ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS & SCIENCES NAMES
ALAN PERRIS TO NEWLY CREATED POST OF COO

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA, April 3, 2006 – The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has named prominent television executive Alan Perris to the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer, effective April 10, it was announced today by Dick Askin, Chairman and CEO of the Academy. The post of COO replaces the previous title of President.

Alan Perris

Mr. Perris will be based at the Academy’s North Hollywood headquarters. He will oversee day-to-day staff activities as well as serve as the staff liaison to the Academy and its Foundation, headed by Foundation Chairman Steve Mosko.

"Alan was selected after a comprehensive search and review process," Mr. Askin said. "Our paths have crossed frequently over the past 15 years and I believe Alan’s wealth of experience should be of great value to our Academy in advancing the many exciting initiatives we have for the future."

Mr. Mosko added, "I have known Alan professionally for many years and have found him to be a talented and very capable executive. We fully anticipate that he will assist the Foundation in furthering its goals and in serving as a meaningful contributor to our wide ranging growth plans."
 
"The Academy, which awards the highest honors for excellence in television, is one of the most prestigious organizations in the entertainment business," Mr. Perris said. "It is an honor to be able to work with the top professionals in the television industry."

Mr. Perris has more than 30 years of experience in the television industry. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President of Business Development at Entertainment Media Works, which operates StarStyle.com. Previously, he was Senior Vice President of First Run Programming at both Sony and Warner Bros.' Telepictures division and President at two station group production companies, Scripps-Howard and Post-Newsweek.

Mr. Perris also previously served as Senior Vice President Programming of the Hallmark Channel cable network and prior to that, was the President and General Manager of local television stations in Jacksonville (WJXT) and Miami (WPLG, WTVJ).  He is credited with developing such popular series as The Ricki Lake Show, Judge Mathis, Dragon Tales and Street Smarts.

The executive search was spearheaded by an Academy Selection Committee in collaboration with the executive search firm of Sucherman and Associates.