Eric Shanks, Executive Vice President, DIRECTV Entertainment, DIRECTV, Inc.

Eric Shanks is the executive vice president of DIRECTV Entertainment for DIRECTV, Inc., the nation's number one satellite television service. DIRECTV presents the finest television experience available to its customers through exclusive content, industry-leading customer service and superior technologies. Shanks oversees business activities related to the development of DIRECTV's original entertainment, interactive programming and advertising sales. In his role, Shanks supports DIRECTV's goal to provide customers with the best television experience by developing innovative content and services that are compelling and distinct. The latest advances include the launch of the DIRECTV on DEMAND, The 101 Network, DIRECTV's exclusive NASCAR package, and the addition of the NFL RedZone feature to DIRECTV's exclusive NFL SUNDAY TICKET^TM package.

Prior to joining DIRECTV, Shanks, a five-time Emmy award winner, served as a producer at FOX SPORTS and as vice president of Enhanced Programming for FOX Television Networks. His accomplishments there include producing live coverage of NFL Europe and "The Best Damn Sports Show Period" for FOX Sports Net, as well as launching Sky Sport 1 and 2 for the Sky Italia platform in Italy. Shanks was also responsible for overseeing the development and creation of interactive television that complemented FOX's sports, news and entertainment programming.

Shanks joined FOX SPORTS in 1994 for the network's inaugural season of NFL coverage. He also served on production crews for FOX SPORTS' coverage of the NHL and Major League Baseball. During his time at FOX SPORTS, Shanks helped develop the yellow first down line and glowing puck that are now staples of any televised football or hockey event. He began his sports television career as a broadcast associate at CBS Sports in 1993.