London – CNN International has hired Owen Wyatt as Distribution Director of Product, Content and Out of Home from YouTube Multi Channel Network Base79.
In this newly-created international role, Wyatt will refine and refresh CNN International’s product offerings for affiliates and out of home platforms across broadcast and digital. A major focus will be on growing CNN’s international affiliate network of over 1,100 existing partners and developing the extensive consultancy, training and support services that CNN offers.
In addition, Wyatt will develop CNN‘s content sales business across traditional broadcast platforms as well as with new digital and out of home distribution clients and partners worldwide.
Before heading up news and sports content at Base79, the largest YouTube Multi Channel Network outside of North America, Wyatt was Head of Video Product at Reuters. He also brings a wealth of editorial experience to the role, as a former Global Editor for Reuters Video Sports and producer at Sky Sports.
Wyatt will report to Greg Beitchman, CNN International’s VP Content Sales and Partnerships.
“Owen is a rare combination of an experienced TV executive with deep first-hand knowledge of content strategies in a new media landscape,” said Greg Beitchman. “In this new role, Owen will take advantage of his substantial experience in digital at Base79 combined with hands-on experience running video at Reuters to craft new and valuable propositions for our partners and affiliates. With Owen on-board CNN’s partners can expect even more innovation and enterprising commercial opportunities.”
“CNN International is uniquely placed to assist and empower affiliates and partners worldwide in adapting to the disruptive changes taking place in the way audiences interact with news content,” said Owen Wyatt. “As the leading global player in news, CNN also has a huge opportunity to grow our distribution with out of home partners in mutually beneficial relationships that takes CNN content to an even greater audience on new and innovative platforms.”
CNN’s international affiliate network has grown in recent years, with an increasing number of partners extending their relationship with CNN beyond content to utilise training and consultancy expertise. Partners can also leverage the CNN brand, such as the recent launch of 24-hour news channel CNN Indonesia in partnership with PT Trans Media Corpora.
Wyatt joins Beitchman’s team as CNN continues to cement its leadership position in all key independent viewing surveys. His appointment is another step in Rani Raad’s restructuring of CNN’s international commercial business units since he was made Chief Commercial Officer in February 2013. Raad assumed the position when parent company Turner International made the decision to align all of CNN’s international commercial activity into a single operation.
