The Paley Center for Media Announced $1.5 Million Gift from NBC Universal

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

The Paley Center for Media announced today a $1.5 million gift from NBC Universal to its comprehensive campaign—its first campaign commitment from one of the five largest media companies. Named MTR 2.0: The Paley Center for Media, the campaign is designed to transform the institution for the digital age.

With this contribution, the Paley Center has raised over $15 million, achieving more than 75 percent of the campaign's Phase 1 goal of $20 million by the end of 2007. NBC Universal joins foundations and other media companies supporting the campaign, including the William S. Paley Foundation, Inc., the William Randolph Hearst Foundation, the Annenberg Foundation, The Hauser Foundation, and the Hearst Corporation. The Paley Center plans to launch a second phase of its campaign next year.

"The media landscape is evolving at a breathtaking pace, with each new trend and technological innovation making media an ever-more pervasive and powerful force in society," said Pat Mitchell, president and CEO of The Paley Center for Media. "MTR 2.0: The Paley Center for Media campaign will enable us to remain on the cutting edge of these new developments. Through this generous gift, Jeff Zucker and NBC Universal recognize that the Paley Center's role as media's public square is now more vital than ever. As the leading institution dedicated to advancing the understanding of media and its impact on our lives, we continue to analyze and interpret media's immense influence for the public, while helping industry leaders navigate the challenges and opportunities of the changing marketplace."

Said Zucker: "The Paley Center is an incredibly important resource both for the public and for industry professionals, preserving our history and furthering our understanding of media and society. NBC Universal is proud to support this campaign, which will ensure that the Paley Center has the resources to continue this vital mission in the digital age."

With the MTR 2.0 campaign, the Paley Center secures the new investment vital to fulfilling its role as the nexus for the industry and the public in this new era. Capitalizing on the latest technologies and distribution platforms, the campaign unveils a media institution of the future and amplifies the reach, scope, and impact of Paley Center programming.

The overall campaign goal is $30 million, with the first $20 million to be dedicated to three primary initiatives that create highly engaging media experiences in the Paley Center's locations in New York and Los Angeles, as well as online:

The Virtual Paley Center: The Paley Center's extensive collection of television and radio programs is being digitized to ensure its continued preservation and accessibility. In addition, the Paley Center will re-launch a more dynamic, content-rich website and deliver its content on other highly trafficked platforms to impact a global audience.

Enhanced Paley Center Technical Infrastructure: The Paley Center will be upgraded with state-of-the-art technology to enrich the production and distribution of our live events and other original content.

The 21^st Century Paley Center: The New York and Los Angeles locations will become magnetic "media environments," creating enhanced visitor experiences and improved access to our extraordinary collection.

Jeff Zucker, president and CEO of NBC Universal, will serve as an honorary cochair of the MTR 2.0: The Paley Center for Media campaign, joining Frank A. Bennack, Jr., vice chair of the Hearst Corporation and chairman of the Paley Center. Gordon Crawford, senior vice president of Capital Research and Management and vice chair of the Paley Center, is the campaign chair. Zucker also serves as a member of the Paley Center's Los Angeles Board of Governors. Bob Wright, vice chairman of the board and executive officer of General Electric Company, has served as a trustee of the Paley Center for twenty years.

Zucker, named to his current post in February 2007 after a twenty-year career at NBC, heads one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. NBC Universal has been an important partner in the Paley Center's growth and development throughout its thirty-year history, supporting the institution from its inception in 1975. NBC Universal generously supported two previous capital campaigns, for the construction of the Paley Center's current facility in New York in 1991, and the establishment of its Los Angeles location in 1996.

The Paley Center for Media changed its name from The Museum of Television & Radio on June 5, 2007. The new name better reflects the institution's evolution to a center that convenes media leaders and the public to explore the immense and growing impact of all media on our lives, culture, and society. It also underscores that the media world has changed dramatically since William S. Paley created the institution as a way to preserve our cultural heritage as expressed through television and radio. The new name is inclusive of all media, collecting and interpreting its impact in an increasingly interconnected and wired world.

The Paley Center for Media, with locations in New York and Los Angeles, leads the discussion about the cultural, creative, and social significance of television, radio, and emerging platforms for the professional community and media-interested public. Drawing upon its curatorial expertise, an international collection, and close relationships with the leaders of the media community, the Paley Center examines the intersections between media and society. The general public can access the collection and participate in programs that explore and celebrate the creativity, the innovations, the personalities, and the leaders who are shaping media. Through the global programs of its Media Council and International Council, the Paley Center also serves as a neutral setting where media professionals can engage in discussion and debate about the evolving media landscape. Previously known as The Museum of Television & Radio, the Paley Center was founded in 1976 by William S. Paley, a pioneering innovator in the industry. For more information, please visit www.paleycenter.org.