Press Release from Disney Channels Worldwide

Burbank, Tuesday, November 24, 2009: Carolina Lightcap has been promoted to president, Disney Channels Worldwide, it was announced today by Anne Sweeney, co-chair, Disney Media Networks and president, Disney/ABC Television Group, to whom she will report.  A highly-regarded executive with more than 20 years in the media/entertainment industry, Ms. Lightcap joined The Walt Disney Company in 2000 and most recently served in the dual roles of senior vice president, Programming and Creative Affairs, Disney Channels Latin America, and Chief Marketing Officer, The Walt Disney Company, Latin America.  She will assume her new position within the Disney/ABC Television Group effective immediately and will relocate from Buenos Aires to Burbank.

A versatile and well-regarded executive, who during her career has been based in Los Angeles, Miami and New York, Ms. Lightcap will be charged with shepherding Disney Channels Worldwide, the global leader in kid-focused, family-inclusive entertainment, through its next period of growth.  The Disney Channel global executive team representing programming and production, business affairs, business planning and development, marketing, brand management, advertising sales and Radio Disney, will report to her.

And in recognition of his extraordinary and continuing contribution, Gary Marsh will assume the new title of Chief Creative Officer in addition to his current title of president, entertainment, Disney Channels Worldwide, remaining in charge of all program development, creative and production, reporting to Ms. Lightcap.

In making the announcement, Ms. Sweeney stated, "Carolina has made enormous contributions to Disney over the past decade, especially in launching and building Disney Channel Latin America into the #1 cable channel in the region.  She's a highly respected member of our global team and her wealth of experience, leadership acumen and programming, marketing and franchise building skills make her the ideal executive to lead Disney Channels Worldwide into the future."

Ms. Lightcap added, “I’m thrilled and honored that Anne has entrusted me with this incredible opportunity.  During the 10 years I’ve worked at The Walt Disney Company, I’ve had the pleasure of leading a team that took Disney Channel Latin America to number one.  Now I’m looking forward to working with the unparalleled talent at Disney Channels Worldwide as we create the future of kid-focused, family inclusive entertainment.”

In commenting on Mr. Marsh, Ms. Sweeney said, "Gary is the creative force behind Disney Channel's tremendous success and some of The Walt Disney Company’s most heralded and popular franchises including ‘Hannah Montana’ and ‘High School Musical.’  His unique vision helped define Disney Channel as a global leader in kid and family entertainment while fueling a content bonanza for other areas of our Company.”  She continued, "With Gary’s creative vision and Carolina’s leadership, I have no doubt Disney Channel will remain at the forefront of our industry for years to come."

In her role as Senior Vice President of Programming and Creative Affairs, Media Networks, Latin America, Ms. Lightcap was responsible for all programming, production, on-air, marketing, research and publicity for Disney Channel, Disney XD and Playhouse Disney Channels, which includes14 localized feeds in Spanish and Portuguese that are broadcast to 19 territories in Latin America.

During this time, she led the successful creative transition of Disney Channel from a premium to basic service and the organizational restructure and relocation of the teams from Miami to Buenos Aires.  After acquiring full basic distribution, Disney Channel has been the pan-regional ratings leader -- not only among kids and tweens, but also among cable HH´s and the cable universe (people 4-55+ years old), both on a 24-hour basis and during prime time --  for four consecutive fiscal years (FY06 to FY09).  Ms. Lightcap also oversaw the successful rebrand of Jetix to Disney XD and the launch of Playhouse Disney Channel throughout the region.