Lydia Murphy-Stephans, president of Pac-12 Networks, the content and multi-platform media company for the Pac-12 US college sports conference, is to step down from her role in June.
The former Olympic speed skater, who became the first woman to head a national sports network, plans on launching a media advisory company that will act as a consultant to Pac-12 Networks.
Pac-12 Networks is a media company that consists of one national and six regional television networks, and digital properties designed to connect fans with Pac-12 teams and universities.
Murphy-Stephans said: “I’m very proud of what we accomplished at Pac-12 Networks. We built the networks from the ground up with a unique ownership model that has created long-term value for the Pac-12 universities. We provided unprecedented exposure to women’s sports and Olympic athletes – something especially important to me. Now, with Pac-12 Networks firmly established and successful, it’s the perfect time for me to launch my new business and explore all kinds of opportunities across the media landscape.”
During Murphy-Stephans’ tenure as president, Pac-12 Networks produced and distributed 850 live sporting events each year, with the company’s distribution partners also having grown from four to more than 75 national providers across cable, satellite, telco and over-the-top platforms.