Industry giants deliver MIPCOM Media Mastermind keynotes
PARIS – Nancy Dubuc, President and General Manager, HISTORY and Lifetime Networks; Mark Burnett, President, One Three Media; Dawn Ostroff, President, Condé Nast Entertainment; Jason Kilar, CEO, Hulu; and Robert Kyncl, Global Head of Content at Google/Youtube, will deliver Media Mastermind keynote addresses at MIPCOM 2012 in Cannes, from 8 – 11 October.
Dubuc has led HISTORY and Lifetime Networks since 2007 and 2010 respectively. Burnett is currently producing a 10-hour docu-drama series on The Bible which will air on HISTORY in spring 2013.
In her keynote “It’s Not Just Platform, It’s Storyline: Compelling Entertainment for the Digital Age,” Ostroff will share the exciting opportunities she sees to bring quality content to screens of all sizes. Hulu CEO Jason Kilar’s keynote speech will look at how Hulu differentiates itself among a growing number of online video services to provide a unique offering to users.
Kyncl’s keynote will explore this growing world of online content by covering how such content pushes traditional boundaries, and how it provides big brands and content creators alike the creative freedom and instant feedback loop to experiment with formats and explore niche content.
SPT appoints James Dumlao to head operations in the Philippines
SINGAPORE / MANILA – Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia has named James Dumlao as head of its operations in the Philippines. As Director, Business Operations, Networks, Asia, Sony Pictures Television, Dumlao will be based in the company’s Manila offi ce to lead its local team across all strategic operations and brand-building aspects of the business.
In his new role, Dumlao will tap into his diverse management expertise and 13 years of experience in the Filipino pay-TV industry to drive distribution, marketing strategies, and advertising sales for SPT’s networks in the Philippines including AXN, Animax and beTV. Dumlao is also charged with developing new business opportunities for the company.
SBS names Laura Glassman as Head of Programming
SBS has appointed Laura J Glassman as the new Head of Programming for Subscription TV.
In this role, Glassman will oversee all programming and scheduling for Foxtel’s arts and entertainment channel STUDIO, and international fi lm channel World Movies. US-born Glassman is now based in Sydney, and reports to SBS STV General Manager Chris Keely.
Glassman brings a wealth of international experience in pay-TV to the position. In 2009, Glassman was appointed Channel Head of MTV and Comedy Central in New Zealand. From 2004 Glassman worked for fi ve years in Singapore, as Director of Programming for Discovery Network’s three Asia Pacifi c channels.
UNI taps Ramez Sheikh to expand development and distribution in APAC
SINGAPORE – Universal Networks International (UNI) has appointed Ramez Sheikh as Vice President, Network Development & Distribution, for the Asia- Pacifi c region. Based in Singapore and effective immediately, Sheikh will report to Christine Fellowes, Managing Director, Asia Pacifi c, UNI.
Sheikh joins UNI, Asia Pacifi c to grow the distribution of UNI’s portfolio of channel brands and develop new business in the region’s emerging markets. Previously, Sheikh was at The Walt Disney Company where he was Director, Affi liate Sales & Channel Distribution.
News Corporation announces key executive appointments
NEW YORK – News Corporation has announced a restructuring of its senior leadership team, which oversees the company’s media and entertainment properties. Peter Rice, who has served as Chairman of Entertainment for FOX Networks Group (FNG) since 2010, has been elevated to Chairman and CEO of FNG, where he will oversee all programming and operations for the group, which includes FOX Broadcasting Company, FOX International Channels and the National Geographic Channels.
CNN Worldwide president Jim Walton to step down
Jim Walton has announced that he will step down as President of CNN Worldwide at the end of this year. He will continue in his current role until that time.
Walton said in his note to staff, “CNN needs new thinking. That starts with a new leader who brings a different perspective, different experiences and a new plan, one who will build on our great foundation and will commit to seeing it through. And I’m ready for a change. I have interests to explore and I want to give myself time to do it.”
Scripps Networks Interactive strengthens team in London
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE – As part of its ongoing international expansion initiative, Scripps Networks Interactive Inc. has named Jonathan Sichel as its Managing Director for UK and EMEA operations.
Sichel, who joined the company in 2009 when it acquired Travel Channel in the U.S., will lead the company’s UK-based operations which includes Food Network UK, Fine Living Network and Travel Channel International that the company acquired earlier this year.
Nick Thorogood, who has been a member of the Scripps Networks Interactive international team since 2010, has also been named Senior Vice President of content and marketing for the UK and EMEA.