Public relations firm Bob Gold & Associates has hired Denver-based Eric Becker to run a new communications unit dedicated to streaming and pay television, The Desk has learned.
The establishment of the streaming media and pay TV communications group will offer clients of Bob Gold & Associates a dedicated team that understands those businesses and is able to execute on account-based public relations, corporate messaging development and other initiatives.
A formal announcement on the formation of the business unit and Becker’s hiring is slated to occur next week, timed to coincide with the start of the StreamTV Show in Denver.
Becker has an extensive history in media-focused public relations, serving as the Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications for Starz from 1999 to late 2017. One year after leaving Starz, Becker formed his own public relations firm, where he served as the main point of contact for clients like Orby TV, Haystack News and MyBundle.
In 2021, Becker was hired by Connecticut-based ICR to serve as a Senior Vice President of Consumer PR, with a specific focus on media and entertainment. He left ICR last summer and re-established his independent public relations firm around the same time.
“Entertainment media – and the technologies and companies that get it to viewers – is a huge, demanding and dynamic business,” Becker said in a statement. “Now, more than ever, thoughtful strategic corporate messaging and campaigns are needed for companies to break through industry noise and disruption. We see great opportunities to tell stories and drive sales. Bob’s vision, track record of success, and passion for the business is legendary. I am thrilled to collaborate with Bob and his amazing team and truly make a difference for the benefit of our clients.”
Gold and Becker have known each other for more than two decades, with Gold characterizing Becker as a “consummate professional” who is known to make pulling “rabbits from a hat look easy and yet unexpected.”
“He is simply extraordinary, and our clients are so lucky to have him lead their PR agency efforts,” Gold said in a statement obtained by The Desk on Thursday.
Becker will report to Vice President & General Manager Chris Huppertz, and work closely with Gold on various media and entertainment initiatives. He will remain in Denver. Bob Gold & Associates is based in Los Angeles.
