HRTV Names Swan Senior VP, Distribution and Business Development

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HorseRacing TV (HRTV), a television network distributed nationally by cable system operators and DISH Network, announced April 4 that veteran cable affiliate sales executive Chris Swan has been named senior vice president of distribution and business development.

Swan, who joined the network after 11 years with the Golf Channel, is responsible for all aspects of distributing HRTV, including its sale and license within the cable, satellite, telecom, and new media industries.

"With the emergence of new video platforms, it is critical that networks create sales strategies that encompass every carriage opportunity," said Jim Bates, executive vice president and general manager of HRTV. "The expertise Chris Swan demonstrated with the Golf Channel and his understanding of the new media environment will be of tremendous value as we bring HRTV to new markets in the immediate and long-term future."

One of the first employees of the Golf Channel, Swan was instrumental in formulating and executing distribution strategy during the network's growth to 60 million households. In his final position with the station, as managing director of affiliate sales, he played a key role in positioning it for successful consolidation into the Comcast Networks operational organization.

Swan began his career at the New England Sports Network (NESN), owned and operated by the Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins. At NESN, Swan's career included positions in the public relations, marketing, and affiliate sales departments.

A native of Newton, Mass., Swan is a 1985 graduate of Westfield State College with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He earned a master's degree in applied management from Lesley College in Cambridge, Mass.

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