CEO was selected by the Aspen Institute for the MicroMentor Program, enabling us to connect with a highly qualified volunteer advisor for our work. Our mentor, Richard Goldberg, has periodically provided valuable insights and recommendations since 2007.

 

Richard Goldberg

416 W. 20th Street, 3rd Floor

New York, New York 10011

 

WORK HISTORY

Blue Star Media, New York, NY

President                                                             July, 2002 – Present  

 

A media and communications consulting practice to assist in the planning, business development, distribution and operation of new media and technology properties.  Clients include or have included:

 

Adventure Ecology Inc., a London based expedition and on line educational company created by David de Rothschild. Responsible for all business aspects of the enterprise, including revising company structure, negotiating television distribution deal with Peacock Productions (NBC) for a Sundance Channel pilot and a multiyear, multi-million dollar sponsorship deal with IWC Schaffhausen. Primary liaison with National Geographic.

 

Control Room Inc. / Live Earth, a  live music programming company which showcases the world's biggest artists from a variety of venues through multi-platform broadcasts via television, broadband and wireless platforms. Initiated and successfully negotiated a weekly, primetime programming deal with MyNetwork TV (Fox Broadcasting) for Control Room live concert programming, including the Live Earth event.

 

Better Life Media, Inc., a multimedia company focused on the life improvement category.  Assisted the Chairman and CEO in all aspects of the company, including strategy, staffing, programming, marketing distribution and fundraising.  Negotiated an exclusive deal with AOL and with LodgeNet Inc. to be the sole provider of “coaches” for their Life Management content area and hotel rooms respectively.

 

Ovation Television, a cable television network, Worked directly for the CEO to raise additional capital and to sell an equity position to a potential strategic partner.

 

Magna Entertainment, the largest publicly traded operator of thoroughbred horse racing facilities in the United States.  Identified and secured a new CEO and President for the company, managed all local and national legislative activities and took the lead in identifying media and technology-related partnerships and acquisitions.

 

Univision Communications Inc. (UCI), Los Angeles, CA

Executive Vice-President, Affiliate Relations          Nov, 2001 - June, 2002

Responsible for managing the distribution and marketing relationship with broadcast, cable and satellite affiliates for all of UCI’s broadcast network and cable properties (Univision, Telefutura, Galavision and the Televisa joint venture cable networks). 

Served as the senior executive at UCI in implementing a joint venture with Televisa, Inc. to market and distribute 4-5 film and music television channels for the U.S. market. 

 

DIRECTV,  Los Angeles, CA                                                      1993-2000

Vice-President, New Ventures                          Sept. 1999 - June, 2000

Developed and executed content ownership strategies for DIRECTV, including equity opportunities in cable networks, off-network series, original programming and Internet concerns.  Deals included TechTV, Discovery Health, Oxygen, Quokka, Broadband Sports and Kelly Broadcasting.

 

Vice-President Programming Acquisitions

(Department Head)                                             Nov. 1997- August, 1999

Director                                                                March, 1995 – Oct., 1997

Manager                                                               April, 1993 -February, 1995

                                    

Managed a department of 12 executives and support staff, including two Vice Presidents, with P&L responsibility for $1.5 billion in programming costs.

 

Oversaw all aspects of the creation and acquisition of programming content for DIRECTV. The strategic evaluation, negotiation and potential creation of data, audio and full motion video services for the platform’s subscriber base. Content deals: cable and broadcast networks, major and independent film studios, professional and collegiate sports entities and event providers, ethnic channels and educational non-profit programming.

 

Policy Analyst, Presidential Commission            March, 1992-Feb 1993

On the Assignment of Women in the

Armed Forces, Washington, D.C.

Supported 15 Commissioners chosen by President Bush to evaluate whether women should be allowed to serve in the U.S. military in combat positions.  Responsible for international and POW issues: traveled to Israel, Denmark, Great Britain and Holland.

 

Turner Cable Network Sales, Atlanta, GA     March, 1988-August, 1990

Account Executive

A senior account executive responsible for the marketing and distribution goals of five Turner Broadcasting Systems, Inc. cable television networks to cable system operators.  One of four individuals who created the business plan and subsequent launch of the regional sports network SportSouth. 

 

EDUCATION

 

University of Virginia School of Law, Charlottesville, VA

August, 1990-December, 1991 (No Degree)

 

Boston University, Boston, MA

Graduated Magna Cum Laude, Major in Political Science, Minor in Psychology, 1985