TORONTO — International content producer, distributor and channel operator Blue Ant Media today announced two executive promotions. Sarah Etherden (pictured, left) is now the company’s vice-president of global communications and Craig Junner (right) is vice-president of programming for Canadian media.
“Sarah’s promotion reflects the significant role she has played in building the profile of Blue Ant Media’s distribution business, production companies and media brands globally, while also overseeing the company’s internal communications,” reads the company’s press release.
“Craig’s new position reflects his on-going leadership in overseeing all aspects of the content and programming strategy for Blue Ant Media’s eight linear Canadian channels, including acquisitions, original programming and scheduling. In addition, Craig also oversees strategy for the company’s rapidly expanding portfolio of SVOD and AVOD channel offerings,” continues the release.
Etherden has led Blue Ant Media’s global communications portfolio since 2015, most recently as senior director of global communications, overseeing the strategic direction and management of the company’s external and internal communications as it has continued to expand internationally. Prior to joining Blue Ant Media, Etherden owned and operated the PR collective Phoenix PR, serving clients such as marblemedia, Guru Studios, GameTV, Metropolitan Hotels and the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council.
She also served in a senior communications role at Teletoon Canada, leading media relations and internal communications for the broadcaster’s English-speaking networks, and was a key contributor to the company’s 2012 launch of Cartoon Network in Canada.
Junner joined Blue Ant Media at its inception in 2011 as senior manager of programming. He has played a vital role in the launch and re-launch of several channels in the company’s Canadian broadcast portfolio, including T+E, Cottage Life, Makeful, Love Nature, BBC Earth, Smithsonian Channel and A-Side, while also working in alliance with international brands, media partners and producers of content. Since his appointment as senior director of video strategy in 2017, Junner has led all aspects of the content strategy for Blue Ant Media’s Canadian channels on linear, SVOD and AVOD platforms, including scheduling, acquisitions and commissioning.
Before joining Blue Ant Media, Junner served in senior roles leading and managing programming teams for key Canadian broadcasters, including Global Television, CanWest, CTV and Shaw Media, while also contributing to channel launches and integrations attached to merger and acquisition activities.
Both Etherden and Junner will continue to report to Jamie Schouela, president of global channels and media at Blue Ant Media.
“These promotions reflect the key roles that Sarah and Craig have both played in propelling Blue Ant Media’s growth and success as a best-in-class international content creator and channel operator,” said Schouela, in the company’s press release. “Both bring invaluable expertise, leadership and passion to their portfolios and will continue to be essential in driving the company’s momentum in our evolving industry.”
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