Few would dispute that Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia could use a little help right now. But former ABC executive Susan Lyne could face some tough challenges as the new president and CEO of the empire that Stewart built MSO announced Lyne's appointment and resignation of current CEO Sharon Patrick on Nov. 11. The news sparked some positive reaction from investors in after-hours trading, as they pushed up the stock almost 5%, to $19.50, about an hour after the …showed first 75 words of 671 total…

…showed last 75 words of 671 total…back advertisers to a magazine now headed by a convicted felon. If Stewart really wants her empire to thrive long after she's gone, she'll need some strong analytical minds at her side to nurture a more sustainable business model. Lyne has proven her chops in the creative and the publishing sphere. Now, she'll be treading new turf, trying to position a broad-based media and retail company for the long term. It'll be an interesting challenge.