O'Hara Steps Down As TV Guide Network President

Leaves company to take a new position in New York

By Alex Weprin -- Broadcasting & Cable, 2/5/2010 11:39:23 AM

Ryan O'Hara has stepped down as president of TV Guide Network to pursue a new opportunity in New York, the company says.

O'Hara has been president of the network since 2005, and has helped dramatically change its content focus since it was acquired by Lionsgate nine months ago. That strategy included acquiring programs like Ugly Betty and Curb Your Enthusiasm, as well as building a slate of original programs to launch off of those shows.

"Ryan and his management team have led TV Guide Network to a strong year of growth in both programming and distribution," said Lionsgate Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jon Feltheimer in a statement.  "He has been a key architect of the channel's continued evolution into a fully distributed, full screen general entertainment network that will play an important role in the cable landscape of the future." 

"We have a strong leadership team and a focused strategy to build TV Guide Network into a branded celebration of entertainment and fandom, so this is the right time for me to move on to another new entrepreneurial opportunity that has arisen," said O'Hara in a statement.  "I enjoyed my eight years at TV Guide tremendously, and I believe the trajectory of the business has never been better.  It is in perfect hands with Lionsgate and One Equity Partners."