• by David Goetzl , January 8, 2008

The Game Show Network, now known as GSN, has tapped former ESPN executive John Zaccario as senior vice president of advertising sales. Zaccario replaces Chris Raleigh, who left the network after three years in the post.

Zaccario will oversee sales for GSN's linear channel that is in 66-million homes, as well as GSN.com, where the network has attempted to increase interactive game-playing opportunities.

At ESPN, Zaccario was vice president, digital media sales and marketing, for the past three years. In this position, he oversaw sales for the thriving ESPN.com and growing ESPN360.com--which streams hundreds of live sports events, as well as mobile properties. A previous role at the company involved ESPN's video games division.

Based in New York, he will report to GSN's first-year CEO David Goldhill, and will oversee the 2009 upfront.

"John's experience and understanding of both traditional television and digital platform advertising sales will be critical to GSN's success as we focus on creating cross-platform opportunities for our sponsors and partners," Goldhill said.

Zaccario said that GSN holds a "unique position" in television and online gaming and "presents significant opportunities to provide advertisers access to a passionate, growing audience."

GSN is half-owned by Sony and Liberty Media. Zaccario previously held sales positions at ABC, Raycom Sports and the Katz rep firm.