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HOWARD KATZ AIMS TO LIFT MORALE AS PRESIDENT OF ABC SPORTS

          ABC has promoted ESPN Exec VP/Production Howard Katz to
     President of ABC Sports, according to Stephen Battaglio of
     the HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, who writes that Katz "was chosen
     over" ABC Sports Exec VP Brian McAndrew.  Network sources
     say McAndrew is "expected to exit the company."  Katz has
     been with ESPN since '93 (HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, 3/26).  DAILY
     VARIETY's Josef Adalian calls the promotion an "unexpected
     appointment designed, at least in part, to shore up sagging
     morale" at ABC.  Katz once worked as an ABC Sports PA and
     thinks there is a "real concern" for morale at ABC.  Katz
     added that his "charge is to try to rejuvenate" the division
     "rather than simply increase synergy" with ESPN.  Katz: "I
     did not come here to shut down ABC Sports."  Katz hinted
     that "MNF" will "once again become a distinct brand at ABC"
     rather than existing "with ESPN's Sunday Night Football, as
     one-half of Disney's prime time pigskin package."  Katz: "I
     don't think the two (telecasts) need to be identical."  Katz
     said that ESPN and ABC "will continue to work together
     closely, particularly when it comes to seeking sports rights
     packages."  He will report to ABC TV Network President Pat
     Fili-Krushel (DAILY VARIETY, 3/26).  Katz said the growth of
     ESPN is "an important corporate priority," but "it shouldn't
     be at the expense of ABC Sports" (WALL STREET JOURNAL,
     3/26).  Katz said a goal is to "keep the Indy 500 in bidding
     expected this summer."  Katz: "I'm going to try to regain
     the tradition of ABC Sports" (USA TODAY, 3/26).
          MORE PROMOTIONS AT DISNEY: In other news, ESPN Senior
     VP/Production Steve Anderson was promoted to Exec
     VP/Production & Technical Operations (ESPN). 

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