Business News

Mark Shapiro Elected to Tribune Board of Directors

Monday 12. May 2008 - Board Also Elects Weitman as SVP/Corporate Relations

Tribune Company today announced that Mark Shapiro, a native Chicagoan, has been elected to the company’s board of directors. Shapiro is president and chief executive officer of Six Flags, Inc., the world’s largest regional amusement park company, a position he has held since December 2005.

“Mark is a great addition to the board,” said Sam Zell, Tribune’s chairman and chief executive officer. “This company’s been on a roller coaster ride the last few years — who better to help guide us into the future than a guy in charge of amusement parks? Mark has great experience in broadcasting and entertainment and knows how to reach audiences — he’s smart and innovative. Besides, we’re hoping he’ll cut us a break on season passes to Six Flags!”

Shapiro has helped Six Flags grow its entertainment portfolio, leading the company’s acquisition of 40% of Dick Clark productions in 2007. Prior to joining Six Flags, Shapiro served as executive vice president/programming and production at ESPN, responsible for the development and scheduling of all programming on ESPN, ESPN2 and its affiliate networks. Shapiro was elected at Tribune’s regularly scheduled board meeting held May 7.

In other business, the board also elected Gary Weitman as senior vice president/corporate relations. Weitman joined Tribune in 2000 as vice president/corporate communications. He oversees internal and external communication, including media and investor relations, employee communications, and Tribune’s internal and external websites.