Mark Silverman was named the first president of Big Ten Network in December 2006. Silverman creates the network’s strategic direction, leads the day-to-day operations and reports to its Board of Directors. The network is dedicated exclusively to the Big Ten Conference and is headquartered in Chicago.
Silverman has guided the Big Ten Network to profitability within two years of being on the air. Additionally, the network has achieved its distribution goals, and is available to approximately 75 million homes throughout the country. With the increased exposure for the Big Ten, as well as the network’s financial contributions to the conference, the network has changed the collegiate sports television landscape.
Under Silverman’s leadership, the Big Ten Network has added top national advertisers, including Nissan, Infiniti, State Farm, Hampton, Buffalo Wild Wings, Ro*Tel, Auto-Owners Insurance and the U.S. Marine Corps, and top national talent, such as Thom Brennaman, Charles Davis, Gus Johnson, Jim Jackson and Dave Revsine.
The Big Ten Network’s portfolio extends beyond the traditional linear network with extensive new media offerings in the areas of broadband and video-on-demand (VOD). The Big Ten Network has expanded its domestic and international streaming initiative in 2009-10, making an additional 200 events available through its fee-based streaming service on www.BigTenNetwork.com. These events, such as volleyball, wrestling, baseball, softball, women’s basketball and non-conference men’s basketball, would not otherwise receive television coverage. The enhanced quality of this streaming product promises to rival any other streaming source in delivery and quality. In addition, the network is one of the most prolific providers of VOD content to Comcast and Time Warner
Shortly after its August 2007 launch, the network made a name for itself by achieving two major milestones, airing 95 percent of its 400 live events in high definition, the most HD content of any other new channel in history, and becoming the first network in history to reach 30 million households within 30 days from its launch.
Prior to joining Big Ten Network, Silverman served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of the ABC Cable Networks Group. In this role, Silverman was a board member and represented the Company’s interests in Lifetime, A&E, and History Channel. Silverman also previously served as Senior Vice President and General Manager, ABC Family Channel, where he was responsible for channel operations and the development of its business strategy, with emphasis on ad sales, business affairs, business development and finance.
Silverman began his media career in the entertainment industry at The Walt Disney Company, where he held a number of executive positions during his eight-year tenure, principally in the television and movie studio divisions.
Before rejoining Disney, Silverman served as Vice President of Planning and Development, ABC Inc. In this position he led the planning functions for the ABC Television Network, ABC-owned television stations, ABC Cable Group, ABC Radio, ESPN and Buena Vista Television and was responsible for improving the financial performance of the group, evaluating new cable channels, analyzing potential strategic acquisitions, and integrating operations.
Prior to his tenure at ABC, Silverman developed and launched ESPN Zone, where he served as General Manager and led all key analysis and negotiations, including real estate and sponsorship deals. Additional career accomplishments include serving as Vice President of Finance and Planning at The Walt Disney Studios, a group that included theatrical, home video, network television, cable television and online. Responsibilities consisted of managing business development, finance, planning and special projects within the studio, including the studio’s strategic five-year plan and annual operating plans.
Silverman played a key role in the acquisition of Miramax Films, helped expand the development of several international Disney Channels, and led all new business initiatives within the studio. Prior to joining the studio planning group, Silverman worked within the theatrical marketing department to evaluate new opportunities to market and distribute films cost effectively.
Prior to his experiences at Disney, Silverman worked in business development for NBC and at Arthur Young & Co, where he was a Certified Public Accountant.
Silverman holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the University of California, Los Angeles and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Michigan. Silverman currently resides in Chicago with his wife and two children.