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Close-up: Lee Gaither, Michelle Rice

Mar 15, 2004  •  Post A Comment

Lee Gaither has been named executive VP of programming and production and Michelle Rice has been named VP of distribution strategy and operations for TV One, the new entertainment network targeting African Americans. Mr. Gaither will be responsible for TV One’s programming strategy and will oversee program production, acquisition, scheduling and business development for the network. Ms. Rice will develop strategy to increase and maximize TV One’s distribution opportunities to cable and satellite operators and manage the day-to-day affiliate sales and marketing operations. She will also handle sales efforts for key multiple system operator national accounts and divisions. Mr. Gaither joins TV One from NBC, where he was VP of programming and development for NBC Entertainment. He joined NBC in 1999 as VP, teen and family programs, where he developed teen-focused Saturday morning programming and other family prime-time specials. Before joining NBC Mr. Gaither held positions at ABC, Fox, Disney Channel, USA Network and DIC Entertainment. Ms. Rice joined TV One from iN Demand, where she was Northeast regional VP, affiliate relations and national accounts. Before joining iN Demand in 2001 she was with NBC Cable Networks. She began her cable industry career in 1993 through the Walter Kaitz Fellowship program at BET, where she served as manager, special markets and Canada, in the network’s affiliate sales department.