Page on the Links

Comcast has tapped its own svp/gm, video services Page Thompson to become the new president of The Golf Channel, effective May 7. Golf has been looking to fill the gig since the fall, when CEO David Manougian announced plans to step back from day-to-day operations. Thompson, who has been the frontrunner for the position (Cfax, 4/2), said he plans to bring his 20-plus years marketing and brand-building experience to the table, noting his excitement over the recent addition of PGA coverage. "I’m just delighted to have the PGA tour," he told Cfax. "It’s really a huge step up for the channel." Manougian said his new media expertise "will serve the network tremendously as it moves into the new multi-platform digital world." Comcast Programming Group pres Jeff Shell noted Thompson’s ability to forge "new cross-platform programming opportunities," citing his success creating and managing Comcast’s VOD platform that has grown to more than 9000 programs per month and more than 4bln views since it launched in ’04.