A+E Global Media has named Brian Weiss Executive Vice President, Strategy and Business Development.
He will report to Steve MacDonald, President, Global Content Licensing & International.
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Weiss will help oversee growth strategy and business development across linear, digital, FAST, and emerging platforms. In co-ordination with A+E’s Global Content Sales, FAST, and International teams, he will work on ventures leveraging the company’s content library and distribution pipeline. Weiss will also serve as the liaison to the company’s finance, research, and technology.
A+E’s owners, Disney and Hearst, earlier this year hired Wells Fargo to help them evaluate various strategic options for the company. Like other owners of linear TV networks, the parent of A&E, Lifetime and the History Channel is managing through a period of significant change as viewing and advertising migrates to streaming. One of A+E’s primary assets is its library of 70,000 hours of original programming, which has helped the company launch 60 FAST channels.
Weiss brings 20 years of experience in the broadcast TV, streaming and digital sectors. He most recently was VP of Entertainment Programming & Networks at local broadcast group Tegna. He oversaw the 24/7 networks True Crime Network, Quest, and Twist, the Vault Studios originals division, syndicated programming, and several OTT initiatives. He had previously been president and GM at Cooper Holdings, which launched the Justice Network and Quest, which were eventually acquired by Tegna.
“Brian brings a rare mix of deal-making savvy and operating depth to his new position,” said MacDonald. “He turns complex, multilayered agreements into durable partnerships, balances stakeholder needs with a transparent, data-driven approach, and connects storytelling with distribution to grow audiences and revenue. That skill set will unlock new value across our linear, digital, FAST and international businesses.”
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