NBCUniversal Media, LLC

Type	Limited liability company Joint venture
Industry	Mass media
Predecessor(s)	Vivendi Universal MCA Inc.
Founded	Merger between NBC and Vivendi (May 11, 2004 (2004-05-11))
Headquarters	GE Building 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York City 10112, U.S.
Area served	Global
Key people	Steve Burke (President/CEO)
Revenue	US$16.9 billion (2010)[1]
Net income	US$2.26 billion (2010)[1]
Parent	Comcast (51%) General Electric (49%) via holding company NBCUniversal LLC
Divisions	NBC, Universal Pictures, Focus Features, NBCUniversal Television Group, NBC News, NBC Sports Group, USA Network, Syfy, Chiller, G4, CNBC, MSNBC, NBC.com, MSNBC.com, iVillage, PictureBox Movies, Bravo, qubo, Telemundo Television Studios, The Weather Channel, ShopNBC, Hulu, A+E Networks (15%)
Subsidiaries	TV18 (50% in a joint venture with Network 18) Canal+ (50% in a joint venture with Vivendi) StudioCanal (50% in a joint venture with Vivendi)
Website	http://www.nbcuni.com

NBCUniversal Media, LLC (formerly known as NBC Universal, Inc.)^[2][3] is an American media and entertainment company engaged in the production and marketing of entertainment, news, and information products and services to a global customer base. The company owns and operates American television networks, numerous cable channels, and a group of local stations in the United States, as well as motion picture companies, several television production companies, and branded theme parks.

NBC Universal was formed in May 2004 by the merger of General Electric's NBC with Vivendi's Vivendi Universal Entertainment.^[4][5] GE and US cable TV operator Comcast announced a buyout agreement for the company on December 3, 2009. Following regulatory approvals, the transaction completed on January 28, 2011. Comcast now owns 51% of NBC Universal while GE owns 49%.^[5][6][7]

Originally, the NBC Universal logo was a combination of the NBC peacock logo and the Universal Studios globe and text. The logo was redesigned by Wolff Olins in January 2011 to reflect the new Comcast ownership.^[8]

NBC Universal is headquartered in the Rockefeller Plaza in Midtown Manhattan, New York City.^[9] The company is one of two successor companies to MCA Inc. (Music Corporation of America), the other being Vivendi through its subsidiary Universal Music Group.

History[link]

Early history[link]

NBC and Universal Studios had a long standing partnership dating back to 1950. Universal Media Studios' earliest ancestor, Revue Studios, produced a number of shows for NBC, although they would have some hits on the other networks as well. This partnership continued even after Revue Studios became Universal Television, then Studios USA after it was split off from Universal, and then back to Universal Television.

NBC Universal's headquarters is in the GE Building in New York City

Television[link]

NBC Universal Television has its modern roots in a series of expansions undertaken by NBC. In the late 1980s, NBC began pursuing a strategy of diversification, including the formation of two NBC-owned cable-television networks: CNBC and America's Talking. NBC also had partial ownership of several regional sports channels and other cable channels such as American Movie Classics and Court TV (until 2006).

In 1995, NBC began operating NBC Desktop Video, a financial news service that delivered live video to personal computers. The following year, NBC announced an agreement with Microsoft to create an all-news cable television channel, MSNBC (using its subscriber base from America's Talking network). A separate joint venture with Microsoft included establishing a news website, MSNBC.com.

In 1998, NBC partnered with Dow Jones & Co.. The two companies combined their financial news channels outside the US. The new networks included NBC Europe, CNBC Europe, NBC Asia, CNBC Asia, NBC Africa, and CNBC Africa.

In 1999, NBC took a 32% stake in the Paxson group, operator of PAX TV. Five years later, NBC decided to sell its interest in PAX TV and end its relationship with PAX owner, Paxson Communications.

In 2002, NBC acquired the US Spanish-language broadcaster Telemundo, which included the bilingual Mun2 Television. That same year NBC acquired the cable channel Bravo.

Combining with Universal[link]

In 2003, amid a major financial crisis caused by over-expansion, Universal Studios' parent company, Vivendi Universal Entertainment (a division of Vivendi), decided to sell an 80% stake to NBC's parent company, General Electric. The sale and resulting merger formed NBC Universal. The new company was 80% owned by GE, and 20% owned by Vivendi.^[4] The joint venture encompassed Vivendi's US film interests (such as Universal Studios), production and distribution units, as well as five theme parks, cable television channels including USA Network, Sci-Fi Channel, the defunct Trio, Cloo (formerly Sleuth), as well as 50% stakes in Canal+ and StudioCanal (with Vivendi owning the rest). Universal Music Group was not included in the deal and is not part of NBC Universal.^[10]

On May 12, 2004, the television divisions of NBC and Universal Television were combined to form NBC Universal Television. NBC Studios series bought into the company include the NBC dramas Las Vegas (with DreamWorks SKG), Crossing Jordan, and American Dreams. Universal Network Television bought the Law & Order franchise and The District -- in fact, Universal Network Television had co-produced American Dreams with NBC before the merger. Entertainment shows produced by the new group include The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Last Call with Carson Daly, and Saturday Night Live.

The formation of NBC Universal saw the establishment of NBC Universal Cable, which oversees the distribution, marketing, and advertisement sales for thirteen channels (Bravo, Bravo HD+ (eventually renamed Universal HD), Chiller, CNBC, CNBC World, MSNBC, mun2, Syfy, ShopNBC, Telemundo, Cloo, USA Network and the Olympic Games on cable). NBC Universal Cable also manages the company's investments in A&E, the History Channel, History Channel International, the Biography Channel, National Geographic International, and TiVo. The cable division also used to operate NBC Weather Plus until 2008. It also owned a 50% stake in Canal+

Global expansion[link]

NBC Universal Chicago headquarters (NBC Tower).

