9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
Keynote Conversation
Mel Karmazin, Chief Executive Officer, SIRIUS Satellite Radio
Mel Karmazin is Chief Executive Officer of SIRIUS Satellite Radio, the
premium satellite radio provider known for delivering the most compelling commercial-free music and sports programming to cars and homes across the country, where he oversees all aspects of the company’s operations from its New York City corporate headquarters. Previously, Karmazin served as Chief Executive Officer of 519 LLC, a private investment firm. Mr. Karmazin was also President and CEO of Viacom from May 2000 until June 2004. Karmazin served on the Viacom board of directors and was responsible for overseeing all of Viacom’s operations. Viacom Inc. is one of the world’s largest entertainment and media companies and a leader in the production, promotion, and distribution of entertainment, news, sports, and music. The company’s properties include CBS Television, MTV Networks, BET, Showtime Networks, Infinity, Viacom Outdoor, Paramount Pictures, Paramount Television, Paramount Parks, UPN Blockbuster, Simon & Schuster, and theatrical exhibition operations in North America and abroad.
Prior to that, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of CBS Corporation from January 1999 – May 2000. Before becoming Chief Executive Officer, he was President and Chief Operating Officer of CBS Corporation from April 1998 to January 1999. He joined CBS in January 1997 as Chairman and Chief executive officer of CBS Radio through a merger of Westinghouse/CBS and Infinity Broadcasting. He had served as Infinity’s President and Chief Executive Officer from 1981 until Infinity became a wholly owned subsidiary of Viacom in February 2001. He was named Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CBS Station Group (Radio and Television) in May 1997. Prior to Infinity, Karmazin spent 10 years with Metromedia. Karmazin also served on the board of directors of Westwood One, Blockbuster, and the New York Stock Exchange, and is vice chairman of the board of trustees of The Museum of Television & Radio. He was inducted into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame, and has received the National Association of Broadcasters National Radio Award and the IRTS Gold Medal Award.