Global media executive and University of Delaware alumnus Steve Mosko will speak at the University of Delaware’s 169th Commencement exercises, scheduled at 9 a.m., Saturday, May 26, in Delaware Stadium.

During his tenure as chairman of Sony Pictures Television, Mosko turned the company into one of the most respected brands in Hollywood, producing megahits such as Breaking Bad, The Blacklist, Better Call Saul and Shark Tank. Mosko stepped down as chairman in 2016 and is currently teaming with Jeff Robinov, former president of Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, on a new venture.

“I am pleased to announce that one of the nation’s top media executives, Steve Mosko, will deliver the address at this year’s Commencement,” said Jeff Garland, vice president and University secretary. “His career has taken him from earning his way through college to a sales position at a local television station to the leadership of a premier media company with a global footprint. Steve will bring to our graduates and their families his unique perspective as a strategic leader known for championing innovation and bold action and for addressing industry concerns such as diversity. I look forward to hearing what he has to say.”

About Steve Mosko

Mosko, who grew up in a family with six siblings, has been working since he was old enough to get a job. In a 1995 interview in the Messenger, he noted that he paid his way through college by working as a janitor and driving a truck, among other odd jobs. While a student at UD, he played lacrosse for four years, and UD won the East Coast Conference all four of those years. Mosko was first team all-conference three of those years.

After earning his degree in communication at UD in 1978, he went to work at an AM radio station in Baltimore the day after finishing his last final exam. From there, he held a number of positions at television stations in Baltimore and Philadelphia, including a three-year term as vice president and station manager of Philadelphia’s WPHL-TV.

He joined Sony in 1992, holding several senior management positions before being named president of Sony Pictures Television (SPT) in 2000.

Under Mosko’s leadership, SPT expanded channels to 178 countries, increased the number of shows in production from five to 40 in the United States, made several U.S. and international acquisitions, turned around the Crackle brand, invested in new technology and expanded international production capacity to 17 companies in 13 countries.

At Sony, he was known for consistently setting the strategic direction for business models and making bold investments that led to remarkable turnarounds and financial outcomes.

An industry leader, he has served as chairman of the National Association of Television Program Executives, chairman of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Foundation and director of the Advertising Council Inc., among others.

In 1995, UD honored Mosko with its Presidential Achievement Award. Three of his siblings also hold degrees from Delaware: Mary Ellen Mosko Sullivan, Class of 1971; John Mosko, Class of 1981, who also played on UD’s lacrosse team; and Jane Mosko Volker, Class of 1983.

To see Mosko interviewed about his career, visit http://youtu.be/XpZn-f4r-VI and http://youtu.be/-20Zey0ngKk.

About Commencement

Commencement, which is free and open to the public, is held rain or shine. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony may be shortened.

For more information on the May 26 event, visit the special Commencement website.

Official hashtags for Commencement are #UDGrad2018 and #BlueHensForever.