TORONTO – CanWest Mediaworks made a pair of new hires last week, bringing Zev Shalev and Christine Shipton on board to boost Global Television’s content offerings.
Shalev is CanWest’s new senior executive producer in charge of entertainment and information program development. In his new role, Shalev will be responsible for building the company’s entertainment franchise. This will include the development and launch of a new daily entertainment program for the fall schedule.
Shalev has over a decade of experience in the media industry, and was most recently executive producer for Toronto 1. There, he was responsible for the company’s current affairs programming, including the entertainment show The A-List. Prior to this, Mr. Shalev was the co-founder, CEO and executive producer of U8TV, an internet TV channel in partnership with Alliance Atlantis, and has also worked extensively in journalism, including a stint as executive producer of Canada AM at CTV.
“Zev’s varied experience makes him an ideal candidate to grow our entertainment programming,” said Barbara Williams, senior vice-president, programming and production, and formerly general manager of Toronto 1. “His track record of innovative content development and creative thinking will be a great asset to CanWest MediaWorks and we’re very excited to have him join our team.”
Shalev will report to both Williams and Steve Wyatt, senior vice-president, news and information. “Zev’s role will be integral in ensuring a strong link between the news and entertainment franchises.” said Wyatt. “We are pleased to have him on the team building bridges between these two important parts of the television lineup.”
Broadcast industry veteran Shipton has been hired as senior director, dramatic programming.
She will be responsible for developing and overseeing the production of all original dramas and comedies across CanWest MediaWorks’ television networks. She joins the company from Blueprint Entertainment, a television company dedicated to producing and financing product for the North American and world markets. Prior to this, Shipton held a variety of senior positions in organizations, including W Network, Landscape Entertainment Canada, Alliance Atlantis Television and CBC Television.
"Christine brings a wealth of experience and passion for Canadian television to CanWest MediaWorks," said Williams in the press release. "She has been responsible for the development of some great Canadian programming throughout her career, including Due South, North of 60 and Cold Squad." Today’s appointment reflects our commitment to invest in the development of scripted original programming and we’re looking forward to having her help us build a leading roster of ratings winners across our networks.”
"I am extremely excited by the opportunity to join the programming team at CanWest MediaWorks," said Shipton. "I look forward to working with the talented creative team and production community to build a slate of new series and movies for what I believe is an ever-growing audience for Canadian scripted programming."
