A&E Television Network’s Abbe Raven to Keynote

Abbe Raven, BA ’74, president and CEO of A&E Television Networks (AETN), will be the keynote speaker at the University at Buffalo’s second annual Coast to Coast Symposium on Arts, Entertainment and Media (UBC2C NYC).

One of the most powerful women in television, Raven highlights a list of prominent UB alumni from the arts, entertainment and media industries who will speak at the symposium, July 23-25, in New York City’s Macaulay Honors College at CUNY.

“Abbe Raven is a most distinguished UB alumna and a prominent leader in the national entertainment and media arenas,” said UB President John B. Simpson. “This event is an outstanding opportunity for students to learn first-hand from the industry leaders who are shaping these fields, and the students who attend this symposium will benefit tremendously from Abbe’s insights and experience. We are honored she will be joining us in New York City in July.”

Raven earned an undergraduate degree in theater at UB and a master’s degree in theater and film at Hunter College. She became president and CEO in 2005 of A&E Television Networks, which acquired the Lifetime brands in August 2009. Prior to her current position, Raven was president of A&E Network, and before that executive vice president and general manager, A&E Network and The Biography Channel. Previous to A&E Network, she was executive vice president and general manager at The History Channel.