Thomas Vitale has been promoted to Exec VP, Programming and Original Movies for the Sci Fi Channel. Vitale will continue to report to Dave Howe, President, Sci Fi Channel. Vitale, who started at the channel in early 1993, soon after the network's September 1992 launch, has played a vital role with Sci Fi throughout its history, most recently serving as SVP, Programming and Original Movies.
Vitale is responsible for original genre movie development for Sci Fi and Chiller. He has established Sci Fi as one of the largest producers of original movies in television. Branded as "Saturday Night: The Most Dangerous Night of Television," the franchise that delivers fun, escapist entertainment to an ever-growing audience, has recently expanded to include Sunday primetime as well. Vitale is now charged with delivering up to 36 original movies per year.
In addition to original movies, Vitale is responsible for Sci Fi's original two-hour investigative documentaries, including this past year's record-setting MYSTERY OF THE CRYSTAL SKULLS special, which aired during the week leading up to the release of the latest INDIANA JONES movie. Vitale oversees Sci Fi's programming, including its aggressive buying and scheduling strategy, and is also responsible for programming and acquisitions for the emerging Chiller network.
Vitale joined Sci Fi in early 1993 as Director of Acquisitions, playing a significant role in building the network during its launch phase. Promoted to Director, Acquisitions and Development in 1996, VP of Acquisitions and Scheduling in 2000, SVP of Programming and Planning in 2001, and then SVP of Programming and Original Movies in 2004, Vitale has helped Sci Fi grow from fewer than 10 million households to its current 93 million.
Vitale came to Sci Fi from Viacom Ent., where he worked on the syndication, research and marketing for off-network and first-run series, including THE COSBY SHOW, DOUBLE DARE and THE MONTEL WILLIAMS SHOW. A graduate of Williams College, Vitale launched his career in television as a page at NBC.
