October 14, 2010 (Burbank, CA) - Alana Russo has been named Vice President, Corporate Communications, The CW, reporting to Paul Hewitt, Senior Vice President, Network Communications. 

In her new role, Russo will manage The CW's corporate media relations and communications, including handling trade and business press relating to the network's executives, marketing strategies, digital efforts, ad sales and ratings.  She will be based in The CW's Burbank offices.

"With such a diverse television background, Alana possesses all of the qualities of a top-notch communications executive; she's smart, resourceful, well-respected and insightful," said Hewitt.  "Alana is a tremendous addition to one of the most talented PR teams in the business, and we look forward to the valuable contributions that she will make here at The CW."

Russo joins The CW from MSNBC in New York, where she had been the senior director of media relations for the network since 2007, working with senior executives on network communications strategy, including messaging for interviews and public appearances and managing the publicity efforts for the network's primetime programming and specials, including the 2008 Presidential election, "Countdown with Keith Olbermann" and "The Rachel Maddow Show," as well as network ratings. 

Russo previously had served as a communications manager with NBC Sports beginning in 2005.  She started her tenure at NBC as a publicist for MSNBC in 2002. 

She also worked in the communications department of Fox Sports in New York.  She began her career on the production side of the industry at MSNBC in 1999.

Russo graduated with honors from New York University, with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism.

Media Contact:

Paul Hewitt       818-977-6171             [email protected]