Petry Chairs ATAS Foundation Jerry Petry, executive vice president, Administration, NBC Universal Television, West Coast, has been voted chairman of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation. Petry was elected to the volunteer position by the Foundation’s Board of Directors at a December 3 meeting. He will serve until the end of 2008. “The Television Academy Foundation is one of the most important historical and educational entities in the business today,” said Petry in a statement. “And with the rapid changes in technology and new media occurring in the television business, it is critical that we keep ahead of the curve and, at the same time, educate and guide the next generation of leaders in our field.” programs, and focuses on using the history and artistry of television to preserve the past and guide those who are the future of the telecommunications industry. Petry is a media veteran with more than 30 years of experience. He’s served as evp, Administration, NBC Universal TV, West Coast, since April 2006. Toshiba Quits HD-DVD Battle Japan’s Toshiba Corp has officially withdrawn from the highdefinition DVD biz, conceding defeat in a vicious format war with Sony. In February, the electronics giant announced that it would no longer develop, produce or sell HD DVD disc players. In doing so, it paved the way for Sony’s Blu-ray format to become the standard for high-def DVDs. During a heated two-year battle, Sony and Toshiba each tried to persuade Hollywood studios to release movies in their respective formats, and to convince game console makers to use their respective disc drives. The conflict was reminiscent of the battle fought between Matsushita’s VHS format and Sony’s Betamax for VCR control during the 1980s. The death knell tolled for HD DVD when Warner Bros. and U.S. retail giant Wal-Mart both recently opted to back Blu-ray. Toshiba halted all production of HD DVD players at the end of March, but will continue to offer customer support to the approximately 1 million buyers of the device for years to come. While no official figures have been released, some analysts have said that Toshiba stands to lose hundreds of millions of dollars by dropping HD DVD. That would be a huge blow for many companies, but Toshiba should recover quickly. The firm had $60.3 billion in sales last year. WB Sidesteps TV Networks Warner Bros. TV president Bruce Rosenblum recently told a group of California’s Stanford Law School students that studios like his will soon bypass broadcast TV networks using broadband and cellular, and go directly to consumers with content. A first glimpse of this new world he hinted at can be viewed in Warner’s growing online effort, he said, noting that distribution deals with Fox and AP R I L 2 0 0 8 YOUR GATEWAYTO LATINAMERICA. s Access to the Latin American market at the most important event in the region. s Huge potential for business deals: in 2007 the exhibition area was completely sold out and welcomed representatives from more than 20 countries around the world. s 2X the exhibition space available, with all the infrastructure required. s Participation by key industry names for global companies. s The best networking opportunities and the biggest showcase for your projects in the southern hemisphere. s International speakers in panels, debates, “30 Minutes”, pitching sessions. s Massive attendance: more than 1,000 people in 2007, including professionals from top local and global broadcasters and pay-TV channels. s The entire package comes gift-wrapped in a warm, hospitable atmosphere only Brazil can offer. The right event at the right time in the right place. Seize this excellent market moment to guarantee your presence at the9th Forum Brasil. Your best program airs here. w w w. f o r u m b r a s i l t v. c o m . b r June 3rd - 5th, 2008. São Paulo, Brazil. Exhibition and conference: June 4 & 5. More Info: (+5511) 3138.4660 info@convergecom.com.br Promotion Realization BronzeSponsor GoldSponsor Support MediaPartners TableTopPlusBronze (Continued on Page 6) Jerry Petry, chairman of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation The non-profit Academy Foundation sponsors educational and archival
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