CHUM Limited announced today a reorganization of its Television division, effective immediately. Overall responsibility for the division has been realigned across three functional groups, headed by the new management team of Roma Khanna, Senior Vice President Content, CHUM Television, Peter Palframan, Senior Vice President Operations, CHUM Television and David Kirkwood in the existing position of Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing, CHUM Television, all reporting to Jay Switzer, President and CEO CHUM Limited.
This reorganization represents an evolution of CHUM’s television operational structure, reflecting the significant growth of its television assets, including the recent acquisition of Craig Media Inc. and full ownership of Learning and Skills Television of Alberta. The realignment of the management structure across the company’s 12 local television channels, 21 specialty channels and related business units, provides for the maximization of efficiencies, performance and competitiveness. This includes the optimization of content creation and development across all channels and delivery platforms, together with greater operational, sales and marketing efficiencies in a new streamlined regional focus for local conventional services and genre focus for specialty services.
“CHUM’s performance relies on our ability to be nimble and proactive to satisfy the demands of our viewers, advertisers and ultimately our shareholders,” said Switzer. “The realignment of our management structure across functional groups allows us to harness and strategically deploy our tremendous creative and operational resources across the entire television division.”
Roma Khanna, formerly Vice President, CHUM Interactive, a well-known and respected industry leader in innovative and creative multiplatform content development, is appointed Senior Vice President Content, CHUM Television. Her responsibilities include guiding all of CHUM Television’s domestic and international content creation, program acquisitions and distribution efforts. To strengthen and align the Company’s content strategies, the SVP Content will oversee the Programming, Independent Production, In-House Production, International Distribution, Interactive and Creative Services units.
Radio-related initiatives of CHUM Interactive will continue to report to Paul
Ski, EVP Radio, CHUM Limited.
“Roma Khanna brings tremendous strength to this new position. Her impressive track record of successful content development combined with the breadth of her business experience, makes her the perfect choice to lead CHUM’s content strategy in an evolving television environment,” said Jay Switzer. “Roma’s entrepreneurial and legal background in addition to her rich production history, are integral parts of her results-oriented approach. Roma’s background as an independent producer, together with her extensive industry involvement, is a distinct advantage to us as we look forward to developing new ideas and capitalizing on emerging content models.”
Under the new structure, reporting to the SVP Content, CHUM Television, Marcia Martin will move from her role as Vice President and General Manager of specialty services Star!, FashionTelevisionChannel and SexTV:The Channel, as well as Vice President Production for CHUM’s local television channels, to an expanded role as Vice President Production, CHUM Television, overseeing all of the division’s extensive in-house productions and production staff across both local and specialty channels. Ellen Baine, Vice President Programming, CHUM Television, will now have added responsibilities for overseeing all program acquisitions, scheduling and programming staff across all CHUM’s television channels, both local and specialty. David Johnson, Director of Creative Services, CHUM Television, becomes responsible for a newly centralized on-air promotion and creative services unit working across all stations. Kevin Byles, Vice President and General Manager, CHUM Television International, and Diane Boehme, Senior Director of Independent Production, CHUM Television continue in their current roles.
“Across Canada, and in markets around the world, CHUM Television is known for delivering highly original content and strategically programmed brands, with the power to connect to viewers, through both traditional and new media distribution models,” said Jay Switzer. “The reorganization of these areas into a single centralized unit of remarkably talented individuals will allow us to excel in the way we create, acquire and manage our content.”
Peter Palframan, formerly Vice President, Finance and Administration, CHUM Television, and Vice President, Finance and Operations Learning and Skills Television of Alberta, is appointed Senior Vice President Operations, CHUM Television. In this new role, Peter is responsible for the business operation of CHUM’s 33 television stations and related business units. This includes Affiliate Sales and Marketing, Broadcast Technology, Operations, the newly-created Regional Conventional Television units in Ontario and Alberta/Manitoba, the current Regional Conventional Television unit in B.C., and the newly-created Specialty Television units for Specialty Music and Specialty Entertainment.
“Peter Palframan has played an important role in the success of the Television division’s Administrative and Operational units during our recent period of growth. He was part of the creation of Learning and Skills Television of Alberta, including the privatization of ACCESS, as well as the launch of Canadian Learning television, BookTelevision and CourtTV Canada. He was also a key player in the team behind the purchase of Craig Media Inc. and the integration of the new station assets,” said Switzer. “Peter has the clear business sense and exceptional organizational skills necessary to maximize the efficiencies and effectiveness in our operations, together with a keen understanding of the resources needed to make great television.”
