Consumer >> CEO Interviews >> March 3, 2002

Michael Finkelstein – Sbs Broadcasting Sa (sbtv)

MICHAEL FINKELSTEIN, was appointed CEO of SBS Broadcasting SA in August 2001. He is a graduate of Indiana University and Columbia Law School and was a Staff Attorney with the Federal Communications Commission from 1960-1965. After leaving the FCC, he practiced law in Washington, DC, specializing in telecommunications matters. In 1983 he joined Odyssey Partners, a New York City investment firm where he was responsible for the firm's communications investments. In 1989, he left Odyssey to start Renaissance Communications Corp., which became the largest affiliate of the Fox Television Network. He served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Renaissance until the company's sale in 1997 to the Tribune Company. While at Renaissance he also served on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Broadcasters and the Board of Governors of the Fox Television Network. In 1997, he became Vice Chairman of SBS Broadcasting, which operates television and radio stations throughout Europe. Profile
TWST: Could we begin with a brief historical sketch of SBS Broadcasting

and then a picture of what you're doing at the present time?

Mr. Finkelstein: We were organized about 10 years ago to