In another strong signal that it intends to be a major force in TV sports, Time Warner Cable -- the country's second largest cable operator -- hired a president for its newly created division TWC Sports. Former CAA exec DAVID RONE will take over the reins of the company's sports division. Based in L.A., Rone will report to TWC Exec VP/Chief Video & Content Officer MELINDA WITMER. The cable operator hired Rone to help it strengthen relationships with sports leagues, conferences and teams as it continues to increase the amount of sports programming it offers. "We recognized that we needed someone in this position," Witmer said. "David will help craft a strategy to help us work more closely with ESPN, leagues and conferences." One of the first items on Rone's to-do list will be to launch two RSNs in L.A. -- one in English and one in Spanish -- in time for the Lakers' '12-13 season. Rone will be assembling a staff for those channels, including a GM and executive producers. "David's job will go beyond just local sports rights," Witmer said. "His job will be a global leadership position across all of our sports properties." The job seems like a natural fit for Rone, who has spent years nurturing relationships while holding down jobs at Fox and CAA. In his most recent job, with Evolution Media Capital, Rone helped the Pac-10 land its eye-popping $250M per year media deal from ESPN and Fox. He also has represented the Nets during the team's attempts to re-do its media rights deal with YES Network. Witmer said she was impressed with the level of Rone's relationships throughout sports media; the interviewing process took less than a week. "I had my eye on him for some time," she said. "He is well respected and well liked."
