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Freeview appoints Dean Dezius as its general manager

Freeview Australia has appointed Dean Dezius as its new general manager, effective immediately.

A former vice president of entertainment channels at Fox Networks Group for the Asia Pacific region, Dezius brings over 25 years media experience to the role with a track record in developing critical and commercially successful content for global audiences.

He brings leadership, strategy, brand and digital skills from his time with multiple media organisations including Fox International and Foxtel.

Dezius replaces interim general manager, Karim Yousfi, who joined from Seven West Media on a contract basis, and has steered the operations of Freeview over the past 18 months including the launch of Freeview’s new HbbTV product, which has recently been nominated for an international Award at the HbbTV Symposium in Paris in November 2021.

Freeview chair, Helen Clifton commented: “I am very proud of the work that the Freeview team has delivered to significantly grow and improve the user experience, with a 30% uplift in audience engagement with Freeview since the new product became available for smart TV users.

“Dean was the stand-out candidate for our new general manager with strong marketing and strategic skills and the experience to take Freeview to the next level. I look forward to working alongside Dean as we continue to build on the success of Freeview.”

Dezius said of his appointment: ” I am looking forward to working collaboratively with Helen Clifton and the Freeview board along with the dedicated Freeview team to ensure the continued successful development and roll out of Freeview services. With a focus on continued product improvement and marketing, Freeview remains committed to delivering the best content to all Australians for free.”

In April, Freeview Australia launched HbbTV (Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV), an enhanced service, providing a “more seamless integration between broadcast and BVOD services”.

Along with the roll out, Freeview unveiled a fresh brand identity, consolidating the brand under one logo, in the first rebranding since its launch in 2008, deliberately consistent with the UK’s brand to demonstrate international support for HbbTV.

The roll out began from 14 April, and completed by the 12 May, with the integrated system delivering a more simplified viewer experience with access to more than 35 channels, along with a massive free and on-demand library of programs and episodes.

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