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Heidi Diamond Steps Down as Head of TV at MSO

Aug 8, 2005  •  Post A Comment

Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia announced last Friday that Heidi Diamond is stepping down as president of the company’s television division after three years to pursue other opportunities.

Ms. Diamond, who had been the television president since August 2002, will serve as a consultant to the company focusing on new business development opportunities in television, including video-on-demand, international and wireless.

Her departure comes as the television division looks to right itself after a difficult series of quarters following the legal troubles of the company’s namesake, which resulted in a number of advertisers and television stations bailing on the show following Ms. Stewart’s conviction for lying to investigators about a stock sale.

“I am proud of what we’ve done,” Ms. Diamond said in an interview with TelevisionWeek. “Despite all of the adversity, we did so well and are so well poised for the future.”

As the company’s top television executive, Ms. Diamond oversaw the “Martha Stewart Living” syndicated series and developed and launched “Everyday Food” on PBS and the syndicated series “Petkeeping With Marc Morrone.”

Ms. Diamond also spearheaded the company’s partnership with NBC Universal and led the company’s negotiations with Warner Home Video for a new line of how-to DVDs due to go on sale in October. She was also responsible for the company’s deal with Discovery Communications in which the company’s new syndicated series will be rebroadcast on the TLC cable network.

“Heidi has thrown her considerable talents and limitless energy at every challenge sent her way,” said MSO CEO Susan Lyne. “Thanks to Heidi’s leadership and the great team that is in place, our TV business is well poised for September,” when the new syndicated series “Martha” launches.