A+E NETWORKS(R) NAMES JANE RICE AND MICHELLE STRONG CO-PRESIDENTS OF DISTRIBUTION, SUCCEEDING DAVID ZAGIN

Zagin Transitions to Advisory Role

NEW YORK, NY (February 13, 2025) - A+E today announced the appointment of Jane Rice and Michelle Strong as Co-Presidents of Distribution, succeeding David Zagin, who is exiting his role after a distinguished career of more than 25 years. Zagin, who has led and collaborated with Rice and Strong for 15 years, will continue to serve in an advisory capacity for A+E Networks, providing strategic counsel and leveraging his deep industry expertise to support the company's ongoing initiatives. The announcement was made by Paul Buccieri, President and Chairman of A+E, to whom Rice and Strong will report.

"David's exceptional leadership has been instrumental in shaping A+E into the resilient and dynamic force it is today," said Buccieri. "His unparalleled ability to anticipate industry trends, foster meaningful relationships, and guide transformative initiatives has left an indelible legacy. While we will deeply miss his day-to-day presence, I am grateful that he will remain part of A+E in an advisory capacity."

Zagin's tenure at A+E has been transformative, marked by his ability to navigate a rapidly evolving media landscape while ensuring the company's continued growth and stability. Joining the company in 1999 as Senior Vice President of Affiliate Sales, he rose to become President of Distribution. His strategic vision redefined the company's approach to content partnerships and affiliate relationships.

During his leadership, Zagin led negotiations for groundbreaking deals, including some of the industry's first VOD and TV Everywhere agreements, setting a standard that remains integral to distribution models today. His efforts solidified A+E Networks' reputation as a pioneer in innovative distribution strategies, creating enduring value for partners and audiences alike.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Zagin fostered a culture of collaboration and excellence within A+E, mentoring countless colleagues and cultivating a team renowned for its expertise and dedication. His leadership extended beyond A+E, as evidenced by his service on the boards of the T. Howard Foundation, where he chaired the nominating committee, and CTAMU, where he championed initiatives to drive industry progress and inclusivity.

"Jane and Michelle have a deep mutual respect and a history of collaboration that underscores their exceptional leadership. I have the utmost confidence that their combined experience, innovative thinking, and strong industry relationships will ensure A+E remains at the forefront of the rapidly evolving media landscape," added Buccieri.

Rice and Strong will jointly oversee all distribution operations for A+E Networks' domestic, Caribbean and Canadian portfolios, including platform distribution, partnerships and marketing. Together, they bring decades of expertise and complementary strengths to their roles. Their combined tenure at A+E has been marked by spearheading innovative distribution strategies, building strong client relationships, and leading teams through transformative industry changes.

A widely respected leader in the media and entertainment industry, Jane Rice has consistently demonstrated her ability to drive innovation and strategic growth in content distribution. Over her 15 years at A+E Networks, Rice has played a pivotal role in shaping the company's distribution strategies, spearheading groundbreaking partnerships, and expanding A+E's presence across emerging platforms.

Rice's industry leadership has earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of Cablefax's Most Powerful Women in Cable consistently since 2013 and one of Ireland's Most Influential Women by the Irish Voice in 2011. In 2015, she was honored as a Multichannel News Wonder Woman. Rice also served on WICT's Global Board of Directors for 6 years, further exemplifying her commitment to advancing the role of women in media.

Rice is a graduate of University College London, where she earned a degree in Law, and of WICT's Betsy Magness Leadership Institute, Class XXIII.

Known for her exceptional leadership and strategic vision, Michelle Strong has made a significant impact in the distribution sector of the media and entertainment industry. Strong has also spent over 15 years at A+E Networks, where she has excelled in cultivating client relationships, leading transformative partnerships, and navigating the complexities of the ever-evolving distribution landscape.

Strong's contributions to the industry have been widely recognized, including being named a Multichannel News Wonder Woman in 2023 and a Woman to Watch in 2018. She has also served on the National Board of NAMIC, The WICT Network's Global Board and is a graduate of the prestigious Betsy Magness Leadership Institute, Class XV. Strong currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Alexander Robertson School, showcasing her dedication to leadership and mentorship within the industry and in her community.

Strong earned her B.A. in Communications from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VA Tech) and earned her MBA from the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business.

About A+E

A+E, a joint venture of Disney-ABC Television Group and Hearst. is a global content company comprised of some of the most popular and culturally relevant brands in media, including A&E(R), Lifetime(R), The HISTORY(R) Channel, LMN(R), FYI,(R) and VICE TV(R). Our content reaches more than 414 million households in 200 territories in 40 languages. A+E's portfolio reaches a global audience with branded channels around the world, and across platforms and genres everywhere, including scripted and factual production divisions, FAST channels, AVOD, and SVOD products Crime 360; Lifetime Movie Club(R) and HISTORY Vault(R). Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/aenetworks and Facebook at facebook.com/AENetworks.