Flextech Boosts Interactive Division With New Appointment
Flextech Television has reaffirmed its commitment to new technology with the appointment of Simon Gunning as controller of interactive programming.
The new role has been created as Flextech continues to move its interactive strategy forward, the group will be focusing on using interactivity to enhance its channel programming and further drive advertising revenues through improved ratings.
Gunning has been at Flextech since 2000, when he joined as head of business development. Prior to joining the broadcaster he worked as a recording artist manager and provided media consultancy to broadcasters and record companies.
As controller of interactive programming, Gunning will head up the interactive programming department and will work alongside the channel controllers to define and deliver each brand’s interactive strategy.
Commenting on the appointment, Jonathan Webb, Flextech’s director of interactive programming, said: “I am delighted that Simon has accepted this brand new role. He has played a key part in the development of Flextech’s interactive offering and has the perfect skills to take the department forward as we focus on driving advertising revenues.”
Gunning added: “Flextech has always been at the forefront of the broadcasting industry with its interactive offering. Interactivity is now expected by viewers of all quality channels and is an integral element of our programming. I am looking forward to leading the team at such a key point in the industry’s development and further expanding interactivity to enhance our channel programming and add value to our viewers.”
Earlier this year Interactive Digital Sales, which represents the Flextech and UKTV channels, increased the size of its sales team and dedicated more resources to interactive advertising, following the rapid growth in demand for interactive TV campaigns (see IDS Increases Focus On Interactive Advertising).
In another display of the increasing value of interactive programming, BSkyB recently appointed its former customer marketing director, Ian Shepherd, as managing director of Sky Interactive (see Shepherd Appointed As Managing Director Of Sky Interactive).
Flextech: 020 7299 5000 www.telewest.co.uk/flextech
Recent Television Stories from NewsLine BSkyB Restructures Pricing Scheme To Boost Sky Plus Granada Dismisses Elstein’s Merger Savings Calculations ITV Axes SM:TV Live After Five Years On Air
Subscribers can access ten years of NewsLine articles by clicking the Search button to the left