In the early 1990s, NBC began its expansion throughout Europe by creating CNBC Europe and its long-time successful NBC Europe Superstation by broadcasting NBC Giga throughout Germany and the rest of the European Union. NBC Europe helped to develop the Leipzig-based Games Convention, the largest European video game exposition with more than 100,000 visitors each year.

In 2005, NBC Universal joined HANA, the High-Definition Audio-Video Network Alliance to help establish standards in consumer electronics interoperability. Later that year, NBC announced a partnership with Apple Computer to offer shows from all the NBC Universal TV networks on Apple's iTunes Store.

In January 2006, NBC Universal launched a new cable channel, Sleuth. The channel's programming dedicated to mystery/crime genre. Sleuth Network's initial slogan was "Mystery. Crime. All The Time." In early 2008, the channel unveiled a new slogan, "Get Clued In." On August 15, 2011, Sleuth rebranded as Cloo, in order to be able to trademark and own the name, as NBCUniversal cannot so with the name Clue (as Hasbro owns the rights to it with their board game Clue). NBCUniversal also explained that another reason for the name change was the word "Sleuth" is too common for search engines (a Google search brings up over 9,530,000 results).^[11][12]

One year later after Sleuth's debut, NBC Universal announced that the company would launch a horror-themed cable channel, Chiller, on March 1, 2007. At launch Chiller would be available exclusively on DIRECTV. The network would feature films like Psycho and The Shining and TV series that include Twin Peaks, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Freddy's Nightmares, Friday the 13th: The Series, War of the Worlds and Tales from the Crypt. NBC Universal also stated that, aside from the content in their own vaults, Chiller will feature content from other studios as well. In 2009, Chiller unveiled a new slogan, "scary good". This replaced the channel's previous slogan "Dare To Watch".

On June 14, 2007, NBC Universal Television Studio was renamed Universal Media Studios. The company explained that the reason for the name change was because "the new name fully describes the company's mission to be the premier content provider for television and digital platforms, spanning all television dayparts and creative genres."^[13]

In August 2007, NBC Universal purchased Sparrowhawk Media Group and renamed it NBC Universal Global Networks. This acquisition gave NBC Universal all Hallmark channels outside the United States, plus the British channels: Diva TV, Movies 24, Hallmark Channel and the upcoming channel, KidsCo.^[14] Later that fall, the company also acquired the Oxygen network in a separate $925 million deal.^[15] The sale was completed one month later.

In the summer of 2008, NBC Universal, Blackstone Group and Bain Capital announced their intentions to buy The Weather Channel from Landmark Communications. The deal closed on September 12, 2008.^[16] Shortly after the acquisition completed, NBC announced that their existing TV weather network, NBC Weather Plus, would be shut down by December 31, 2008.

The summer of 2008, marked NBC Universal's first venture into the United Kingdom by acquiring British television production company Carnival Films.^[17]

On November 12, 2008, NBC Universal acquired 80.1% of Geneon Entertainment from Dentsu in Japan, merging it with Universal Pictures International Entertainment to form a new company,^[18] Geneon Universal Entertainment Japan.^[19]

On March 16, 2009, NBC Universal-owned cable channel Sci Fi announced that it would be changing its name to Syfy, replacing a generic term with a proprietary brand name that can be trademarked.^[20] The name change also allows for a rebranding of the channel as offering "imagination-based entertainment" (including science fiction but also fantasy, the paranormal, adventure and others).^[20] Network officials also noted that, unlike the generic term "sci fi" which represents the entire science fiction genre, the term "Syfy" can be protected by trademark and therefore would be easier to market on other goods or services without fear of confusion with other companies' products. The rebranding and name change took place on July 7, 2009.^[21][22]

On August 27, 2009, A&E Television Networks (A&E) merged with Lifetime Entertainment Services (Lifetime),^[23][24] giving NBC Universal an equal share of both Lifetime and A&E with The Walt Disney Company and Hearst.

On Wednesday, October 20, 2010, NBC Universal-owned horror/suspense-themed cable channel Chiller announced a major rebranding campaign incorporating a new logo and on-air look that launched on Wednesday, October 27, 2010. The rebranding is part of an attempt to soften the channel's image in the manner of Chiller's sister channel Syfy. as well as a major marketing push for the channel, with Chiller a very visible presence at the 2011 San Diego Comic Con.^[25][26] To quote Syfy and Chiller President Dave Howe, "We have very ambitious plans to grow this network as a brand."^[25][26]

10 Universal City Plaza in Universal City, California.

Universal Studios[link]

Universal Studios became a part of NBC Universal as a result of the 2004 merger. In July 2005, rumors began to emerge that NBC Universal might buy DreamWorks SKG for around US$1.0 billion. Eventually, however, the studio – excluding DreamWorks Animation – was sold to Viacom, the parent company of Paramount Pictures, for just over US$1.6 billion, but has since become independent again.

Sale to Comcast[link]

On December 3, 2009, after months of rumors, a deal was formally announced in which Comcast would buy a stake in NBC Universal from GE.^[6] Under the agreement, NBC Universal is 51% owned by Comcast and 49% by GE. Comcast paid $6.5 billion cash to GE. The deal includes a provision under which Comcast must contribute $7.5 billion in programming including regional sports networks and cable channels such as Golf Channel, Versus, and E! Entertainment Television. GE used some of the funds, $5.8 billion, to buy out Vivendi's 20% minority stake in NBC Universal.^[6] Under the terms of the deal, Comcast reserves the right to buy out GE's share at certain times, and GE reserves the right to force the sale of their stake within the first seven years.^[6][27] Vivendi completed the initial transaction on September 27, 2010, selling a $2 billion stake to GE (approximately 7.66%).^[7]

U.S. regulators approved the proposed sale on January 18, 2011 with conditions. Comcast would have to give up NBC control over online video site Hulu, and ensure NBC Universal programming is available to competing cable operators.^[28]

