Distinguished Speaker Series to host Ed Carroll ’85 of AMC Networks

NEW PALTZ—The State University of New York at New Paltz’s Distinguished Speaker Series proudly announces that Ed Carroll ’85, chief operating officer at AMC Networks, Inc., will speak on “The ‘New’ Golden Age of Television,” on Thursday, March 27, at 7:30 p.m., in Lecture Center 100/102 on the New Paltz campus. A dessert reception for ticket holders will follow the event.

In his talk, Carroll will discuss the second “golden age” of television in which movies are being replaced by television as the medium for thoughtful storytelling. He will explain how TV shows are selected and tested for airing, the future of the television industry, as well as present a special preview of AMC’s new series, “Halt & Catch Fire,” which premieres this summer.

A 26-year veteran at AMC Networks, Carroll has built some of the most successful brands in television—AMC, IFC, Sundance Channel, and WE tv—and has overseen the development of several successful television series, including “Mad Men,” “Breaking Bad,” and “The Walking Dead.” Carroll has expanded AMC Networks’ global presence into more than 20 countries and is the recipient of numerous industry honors, including the National Cable & Telecommunications Association’s (NCTA) Programming Vanguard Award, NCTA’s Vanguard Award for Young Leadership, and a PromaxBDA Brand Builders Award.

Founded in 2008, the Distinguished Speaker Series aims to connect SUNY New Paltz alumni, students, faculty/staff and community members with highly accomplished alumni, authors, policy makers and leaders, scientists, media experts, business people and other luminaries. The Series hosts speakers twice every academic year.

SUNY New Paltz’s 2014 Distinguished Speaker Series is supported by the generosity of the following major sponsors: Bruderhof, C2G Environmental, Campus Auxiliary Services, Central Hudson, Empire State Bank, The Dorsky Family, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Mohonk Mountain House, SUNY New Paltz Foundation, Sodexo, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Viking Industries.

Advanced ticket purchase is highly recommended. For further information and to purchase tickets please visit http://www.newpaltz.edu/speakerseries/ or call (845) 257-3880. To sponsor the Series or obtain general information, please call (845) 257-3972. Tickets may also be purchased at the SUNY New Paltz Parker Theatre Box Office, Monday – Friday 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., through Sunday, March 9, or one hour prior to the event in the Lecture Center lobby.