TORONTO – ichannel, bpm:tv and The Pet Network owner Stornoway Communications has hired Allan Schwebel and Gary Sappleton as content distribution consultant and director of marketing, respectively.
Schwebel will serve as primary liaison between Stornoway and its distribution partners in negotiating carriage agreements and supporting strategic planning initiatives to enhance subscriber growth opportunities. Previously VP of affiliate sales and marketing for CHUM Television and EVP/GM for CHUM Satellite Services Limited, Schwebel has, since 2010, provided content distribution, regulatory and sales support for independent broadcasters including BBC Kids, Knowledge Network, Hollywood Suite and GUSTO.
As director of marketing, Sappleton will be responsible for the strategic planning, development and execution of marketing and promotional campaigns designed to grow audience and build awareness of the company’s brands. Prior to joining Stornoway, he served as senior director of marketing at GameTV and brand manager-dramatic networks for Shaw Media.
On the advertising front, Stornoway has engaged Toronto-based Airtime Television Sales Inc. as its national sales representatives.
“Over the past year, we have significantly enhanced the scheduling, programming and on-air look of all three of our networks: ichannel, The Pet Network and bpm:tv”, said GM and CFO Don Pagnutti, in the announcement. “These latest moves reflect our commitment to continued improvement in other key areas: building constructive relationships with affiliate partners, attracting new viewers to the channels, and delivering on the needs and expectations of advertisers.”
www.stornoway.com