On January 26, 2011, Vivendi sold its remaining shares in NBC Universal to GE, giving GE complete control of the company ahead of the completion of the sale of 51% of the company to Comcast on January 28, 2011.^[29] Comcast and GE formed the joint venture holding company NBCUniversal, LLC. NBC Universal, Inc. became a wholly owned subsidiary of the holding company and was renamed as NBCUniversal Media, LLC.^[30]

Other business[link]

Parks and resorts[link]

NBCUniversal owns or licenses the following parks and resorts:

• Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City, California
• Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando, Florida
• Universal Studios Japan in Osaka (licensed by Universal Parks & Resorts, owned by Goldman Sachs)
• Universal Studios Singapore in Singapore

Internet[link]

The website Hulu is a joint venture of NBCUniversal, Fox Entertainment Group, and ABC.^[31] Hulu offers commercial-supported streaming video of select TV shows, movies, and other video. By the Federal Communications Commission, NBCUniversal and Comcast are required not to exercise any right to influence the conduct or operation of Hulu.^[32]

Notes[link]

External links[link]

	New York City portal
	Companies portal

• Official website
• Universal Network International
• NBC Universal's theme parks
• NBC Universal's online store
• iVillage.com
• NBC CITY Studios- Burbank, California
• NBC Universal Broadcast Journalism Program

v t e NBCUniversal LLC A joint venture of Comcast (51%) and General Electric (49%) Company Officials Board of Directors Stephen B. Burke (CEO) · Brian Roberts · Michael Angelakis · Jeffrey Immelt · Keith Sherin Senior Corporate Executives Stephen B. Burke (CEO) · Matt Bond · Lynn Calpeter (CFO) · Steve Capus · Richard Cotton · Dick Ebersol · Patricia Fili-Krushel · Robert Greenblatt · Bonnie Hammer · Ted Harbert · Mark Hoffman · Paula Madison · Ron Meyer · Adam Miller · Jeff Shell · Page Thompson · Lauren Zalaznick Universal Studios Focus Features · Geneon Universal (80.1%)[nu 1] · Illumination Entertainment • United International Pictures[nu 2] · Universal Animation Studios · Universal Pictures · PlayBack · Universal Studios Home Entertainment · Working Title Films Universal Parks & Resorts Universal Studios Dubailand · Universal Studios Hollywood · Universal Orlando Resort (Universal Studios Florida · Islands of Adventure · Universal CityWalk) · Universal Studios Japan · Universal Studios Singapore · Universal Studios South Korea Broadcast TV assets NBC · NBC News · NBC Sports · Telemundo NBCUniversal Cable A+E Networks (15%) · Bravo · Chiller · Cloo · CNBC · E! · G4 (88%) · MSNBC · Mun2 · Oxygen · PBS Kids Sprout (part owner)  · ShopNBC (30%) · Style Network  · Syfy · Telemundo Puerto Rico · Universal HD · USA Network · The Weather Channel[nu 3] · Weatherscan[nu 3] NBC Sports Group Golf Channel · NBC Sports Network · Universal Sports (part owner)[nu 4] · Alli Comcast SportsNet Bay Area (45%)  · California  · Chicago (20%)  · Houston  · Mid-Atlantic  · New England  · Northwest  · Philadelphia  · SNY (8%)  · The Mtn. (50%) · CSS (50%) · Comcast Sports Southwest  · New England Cable News  · Comcast Network CNBC CNBC global channels CNBC · CNBC Africa · CNBC Asia · CNBC Europe · CNBC Latin America · CNBC World CNBC Europe branches Class CNBC (20%) · CNBC Africa · CNBC Arabiya (according to CNBC Europe) · CNBC-e · CNBC Nordic · TVN CNBC CNBC Asia branches CNBC-TV18 · CNBC Australia · CNBC Awaaz · CNBC Hong Kong · CNBC Pakistan · CNBC Singapore · Nikkei CNBC · SBS-CNBC Universal Networks International 13th Street Universal · Diva Universal · KidsCo[nu 5] · Movies 24 · Steel[nu 6] · Studio Universal · Syfy · Universal Channel Syfy global channels Asia · Australia · Benelux · France · Germany · Japan · Latin America · Poland · Portugal · Romania · Russia · Serbia · Slovenia · Spain · UK · US NBCUniversal Television Group NBC Studios · NBCUniversal Television Distribution · Telemundo of Puerto Rico Studios · Telemundo Television Studios · Universal Television NBC O&Os California Nonstop · KNBC · KNSD[nu 7] · KNTV · KXAS[nu 7] (DFW Nonstop) · WCAU (NBC Philadelphia Nonstop)  · WMAQ (Chicago Nonstop) · WNBC (New York Nonstop) · WRC (Washington Nonstop) · WTVJ · WVIT Telemundo O&Os KBLR · KDEN · KEJT-LP · KHRR · KNSO[nu 8] · KSTS · KTAZ · KTMD · KVDA[nu 8] · KVEA · KXTX · WKAQ · WNEU[nu 8] · WNJU · WSCV · WSNS ShopNBC O&Os WWDP Internet ventures: Hulu[nu 9] · iVillage · msnbc.com[nu 10] · Television Without Pity · DailyCandy · Fandango Other assets: EMKA, Ltd. · qubo[nu 11] · WSI Corporation[nu 3]  · International Media Distribution Defunct properties: NBC Weather Plus (2004–2008) · Trio (1997–2005) · Diva TV (2007−2012) · Hallmark Channel International (1997−2011) · Discovery Kids (1996-2010) · Discovery Kids on NBC (2002-2006) · DreamWorks Records (1996-2005) · Go Fish Pictures (2000-2007) See also: Vivendi (former NBCUniversal stockholder and current parent company of Universal Music Group) · Comcast (telecommunications company that holds 51%) · General Electric (conglomerate that holds 49%) · MCA Inc. (legal predecessors of NBCUniversal) ^ Co-owned with Dentsu. ^ 50%, with Viacom's Paramount Pictures. ^ a b c Co-owned with Blackstone Group and Bain Capital. ^ minority share, InterMedia Partners is the majority owner. ^ Co-owned with Corus Entertainment and Cookie Jar Group. ^ Co-owned with Mediaset. ^ a b The stations are co-owned with LIN TV in a joint venture (76% owned by NBC, 24% owned by LIN). ^ a b c The stations are owned by NBCUniversal, but are controlled by ZGS Broadcast Holdings. ^ Co-owned with News Corporation and The Walt Disney Company. ^ Co-owned with Microsoft in a joint venture (50% owned by NBC, 50% owned by Microsoft). ^ Co-owned with Corus Entertainment, Classic Media, Nelvana, Scholastic Books and ION Media Networks.

