Joe Cohen, a pioneer in the sports television industry and one of the most respected and admired individuals in the sports and entertainment world, returned home in September of 1995 to rejoin Madison Square Garden.

   Cohen, who was the founder and principal architect of MSG Network and served as its first president, was named Madison Square Garden Executive Vice President on September 22, 1995. His role includes overseeing MSG Network, MSG Sponsorship Sales and all new business development.

   Born and raised in New York, Cohen returned after eight years in Los Angeles, where he served as chairman of the Los Angeles Kings from 1993 to 1995.

  Cohen joined MSG in 1970 as assistant to the vice president of operations while earning his MBA from the University of PennsylvaniaÕs Wharton School of Business. He held increasingly responsible positions in the corporation before being named Vice President of MSG Cable and Vice President of Development in 1975. After being appointed President of MSG Network in 1979, Cohen became responsible for overseeing all advertising, sales, production and program development for the network, as well as the broadcast and cable activities of all Garden entertainment and sporting events. He established MSG Network as one of the largest regional cable networks in the country, a title that still stands today, reaching over 6.1 million homes.

  While at MSG, Cohen co-founded the USA Network, as he initiated national satellite distribution of Garden events with UA/Columbia Cable Television, laying the foundation for the network. He transformed the local cable station into a 24-hour channel that reaches over 60 million cable subscribers from coast-to-coast. In creating USA Network, Cohen negotiated the first cable contracts for the NBA, NHL, and Major League Baseball.

  The 27-year veteran of the sports and entertainment world left the Garden in 1985, but continued his record of success. He formed a group of investors who purchased the Hughes Television Network from the Garden in 1986, helping to greatly expand and diversify their services. One year later he moved to California to lead another investment partnership that purchased and restored the Z channel, by turning the well-known Los Angeles-based regional pay television service to its former prominence, as its Chief Executive Officer.

  From 1989 to 1993, Cohen was a consultant to the entertainment and arena management firm, Spectacor, for their television distribution and arena activities, and to Rainbow Program Services, a New York-based company which owns and operates more than a dozen national and regional cable networks. In 1991, Cohen was appointed president of Spectacor West and simultaneously joined Spectacor Films as president and CEO.

  CohenÕs career highlights include serving on the television committees for both the NHL and NBA between 1976 and 1985, representing the Rangers and Knicks. He also helped negotiate the NHLÕs current contract with ESPN. In addition, he was active in the production and management of live events at arenas and racetracks. Cohen is a board member for the March of Dimes, a trustee of the New York Sports Museum and Hall of Fame, and has advised numerous public organizations, including the New York State Council for the Arts.

  Cohen was a member of the New York State Cable Associations Board of Directors, from 1982-1985. In 1985, he received an award from the Association for his tireless effort in assisting the continued growth of the cable industry. Two years ago, Cohen was named a Cable Pioneer, one of the highest honors the industry has to offer and in 1997, he was named Associate Director of the CTTANY Board of Directors and to the Board of Directors for the Atlantic Cable Show.

  In 1997, Cohen was a recipient of the Good Scout Award presented each year by the Boy Scouts , and of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. Cohen is married to the former Rita Llop, and has four daughters Ñ Aren, Marianne, Johanna and Gabriella.

Joseph Cohen is currently the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of HTN Communications, LLC a recognized leader in the television broadcast industry.

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