Charter Names Montemagno EVP Programming Acquisition

Charter Communications said Tuesday it has named former Cablevision Systems executive Tom Montemagno (pictured) as executive vice president, programming acquisition, reporting to Charter senior executive vice president David Ellen.

Montemagno will oversee the negotiations with Charter’s content providers from the major multichannel media companies and regional sports networks to local broadcasters and niche international programmers – including include video on demand and out of home streaming rights on multiple platforms. In July, Charter said former content acquisition executive Allan Singer would be leaving the company rather than relocate to Charter's based in Stamford, Conn., from Denver.

“I have known and worked with Tom for many years,” Ellen said in a statement. “His negotiating ability will serve Charter extremely well as it continues to deliver its traditional video products with cost discipline. And his deep understanding of today’s complex rights structures will better position Charter to roll out innovative video product offerings that meet new needs. Tom will be a great asset. I am also really pleased that Andrew Rosenberg will remain with the company and become a top deputy to Tom. We’re fortunate to have such a strong team.” Rosenberg had been with Time Warner Cable before it merged with Charter. Charter, in addition to adding former Cablevision executive Ellen to the content team, has also brought on former MSG Networks executive Michael Bair to oversee regional news and sports networks.

Montemagno spent 27 years at Cablevision, most recently as executive vice president of programming. During his tenure there he served in various leadership positions in the programming department, including senior vice president of programming acquisition, and was Cablevision’s lead negotiator with content companies.