Joe Sestak
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania's 7th district
In office January 3, 2007 – January 3, 2011
Preceded by	Curt Weldon
Succeeded by	Pat Meehan
Personal details
Born	(1951-12-12) December 12, 1951 (age 60) Secane, Pennsylvania
Political party	Democratic
Spouse(s)	Susan L. Clark
Children	Alexandra Sestak
Residence	Edgmont Township, Pennsylvania
Alma mater	United States Naval Academy (B.S.) Harvard University (M.P.A., Ph.D.)
Occupation	Naval Admiral Politician
Religion	Roman Catholic
Website	JoeSestak.com
Military service
Service/branch	United States Navy
Years of service	1974–2005
Rank	Vice Admiral (Retired as a Rear Admiral)
Commands	Director of Navy Operations Group
Awards	Defense Distinguished Service Medal (3) Navy Distinguished Service Medal (2) Legion of Merit (2) Meritorious Service Medal (2) Joint Service Commendation Medal

Joseph Ambrose "Joe" Sestak, Jr. (born December 12, 1951) is a former American politician and Navy admiral. A Democrat, he served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for two terms, from Pennsylvania's 7th congressional district from 2007 to 2011. He was the highest-ranking military official ever elected to the U.S. Congress. Sestak defeated 30-year incumbent Arlen Specter in the 2010 Pennsylvania Democratic Senate primary. He was defeated in the general election by former U.S Representative Pat Toomey.

Sestak was a member of the United States Navy for over 30 years, before retiring as a Vice admiral (three stars). Late in his naval career, Sestak served as the Director for Defense on the National Security Council under President Bill Clinton. During his naval career, he held a series of operational commands, including commanding the USS George Washington carrier strike group during combat operations in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean in 2002. Following the September 11 attacks, he served as the first director of "Deep Blue" (code name), the Navy's top secret counter-terrorism unit.

Early life, education and career[link]

Sestak was born in Secane, Pennsylvania. His grandfather, Martin, came to America from the Czechoslovak village of Dolné Lovčice in what is now Slovakia in 1922, after World War I, while his father Joseph (age 3), was sent to America in 1924 to join Martin. Sestak's father graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1942, and then fought in both the Atlantic and the Pacific during World War II, rising the rank of captain.^[1] Afterwards, he continued his service as an engineering officer in at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard.^[2]

Joe Sestak attended Cardinal O'Hara High School in Springfield,PA, where his mother worked as a math teacher. Sestak was deeply inspired by his father. He recalls the time Joseph Sr. spent five hours fixing the family car in the freezing cold of a Philadelphia winter:

"I remember going to the window and watching him. And the admiration that I had—just that strong determination of his. Never give in."^[3]

Following in his father's footsteps, Sestak enlisted in the U.S. Naval Academy immediately after graduating high school, during the Vietnam War. In 1974, Sestak graduated second in his class of over 900 midshipmen, with a Bachelor of Science degree in American political systems.^[4] Between tours at sea, Sestak earned a Master of Public Administration and a Ph.D. in political economy and government from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in 1980 and 1984, respectively.^[5]

Naval career[link]

Joe Sestak commanded the USS Samuel B. Roberts to victory in the Battenberg Cup.

As a surface warfare officer, Sestak served division officer tours as damage control assistant, combat information center officer and weapons officer on the guided missile destroyer USS Richard E. Byrd, and then was weapons officer on the guided missile destroyer USS Hoel. He then served as aide and flag lieutenant to the admiral in charge of United States Navy surface forces in the Pacific.

In January 1986, Sestak became executive officer of the guided missile frigate USS Underwood and was instrumental in the Underwood winning the coveted battle E and the Battenberg Cup (awarded to the best ship in the Atlantic fleet). He then served in the Politico-Military Assessment Division of the staff of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. On August 30, 1991, Sestak took command of the guided missile frigate USS Samuel B. Roberts, which was named the Atlantic Fleet's best surface combatant in the 1993 Battenberg Cup competition.

Vice Admiral Joseph Sestak, Jr., USN
Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfare Requirements and Programs

In July 1993, Sestak became the head of the Strategy and Concepts Branch in the office of the Chief of Naval Operations. From November 1994 to March 1997, he was the Director for Defense Policy on the National Security Council staff at the White House, where he was responsible for national security and defense strategy, policies, programs, inter-agency and congressional coordination and regional political-military advice. In May 1997, he became the commander of Destroyer Squadron 14.^[4]

Sestak then directed the CNO's Strategy and Policy Division (N51), and led the Navy's efforts toward the 2000 Quadrennial Defense Review, for which he analyzed the economic value of U.S. defense spending. After September 11th, he became the first director of the Navy Operations Group (Deep Blue), which sought to redefine strategic, operational and budgetary policies in the Global War on Terrorism. He reported directly to the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Admiral Vern Clark, as policy adviser and administrator. Under Clark, Sestak worked to rein in military spending by maximizing fleet efficiency.^[1]

Controversy over reassignment[link]

In the summer of 2005, Sestak was administratively removed from his position as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfare Requirements and Programs (N6/N7), effectively ending his naval career.^[6] His removal was one of the first changes made by Admiral Michael Mullen when he took over as the new Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) in July, 2005, according to Navy Times. With his removal, Sestak was reassigned as a special assistant to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations.^[7]

