After nearly a year of speculation by news organizations, Jeff Shell, the former chief executive of Gemstar-TV Guide International, officially announced Thursday he will be joining Comcast Corp. as the president of the cable provider’s programming.

Shell will be managing Comcast’s interests in its national content networks and investments, including E! Entertainment Network, Style Network, G4, Golf Channel, Outdoor Life Network, TV One, International Channel networks, the new children’s and Sony/MGM networks now forming, and other regional sports network investments and businesses. He will report to Steve Burke, the company’s chief operating officer.

“I am excited to join their team and hope to continue the growth and success that the company has experienced on the programming side of their business,” said Shell in a press release.

Shell was rumored to be the leading contender to become Comcast’s programming czar even before he left Gemstar-TV Guide in mid-December. At that time, he wouldn’t admit to going to Comcast, only saying he was ready to take on a new challenge.

Shell was replaced as chief executive at Gemstar-TV Guide by Rich Battista.

Comcast’s stock rose 0.5 percent to $32.11 at close of trading.