• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, July 26, 2007

The Game Show Network has tapped David Goldhill as its new CEO--replacing Rich Cronin, who oversaw the re-branding of the network as GSN and took it to profitability during his tenure. Goldhill, who earlier this decade oversaw the USA and SciFi networks, takes over Aug. 1.

GSN, half-owned by Sony and Liberty Media, is in 64 million homes and has looked to bolster both its original programming and interactive gaming efforts in recent years. Currently, Goldhill is a senior advisor to a New York investment firm with media interests; from 2002-04, he served as President-COO of Universal Television Group (now part of NBC Universal) with oversight of its USA and SciFi channels, production studio and syndication operations.

Goldhill said that at GSN he will look "to extend and enhance our brand across the various platforms through which our audience watches and plays casual and skill games."

The selection of an executive with a financial background--Goldhill is a former investment banker--raises the question whether Sony and Liberty might be looking to sell the network or maneuver so one party acquires the other's 50% interest. A year ago, Liberty sold its half-interest in Court TV to co-owner Time Warner. Liberty has also been looking to become more of an operating company while reducing its focus on investing.

But Goldhill said in a statement that "the Sony and Liberty relationships are crucial to GSN's next stage of growth." Goldhill is chairman of the board of a Canadian online gaming operation that is majority-owned by Liberty. He is also on Expedia's board.