However, controversy stirred over his leaving of the Navy, as it was reported that it was because he "ruffled feathers" within the Bush Administration and conflicted with Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld (who later resigned) because Sestak pushed for spending cuts.^[2] In an investigative report by The Philadelphia Inquirer, Chief of Naval Operations Vern Clark stated that he,

"wanted straight talk, and this put [Sestak] in the crosshairs. People are going to say what they want to say, but he challenged people who did not want to be challenged. The guy is courageous, a patriot’s patriot."^[8]

Daughter's diagnosis of brain cancer[link]

In the summer of 2005, his 3-year-old daughter Alex was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Sestak subsequently retired from the Navy to concentrate on his daughter's diagnosis. He retired in 2005 as a two-star Admiral, as he did not hold the rank of three-star Admiral long enough to retain it as a permanent rank.^[2]

Military decorations[link]

Sestak's decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, two Legion of Merit awards, two Meritorious Service Medals, Joint Service Commendation Medal, three Navy Commendation Medals and the Navy Achievement Medal.^[9]

Congressional Campaigns[link]

2006[link]

Sestak ran successfully for Pennsylvania's 7th congressional district, making him the second Democrat to win in the traditionally Republican district since the Civil War. The race was in the national spotlight, as it was profiled in Time Magazine as the harbinger of the national political climate of the 2006 elections and the most-watched swing district in the country.^[10]

In 2006, with his daughter's recovery process going smoothly, Sestak was motivated to run for Congress due to the benefits he received under the United States Military's TRICARE health care program. Due to his high rank, his daughter received the care she needed to treat her brain tumor. Sestak stated that, during his travels to find the best treatment for his daughter, he saw children who didn't have the same quality care, or couldn't even afford the needed care. Thus, Sestak placed health care reform as a pillar of his campaign to make sure everyone had the same care his family had. He articulated that his congressional service was a continuation of his military service, for "paying back" the country that gave health care to his daughter. Sestak began laying the groundwork for a Congressional run in his home district in Pennsylvania as a Democrat. However, he was approached and told that he had to first receive the endorsement of the "DCCC." Confused, Sestak first thought DCCC meant his hometown's Delaware County Community College. Eventually, he was steered toward the correct DCCC, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and informed its head, Rahm Emanuel, of his run for Congress.^[11] Emanuel told Sestak he was not ready for such an election. Pennsylvania's 7th district is heavily conservative, as Republicans outnumbered Democrats 2:1. Sestak decided to run anyway and turned to his brother Richard and sisters Elizabeth and Margaret, who served as his campaign manager, top fundraiser and treasurer, respectively.^[12] Sestak challenged ten-term incumbent Curt Weldon in a race for the seat. Sestak proved a capable fund-raiser. In the second quarter of 2006, he raised $704,000 to Weldon's $692,000; in the third, $1.14 million to $912,000. As of September 30, 2006, Sestak had $1.53 million cash on hand, while Weldon had $1.12 million in the bank after making a $500,000 TV ad buy that had not started as of the close of the third quarter.^[13] Sestak received campaign funds from famed people around the world, including performer Jimmy Buffett, John Grisham, Bill and Hillary Clinton, and many Naval officers.

On October 6, 2006, the nonpartisan Cook Political Report re-rated the race from "Lean Republican" to "Toss Up." A poll released in late September 2006 showed Sestak and Weldon locked in a statistical dead heat. Sestak led Weldon 44-43 among likely voters in a Franklin & Marshall College Keystone Poll released September 29. The poll also found that 49 percent of registered voters in the district felt it was time for change in the district and only 37 percent said Weldon deserved re-election.^[14] The poll numbers suggest Sestak had seriously eroded Weldon's previous lead; a poll conducted in April 2006 by the pro-Democratic Party organization Democracy Corps had Weldon leading 51 to 41 percent. An October 8–10 survey by nonpartisan pollster Constituent Dynamics put Sestak ahead 51–44.^[15] On October 13, 2006, CQPolitics changed their rating on the race, from "Leans Republican" to "No Clear Favorite."^[16] The race was locked in a dead-heat until late October, when FBI special agents raided the homes of Weldon's daughter and a close friend in connection with a federal corruption probe ^[17] (though as of 2009 neither Weldon nor his daughter were ever charged with a crime).^[18] Sestak won by 13 points.

2008[link]

In 2008, Sestak faced Republican nominee Wendell Craig Williams, a U.S. Marine and attorney. Sestak defeated him by a 20-point margin (59.6–40.4), a full 8 points higher than his 2006 election, considered by many to be a landslide victory.^[19] He did not purchase any advertisements, and his largest expense was lawn signs. Sestak became the only Democrat in the history of his district to be re-elected.^[20]

On April 22, 2008, he was interviewed as part of the Colbert Report's Better Know A District series. He said that he supports Senator Hillary Clinton for president because of his history with her in the White House and how "she has watched and observed the proper use of military force, not as the first step, like the Bush administration did; they walk, they clobber things with a big stick, and then we have to deal with the mess they've given us." When asked if he ever felt like a mushroom, Sestak joked, "Sometimes I feel as though my staff keeps me in the dark and feeds me ...", a reference to the use of compost in mushroom production.^[21]

Sestak endorsed Hillary Rodham Clinton for president in the 2008 Democratic primaries; he then endorsed Barack Obama for the general election after Obama secured the presidential nomination for the Democratic party.^[22]

U.S. Congressman, 2007-2011[link]

Committee assignments[link]

• Committee on Armed Services
  • Subcommittee on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces
  • Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces
  • Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
• Committee on Education and Labor
  • Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education
  • Subcommittee on Healh, Employment, Labor, and Pensions
• Committee on Small Business (Vice Chairman)
  • Subcommittee on Finance and Tax
  • Subcommittee on Contracting and Technology
  • Subcommittee on Regulations, Healthcare and Trade

Work ethic[link]

Sestak has "developed a reputation for being a temperamental and demanding boss" due to reports that thirteen staffers quit his employment in 2007. Aides are purportedly expected to work seven days a week, including holidays, often for 14 hours a day. Sestak justifies these hours, which are considered long even by the standards of Capitol Hill, by presuming to instill a military-minded "toughness" in his civilian staff.

He typically worked 18 hours a day and purportedly sleeps only 2 to 3 hours a night, and states that he does not ask his staff to work harder than he does. He also defends his relatively low salaries for his staff by instead providing more resources to constituents. While in Congress, he kept his constituent office in Pennsylvania open seven days a week to accept those seeking help, and dared reporters to check by calling the office on a Sunday at 10 PM. Sestak's office accomplished more than four times the national average amount of constituent cases.^[23]

During his first term in office, Sestak employed 61 people as staff in his official congressional office. In comparison, Representatives Jason Altmire, Patrick Murphy, and Christopher Carney, the three other Pennsylvania Democrats elected in 2006, have employed a total of 28, 26, and 25 staff members, respectively, as reported by Real Clear Politics.^[23]

Legislative accomplishments[link]

Sestak wrote various pieces of legislation that successfully passed Congress. Most significantly, he created the House Pediatric Cancer Caucus, which he co-chaired; extended benefits for those seeking work (COBRA), as a part of the JOBS bill; co-wrote the amendment to give small businesses tax credits, as a part of health care reform,^[24] and moved the first significant federals funds into autism care and research, nicknamed the "Sestak Amendment."^[25]

Sestak also heavily advocated for the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, as Congress' senior veteran, and Wall Street Reform, ending the practice of tax-payer bailouts to banks. Those measures eventually passed.^[25]

Sestak also voted for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009,^[26] the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009,^[27] the American Clean Energy and Security Act,^[28] and the Affordable Health Care for America Act.^[29]

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer named Sestak the most productive freshman member of Congress in 2007.^[30] In the 111th United States Congress, Sestak's last term in office, Congress passed more bills written by Sestak than bills written by Pennsylvania's Senators, combined.

2010 U.S. Senate Campaign[link]

Primary Election[link]

Whispers of a possible U.S. Senate campaign appeared in 2008 after his landslide victory and $3 million campaign surplus after his re-election. Even before Arlen Specter's announcement to switch parties, draft efforts were organized. However, once Senator Specter switched, nationwide support mounted on a possible senatorial campaign. Most prominent was a straw poll conducted by the Progressive Change Campaign Committee. It was entitled "Should a Draft Sestak movement be created to take on Sen. Arlen Specter in the Pennsylvania Democratic primary?" Nationwide, almost 8000 votes were cast with 86% responding yes and 85% of Pennsylvanians responding yes. Sestak only responded with a thank you for the overwhelming support.^[31]

Sestak faced significant opposition to his candidacy from President Barack Obama, the national Democratic Party and the state party. Then-Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell (D) appeared on national TV and stated that "Joe Sestak should not run for the Senate in the Democratic primary." ^[32] Sestak responded, "there’s no more kings, there’s no more king makers in America,"^[33] and proceeded to visit all 67 counties of Pennsylvania.

On May 27, 2009, Sestak indicated that he intended to challenge current Senator Arlen Specter in the 2010 Democratic primary, pending a final family decision because he hadn't "had the time to sit down with my eight-year-old daughter or my wife to make sure that we are all ready to get in."^[34] In June, he was overheard saying "[i]t would take an act of God for me to not get in now," in reference to the Senate race.^[35] In a Quinnipiac University Poll conducted May 20–26, in the Democratic primary, Specter led with 50%, with Sestak at 21% and 27% undecided. Despite the gap, it was noted that Sestak did not have much statewide recognition at the time, as he represents only one out of the nineteen Pennsylvania congressional districts.^[36]

On August 4, Sestak officially announced his candidacy.^[37] His only brother, Richard Sestak, was his campaign manager for the Senate race.^{[38][not in citation given]} In discussing his opponent Arlen Specter's switch from the Republican to the Democratic Party, Sestak has said that the switch was "100%" motivated by politics.^[39]

At a little after 10 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on May 18, 2010, the Associated Press called the Pennsylvania Democratic Senate Primary for Congressman Sestak.^[40]

Democratic Opposition & "Obama's Bribe"[link]

Throughout the primary election, the Obama administration and the Democratic Party campaigned heavily against Sestak, as the President, Vice President, and numerous cabinet members and Senators hosted many fundraisers and events for Specter. On September 19, 2009, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid even shut down the entire United States Senate, as he, the President, and many Senators instead flew to Philadelphia to host a prominent fundraiser for Specter.^[41] The event drew controversy because of its unconventional nature of closing federal business and how the money raised during the event would be given to Republicans and conservative PACs that asked for refunds of their contributions given prior to Specter's party switch.^[42] Barack Obama's presidential campaign, called "Organizing for America" during the off years, also led efforts against Sestak.^[43]

In an interview in February 2010, Sestak responded affirmatively when asked if the Obama administration had offered him a high-level White House job if he would end his candidacy for the Pennsylvania Senate seat, held by Arlen Specter. Sestak stated that he had quickly refused the offer.^[44] When questioned about the specifics of the offer on Midweek Politics with David Pakman, he stood ground on refusing to add information to or comment further on his prior statements.^[39][45][46] He continued to offer no further details to the media of what transpired until the Obama administration released their official report on the incident.

On May 28, 2010, the White House released an official report on the matter, authored by White House Counsel Robert F. Bauer, clarifying that Sestak had been approached about potential, uncompensated executive branch positions on senior advisory boards and stating Bauer's official opinion that nothing inappropriate, illegal or unethical had taken place.^[47] The official report also stated that the offer had been made by former president Bill Clinton, on behalf of the Obama administration. Following the release of the report, Sestak issued a statement in which he essentially confirmed the contents of the White House report.^[48]

Republican Congressman Darrell Issa alleged that such an offer and Sestak's not reporting the offer could possibly have been felonies.^[49] However, partisan legal analysts have disagreed with the suggestion that such a job offer would be illegal.^[50]

General Election[link]

Many cited the Pennsylvania Senate general election as the "marquee race of 2010," a bellwether of the national stage. After securing the Democratic Party's nomination, calling it "a win for the people, over the establishment, over the status quo, even over Washington, DC," Sestak enjoyed a slight lead in the general election polls against the Republican Party's candidate, former Congressman and Club for Growth President, Pat Toomey. However, as Sestak tried to recoup his financial losses after a long primary, Toomey did not face a competitive primary process and aired TV ads much earlier than Sestak. Toomey's effective fundraising and advertising allowed for him to rise in the polls, at one point having a double digit lead, causing political pundits to change the race from a "Toss Up" to "Lean Republican."^[51] Many stopped short of calling the race "Solid Republican" for Toomey, as Sestak had a reputation of campaigning until he "sees the whites of their eyes" and 11th hour comebacks.^[52] As the election neared, Sestak began airing ads in mid-fall and overcame his deficit and was behind a only a couple points, within the margin of error polling. It was only until Sestak narrowed the gap in October did the DSCC and the Democratic Party began to recognize the winnability of Pennsylvania, and aired advertisements against Toomey. At the beginning of election night, Sestak led in the exit polls by a large margin, but as more votes were counted, and the "red T" area of central Pennsylvania began reporting votes, Toomey caught up. Counting continued until early next morning, as the numbers were too close for a winner to be declared. As the percentages stabilized, and it was clear Toomey was eventual winner, Sestak conceded the race to a room of his supporters at the Valley Forge Military Academy. He lost by 80,000 votes out of the 4 million cast, a margin large enough to avoid a recount. It was the smallest margin of loss of any other Pennsylvania Democratic candidate in 2010.^[53] The total spending of the race was $20 million, the most of any other federal election in 2010. After the Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission ruling, conservative Political action committees and corporations broke the record for outside spending, airing ads on Toomey's behalf, causing Sestak to be outspent 3 to 1.^[54] Sestak responded to this outside spending at Philadelphia Constitution Hall, arguing, "It is we the people. Not we the corporations; nor we Wall Street."^[55]

Political positions[link]

Abortion[link]

Sestak is pro-choice, holding a 100% rating from NARAL Pro-Choice America and a 0% rating from the National Right to Life Committee.^[56][57] NARAL endorsed Sestak in the 2010 Democratic primary over Specter because of Sestak's opposition to a ban on partial birth abortion.^[58] In 2009, Sestak's invitation to speak to students at the Catholic Malvern Preparatory School was rescinded after the school received criticism from Catholic parents and alumni.^[59]

Economy[link]

Sestak supports requiring Congress to offset the cost of all new spending. The Congressman also supports expanding middle class tax cuts and letting the Bush tax cuts expire. He voted for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the Stimulus) and the Tax Extenders and Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008.^[60]

Education[link]

Sestak voted for the Improving Head Start Act and the College Cost Reduction and Access Act.^{[citation needed]}

Environment[link]

Sestak voted for the Waxman Markey American Clean Energy and Security Act (Cap and Trade) program.^[61] Joe Sestak has a 96% lifetime rating from League of Conservation Voters and a 100% rating from PennEnvironment. He was endorsed by the Sierra Club in his 2006 and 2008 Congressional election campaigns. He voted for the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2007 and the New Direction for Energy Independence, National Security and Consumer Protection Act. He was also an original co-sponsor of the Climate Stewardship Act (H.R. 620) and the Safe Climate Act.^[62]

Gun rights[link]

Sestak supports gun control and has a 100% rating from the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence^[63] and an F rating from the National Rifle Association.^[64]

Sestak has called for the reinstatement of the federal ban on assault weapons.^[65]

Healthcare[link]

Sestak credits his support for health care reform as to "pay back" the country that provided him and his family health care while he was in the Navy (the TRICARE program), especially for successfully treating his daughter's brain tumor.^[66] He supports state-provided preventive care and voted for the CHAMP Act. Sestak originally co-sponsored the Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiations Act, the Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Act and co-sponsored H.R. 3800, which establishes a public-private Partnership for Health Care Improvement. He also announced the Pediatric Cancer Caucus, which he will co-chair.^[67] He is also a member of the Autism Caucus, Diabetes Caucus,^[68] 21st Century Health Care Caucus, Congressional Mental Health Caucus, Nursing Caucus, and Cystic Fibrosis Caucus.^[69]

Unions[link]

Sestak is an original co-sponsor of the Employee Free Choice Act and supports the original version that includes card check. He created the Labor Advisory Committee to address the challenges facing working families in his district.^[70]

Medical marijuana[link]

Sestak voted to allow states to regulate medical marijuana by voting for the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2008, which would have barred the Department of Justice from preventing the implementation of state laws regarding the distribution, possession, and cultivation of medical marijuana. The bill was defeated 165–262.^[71]

Military[link]

As a candidate, Sestak campaigned to end the war in Iraq. Once in office in 2007, he supported Congressional efforts to re-deploy forces but also voted for war supplemental that the House constructed after President Bush's veto, a bill that many critics of the Bush administration have called a "blank check" for the continuation of administration policies in the Middle East.^[72] However, Sestak and other veterans argued that they shouldn't punish soldiers for the President's actions, and supported the bill in order to provide adequate protection & equipment for the armed forces.^[73]

Sestak supported the FISA Amendments Act of 2008, which critics contend continues the Bush administration's policy of warrantless wiretapping and provides retroactive immunity to telecommunications companies who participated in the National Security Agency's "terrorist surveillance program."^[74]

Sestak supported the deployment of additional troops to Afghanistan in late 2009, and military actions such as drone strikes in northwest Pakistan. He supports the gradual drawdown of troops from Iraq.^[75]

Sestak was an opponent of "don't ask, don't tell", the policy that excludes gay and lesbian people from serving openly in the military, saying that the policy means "[w]e're absolutely not adhering to the ideals of our nation".^[76] Sestak was instrumental in bringing to light a two-year pattern of abuse, including anti-gay hazing, that took place within a Military Working Dog unit stationed in Bahrain, sparking an investigation that turned up nearly 100 instances of abuse.^[77]

Electoral history[link]

Personal life[link]

Sestak is married to the former Susan L. Clark. In childhood their daughter Alexandra survived brain cancer.^[81]

See also[link]

United States Navy portal

• Pat Toomey

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Joe Sestak

• Joe Sestak for U.S. Senate official campaign website
• Biography at WhoRunsGov.com at The Washington Post
• Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
• Voting record maintained by The Washington Post
• Biography, voting record, and interest group ratings at Project Vote Smart
• Congressional profile at GovTrack
• Congressional profile at OpenCongress
• Issue positions and quotes at On the Issues
• Current Bills Sponsored at StateSurge.com
• Financial information at OpenSecrets.org
• Staff salaries, trips and personal finance at LegiStorm.com
• Campaign finance reports and data at the Federal Election Commission
• Appearances on C-SPAN programs
• Collected news and commentary at The New York Times
• Biography at the United States Navy
• Campaign contributions at the Federal Election Commission (U.S. House)

Articles

• "GOP's Financial Edge Shrinks" The Washington Post, August 20, 2006
• "One on One with Congressman Joe Sestak" Pottstown Herald, September 9, 2009, 20-minute podcast

This article contains Chinese text. Without proper rendering support, you may see question marks, boxes, or other symbols instead of Chinese characters.

Lin Yu Chun (Chinese: 林育羣; pinyin: Lín Yùqún; Wade–Giles: Lin² Yü⁴-ch'ün²); born March 9, 1986 in Taipei) is a Taiwanese singer, who gained fame by appearing on a Taiwanese talent show, One Million Star (超級星光大道), singing "I Will Always Love You" (originally by Dolly Parton) in the style of Whitney Houston's cover version.^[1] Lin is well known for his mezzo-soprano-like, and sometimes, contralto-like countertenor singing voice, although he has an adult speaking voice. According to many sources, Lin's voice is usually described as a mixture of Whitney Houston and Susan Boyle, with a dash of Cher. When Lin sings in his normal masculine voice rather than in a falsetto range, his voice actually somewhat sounds like Jamie Walters.

Biography[link]

Lin was voted off the show, but after a video of Lin singing the song made it onto YouTube, Lin became an internet celebrity,^[2][3] receiving more than 10,000,000 views^[4] of his performance. Many news sources dubbed Lin "Taiwan's Susan Boyle".^{[5][6][7][8][9][10][11]} In an interview, Lin Yu Chun explained that he selected "I Will Always Love You" to show his gratitude to his grandmother for taking care of Lin over the years.^[12]

In April, 2010, he visited the United States and performed "I Will Always Love You"^[13][14] and Amazing Grace^[15] on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. On the same trip, he attended Lopez Tonight and performed "Saving All My Love for You"^[16] (also a Whitney Houston cover) and Total Eclipse of the Heart (originally by Bonnie Tyler) as a duet with William Shatner.^[17][18]

Sony Music Taiwan announced they had signed Lin Yu Chun to a record deal.^[19][20] Lin Yu-chun's signing press conference occurred on the May 13, 2010, and was held in Shanghai San Want Hotel.

On May 22, 2010, at Dodgers Stadium during a Los Angeles Dodgers game, he sang the "The Star-Spangled Banner", "God Bless America" and "Taiwan, Touch Your Heart". On August 11, 2010 Lin sang Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" on America's Got Talent season 5 on the YouTube selection episode, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd. Lin has been slated to play the role of Liu Lucy for the HBO Asia produced miniseries Untold Stories of 1949.

One Million Star[link]

On March 26, 2010, Lin sang John Newton's "Amazing Grace", earning Lin 24 points (his opponent, Zhang Shi-Tang, got 19 points).
On April 2, 2010, Lin sang Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You", earning Lin 25 points (his opponent, Su Zhi-Yu, got 22 points).
On April 9, 2010, Lin sang Shunza's "Coming Home" - 17 points (his opponent, Zhang Shi-Tang, got 20 points)
On April 30, 2010,Lin sang Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On" as a guest performer.
On May 14, 2010, Lin sang "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Misérables as a guest performer.
Lin also sang a duet with Kenny G., performing Whitney Houston's "Saving All My Love For You".

Discography[link]

[edit] I Will Always Love You (2010) SICP-2778

Lin Yu Chun's debut is a mini-album, "I Will Always Love You," released in Japanese on September 8, 2010 specially for the Japanese market. It contains 4 songs from Lin's upcoming international debut, "It's My Time," and a Japanese-only bonus track, "Hello," a Japanese cover of the Lionel Richie's hit from 1984.^[21]

Track listing[link]

[edit] It's My Time (2010)

Lin's full-length international debut album, "It's My Time", was released on September 17, 2010, as a compilation of English-language pop songs previously recorded by major artists such as Mariah Carey, Kelly Clarkson, etc. The song "Under Your Wings" was written new for this album by Grammy-winning musician Walter Afanasieff. ^[22]

Track listing[link]

External links[link]

	Taiwan portal
	Biography portal
	Music portal

• Lin Yu Chun's Official Website (English)/(Chinese)
• Lin Yu Chun【I will Always Love You】 Music Video (HD).
• Ellen Show Lin (Jimmy) Yu Chun sings I Will Always Love You.
• Lin Yu Chun "Under Your Wings" Official MV
• Dolly Parton watches Lin Yu Chun sings I Will Always Love You.
• Lin Yu Chun's personal album

References[link]