Big Ten picks former Disney executive to run TV network

PARK RIDGE, Ill. -- Former Disney and ABC executive Mark Silverman was named Tuesday as president of the Big Ten Network, slated to launch in August 2007.\nSilverman had served as general manager and senior vice president of ABC Cable Networks Group since April 2004 and was responsible for the equity in Lifetime Television, A&E Network and the History Channel. He was also general manager of the network's Family Channel for two years.\n"My goal is to utilize my experience in both the cable television and sports industries to drive and sustain the success of this network," Silverman said.\nBefore joining ABC, Silverman was co-founder and president of Silverkings Media, a media and entertainment consulting company, and senior vice president of Broadband Sports, an online sports content company.\nHe also held various leadership posts with Walt Disney Co. from 1991-99, including a stint as general manager of ESPN Zone.\nThe Big Ten Network is majority-owned by the Big Ten Conference, while Fox holds a minority interest. The 24-hour network will showcase a wide array of classic-to-current sports as well as original programming produced by the conference's 11 institutions. It will be available to all carriers and distributors nationwide.