HBO snags Showtime’s Ken Hershman as new sports chief

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HBO has raided its chief rival Showtime for its new head of sports.

Ken Hershman, executive vice president and general manager of Showtime Sports, has been named president of HBO Sports, filling the void created when Ross Greenburg abruptly resigned almost three months ago.

Hershman, who spent almost 20 years at Showtime and helped build up its boxing coverage, has strong boxing relationships, particularly with Manny Pacquiao. One of the reasons for Greenburg’s departure was that Showtime had made strong inroads on HBO in boxing coverage, people close to HBO said.

Hershman, who will officially join the pay cable channel in January, will report to HBO programming chief Michael Lombardo.

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-- Joe Flint