Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Taps New Leadership for the Company's Television Business

NEW YORK, Sept. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. (NYSE: MSO) today announced two new hires for its television business, which is anchored by Hallmark Channel's Emmy Award-winning daily series, "The Martha Stewart Show."  The appointments are effective immediately.

Geoffrey A. Darby, named General Manager for MSLO's Television segment, will be responsible for the Company's production and television operations. He will report to MSLO President and Chief Operating Officer Lisa Gersh. Michael Morrison, who will report to Mr. Darby, assumes the role of Executive Producer of "The Martha Stewart Show," which is set to premiere its seventh season on September 26th.

Ms. Gersh commented: "I've worked with Geoffrey for many years and have been consistently impressed by his creativity, his insights and his leadership skills.  I am pleased that he has joined our team and I know he will make significant contributions to the development of our television footprint.  Michael has deep experience as a talented and accomplished producer and development executive.  I am confident that together, Geoffrey and Michael will bring new dimension and energy to our television programming and help the business to realize its full potential."

Martha Stewart, host and Executive Producer of "The Martha Stewart Show" and Founder of MSLO, added: "Geoffrey and Michael are seasoned professionals whose vast range of television experience, exciting ideas, and great enthusiasm for our programming will be integral to our success in the months and years ahead.  I'm looking forward to working with these very talented and accomplished executives on our upcoming season of "The Martha Stewart Show," as we continue to create innovative and informative how-to content that inspires and entertains our viewers."

Mr. Darby is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience in the television industry and has expertise in production, programming and brand development, as well as network distribution techniques.  Before joining MSLO, he served as Executive Vice President of Programming for The Weather Channel.  Prior to that, he was President of Production of Oxygen Media, LLC.  Mr. Darby joined Oxygen from CBS Cable, where he was Executive Vice President of the network and President of CBS Eye on People.  Earlier in his career, Mr. Darby held several positions at Viacom Inc., including President of Viacom Interactive Services, where he spearheaded its online efforts, and Senior Vice President of programming and production for Nickelodeon/Nick at Nite.  Over the years, Mr. Darby's work has been recognized with many of the industry's most coveted honors, including three CableACE Awards®, two Clio Awards®, a Peabody® and a Dupont Award®.  He studied Broadcast Radio-Television at Algonquin College of Journalism in Ottawa, Canada and Political Science and History at Carleton University, also in Ottawa.

Mr. Darby said, "MSLO has incredible television assets and a deep pool of talent.  I'm excited about working with Martha, Lisa and the team to build on these assets and create great television programming."

Mr. Morrison is an accomplished producer and network executive who has a broad range of experience developing, supervising, and producing original programming for syndication as well as broadcast and cable networks. He previously served as a Programming Consultant and Executive Producer at A&E, where he was part of the team that developed and launched the programming slate that catapulted A&E into one of the top cable networks.  Prior to A&E, Mr. Morrison held Creative and Executive Producer positions at MTV, and Warner Bros.  Prior to that, he served as Director, Entertainment Programs, East Coast for NBC where he was part of the team that launched "Late Night with Conan O'Brien."  A graduate of Boston College, he has served on the Advisory Board of the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival.

"Martha Stewart is one of the most iconic brands on the media landscape. I'm honored to be joining MSLO and look forward to working with Martha, Lisa, Geoffrey and the entire team," said Mr. Morrison.

MSLO's Television segment produces "The Martha Stewart Show," as part of the Hallmark Channel Home daily lifestyle programming block.  The show is hosted by Martha Stewart and features newsmakers, culinary icons, artisans and artists, as well as luminaries of the fashion world, both renowned and newly discovered – all before a live studio audience.  MSLO also offers a slate of daily lifestyle programming for Hallmark Channel, including "Mad Hungry with Lucinda Scala Quinn," "Petkeeping with Marc Morrone," "Martha Bakes" and the lineup's newest addition, "Emeril's Table," hosted by Emeril Lagasse.

About Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc.

Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. (NYSE: MSO) is a diversified media and merchandising company, inspiring and engaging consumers with unique lifestyle content and distinctive products. The Publishing segment encompasses the company's print and digital businesses and is comprised of four magazines, including MSLO's flagship publication, Martha Stewart Living, periodic special issues, books, websites, digital apps, blogs, and more. The Broadcasting segment produces the Emmy-winning, daily television series, "The Martha Stewart Show," and other original programming on Hallmark Channel, including "Mad Hungry with Lucinda Scala Quinn." Broadcasting also encompasses Martha Stewart Living Radio on SIRIUS XM Channel 110. In addition to its media properties, MSLO offers high-quality Martha Stewart products through licensing agreements with carefully selected companies, including the Martha Stewart Collection exclusively at Macy's, the Martha Stewart Living line of home-improvement products at The Home Depot, Martha Stewart Crafts with EK Success at Michaels, Jo-Ann Fabric, and independent retailers, the Martha Stewart Pets line at PetSmart. In 2008, Emeril Lagasse joined the Martha Stewart family of brands; MSLO acquired the assets related to Lagasse's media and merchandising business, including television programming, cookbooks, and emerils.com website and his licensed kitchen and food products. For additional information about MSLO, visit www.marthastewart.com.

SOURCE Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc.