Todd P. Leavitt to Leave the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences

Todd P. Leavitt

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 21, 2005 – Todd P. Leavitt, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and its Foundation, will leave his post as the senior staff executive within the next several months, it was jointly announced by Academy Chairman and CEO Dick Askin and Academy Foundation Chairman and CEO Steve Mosko. Mr Leavitt has agreed to continue in his present capacity for the near future to assist the Academy leadership with transition matters.

Mr. Leavitt advised the Television Academy's Board of Governors of his desire to return to the commercial sector of the television industry and pursue entrepreneurial opportunities. He has served in his present capacity for three years, working closely with the Board of Governors and staff of both the Television Academy and its Foundation.

During the time of Mr. Leavitt's tenure, the Television Academy experienced significant growth, and he was among a number of participants in the negotiation of the present multi-network "wheel" arrangement for the telecast of the Primetime Emmys. In addition, Mr. Leavitt negotiated the Red Carpet license agreements with E! Entertainment and TV Guide Channel, resulting in expanded Creative Arts Emmy coverage and lucrative license fees for  the Academy. Mr Leavitt supervised the international re-launch of the telecast to over 150 territories around the world. He was also instrumental in developing the concept behind the Academy’s award-winning global production themed edition of emmy Magazine last December, which was widely distributed to the California legislation to assist in recent efforts to create a state production incentive.

As President of the Television Academy Foundation, Leavitt was responsible for the hiring of the Foundation's first Executive Director, as well as new initiatives including a joint venture with Random House/Princeton Review to publish the first comprehensive resource guide to television, film and digital media studies in the U.S. (due to be published in October '06). Mr. Leavitt also conceived of the “Living Television” national joint venture with universities and local Emmy chapters to create visual history archives in key television markets modeled after the Academy's renowned Archive of American Television.

Prior to running the Academy, Mr. Leavitt was the Managing Director of Tulip Media Ltd., a feature film and television packaging boutique, and served as Chairman of Alliance Television and Executive Vice-President of NBC Studios.

"While I will dearly miss the camaraderie of both the Academy Leadership and its Staff, who are passionately committed to the betterment of the television industry, I am also incredibly excited about the opportunities that I presently see in the vibrant and quickly evolving global media arena," Mr. Leavitt said.  "I am pleased that I will be leaving the Academy in a condition of health and vigor, with dedicated leadership and key staff appointments that will be steering the Academy into an even better future.  I am pleased to be available to the Executive Committees and Boards to assist in all transition matters.  Further, I am certain I will continue to be an involved member of the Academy community."

Mr. Askin commented, "During his three years as President, Todd has made numerous contributions to the Academy and we will miss his insight, expertise and enthusiasm. We also respect his decision to re-enter the private sector, we wish him the very best and we are looking forward to his remaining connected to the Academy in the future."

Mr. Mosko, Chairman and CEO of the Academy Foundation added, "Todd served as a link between the Academy and the Foundation and helped to navigate new programs and initiatives that were of interest to our Board. I, too wish him the very best."