New President of Prime Ticket Named

Bill Daniels, majority owner of Prime Ticket Network, announced at a news conference Thursday that he has hired John Severino, a former president and general manager of KABC-TV, as president of the regional cable sports network.

Daniels also announced that since July 1, he has owned 83.3% of the network, which was previously a 50-50 venture with Jerry Buss.

Buss retains a minority interest, and Severino is also a minority partner, but he declined to say what percentage he owns. A source said Severino’s salary will be in the $500,000-a-year range.

Severino succeeds Tony Acone, who served as Prime Ticket’s president since its inception in October, 1985. Acone will continue as a Prime Ticket executive and will become assistant to Daniels.

Severino, who will take over Oct. 12, said he plans to expand the programming lineup, to increase the network’s sales force, and to move Prime Ticket’s office from its location in Inglewood to a more central location.

Daniels said he has told Severino that he is willing to spend money.

Said Severino: “We hope there will be increased revenue, too.”