SBS hires Laura Glassman as head of suscription TV programming
SBS has appointed Laura Glassman as head of programming for subscription TV.
The announcement:
SBS has today announced the appointment of 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 & entertainment channel STUDIO and international film channel World Movies. US-born Glassman is now based in Sydney, and reports to SBS STV General Manager Chris Keely. Glassman will also work with newly appointed Head of Arts and Production Margaret Murphy, developing original content for STUDIO through Foxtel’s local production fund.
Glassman brings a wealth of international experience in subscription television to the position. Most recently Glassman consulted across content strategy, program planning and acquisitions for a range of Asia Pacific channels, including Outdoor Channel and Mnet US. In 2009 Glassman was appointed Channel Head of MTV and Comedy Central in New Zealand, and in 15 months saw significant double-digit YOY growth in audience share and growth across both channels. Managing a team of 35, she also commissioned unique series and specials that drove national sponsorship and audience interactivity (ie. generating 1million votes for Pick Me MTV).
“Laura’s experience combines comprehensive knowledge of subscription television, a passion for content creation and a global understanding of entertainment programming – making her the perfect appointment to the Head of Programming role,” said Chris Keely, General Manager of SBS Subscription TV. “While both channels have seen significant growth over the past 12 months, Laura joins the team at a time when we are looking for new directions and innovative programming to take STUDIO and World Movies to the next level.”
From 2004 Glassman worked for five years in Singapore, as Director of Programming for Discovery Network’s three Asia Pacific channels. After commissioning over 100 hours of award-winning content and overseeing all acquisitions and programming, she moved on to a Programming and Communications Specialist role at then start-up network Asian Food Channel.
Glassman began her subscription TV career in the early 1990’s, working in Washington with National Geographic and HGTV for 12 years as a Producer.
Glassman’s appointment comes as SBS Subscription TV looks to expand their programming slate and continue the growth seen over the past 12 months. Both channels are amongst the fastest growing on the Foxtel platform, with a 28.7% audience increase on World Movies and a 15.5% audience increase on STUDIO in the past year.
Also announced today was the appointment of Margaret Murphy to the role of Head of Arts and Production at Subscription TV. She moves into the role after senior roles at SBS, most recently as Executive Producer at STUDIO.
“We are thrilled to appoint Margaret Murphy to a new position that will continue her visionary creation of live performance and documentary content, as well as bolstering her relationships within the arts industry,” said Chris Keely. “Margaret is one of Australia’s finest producers. Her work as Commissioning Editor at SBS included stand-out programs such as Rockwiz, Food Safari and Newstopia, while she has worked as Executive Producer for STUDIO since the channel’s inception in 2010.”
STUDIO is available on FOXTEL on channel 132, and World Movies on channel 430.
Source: press release