Replacements for the position of VP, Finance and Administration, CHUM Television and VP, CHUM Interactive will be announced at a future date. With these changes, reporting to Peter Palframan, Paul Gratton continues to have responsibility for Bravo!, Space and Drive-In Classics and assumes added responsibilities for Star!, Sex TV:The Channel, FashionTelevisionChannel, BookTelevision, CourtTV Canada and TV Land in his newly appointed position as Vice President, Entertainment Specialty Channels, CHUM Television. David Kines continues to have responsibility for CHUM’s music services MuchMusic, MuchMoreMusic, MuchLOUD, MuchVibe, MuchMoreRetro, MTV Canada and MTV2, under the new title Vice President, Music and Youth Specialty Channels, CHUM Television. Both Specialty Channel Vice Presidents will be responsible for planning, monitoring and driving the performance of their respective channels.
Nigel Fuller, formerly Vice President and General Manager, The New RO, is appointed to the new position of Regional Vice President, CHUM Television, Ontario, responsible for overseeing Citytv Toronto and CP24, as well as The New VR, The New RO, The New PL, The New WI and The New NX, (soon to be rebranded A-Channels). Al Thorgeirson, formerly COO of Craig Media Inc., is appointed to the new position of Regional Vice President, CHUM Television, Alberta/Manitoba, responsible for overseeing the A-Channel stations in Calgary, Edmonton and Winnipeg (soon to be rebranded Citytvs), CKX-TV Brandon, a CBC-affiliate, Canadian Learning Television and ACCESS. Brad Phillips, Regional Vice President, CHUM Television, B.C., continues in his current role overseeing Citytv Vancouver and The New VI (soon to be rebranded A-Channel).
Individual Station Managers continue in their current roles. A replacement for Nigel Fuller in Ottawa will be announced at a future date.
“We believe CHUM Television’s competitive advantage going forward is our balanced portfolio of leading Specialty Channel brands and strong local A-Channel and Citytv brands,” said Jay Switzer. “The operational restructure of our stations under this talented team will allow us to maximize value to our viewers, while taking full advantage of operational efficiencies.”
David Kirkwood, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, CHUM Television, continues in his current role with overall responsibilities for all sales and marketing activities for CHUM’s Conventional and Specialty television services, in addition to integrated sales and marketing opportunities across the company’s media platforms.
“These new appointments are the result of an extensive review of both internal and external applicants to select the right people to help realize CHUM’s growth and performance strategy. Our leadership team has the comprehensive industry experience, together with the proven track record for creativity and innovative thinking, needed to propel us to new levels of success now and in the future,” said Switzer.
CHUM Limited (TSX: CHM/CHM.NV.B, www.chumlimited.com), one of Canada’s leading media companies and content providers, owns and operates 33 radio stations, 12 local television stations and 21 specialty channels, as well as an environmental music distribution division. Through international format licenses and program sales, CHUM’s original content is seen in over 130 countries worldwide and is distributed via new media platforms, including interactive television, wireless services and exclusive CHUM-branded Internet properties.
BACKGROUNDER: SENIOR EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS
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ROMA KHANNA – SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT CONTENT, CHUM TELEVISION
Roma Khanna was previously VP, CHUM Interactive, where she was responsible for the strategic and day-to-day operations of all new media and
cross-platform content initiatives for CHUM Radio and Television. In this position, Roma leveraged CHUM’s well-known brands across various new media platforms, including interactive television, wireless services and Internet
properties, and created new interactive initiatives integral to CHUM’s original television and radio content. Prior to joining CHUM in August 2003, Roma was Executive Vice President for Snap Media, Canada’s leading independent interactive producer, where she was involved in the production/creation of
cross-media projects for a number of television programs including Degrassi: The Next Generation (www.Degrassi.tv), for which she won three Gemini awards, and many others. Prior to Snap Media, Roma was an entertainment lawyer and Sony Music Canada’s Manager of Legal and Business Affairs. Roma practiced business law at Davies, Ward & Beck (Toronto) and over the years has been involved in producing and/or directing various film and television projects including the independent feature film, Stuff, numerous television shorts, television commercials and music videos. Roma holds both her Canadian and U.S. law degrees as well as an MBA. Roma sits on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Film Centre (CFC) and Canadian Women in Communications (CWC) and is on the Executive Committee and Board of the Canadian Film and Television Production Association (CFTPA).
PETER PALFRAMAN – SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OPERATIONS, CHUM TELEVISION
Peter Palframan was previously Vice President, Finance & Administration, CHUM Television and Vice President, Finance and Operations of Learning and Skills Television of Alberta. Peter has been in the television industry for over 20 years, beginning with TVOntario in production business management, followed by his active involvement in the launch of Vision TV in 1988 as the specialty service’s Vice President of Finance and Operations. In 1994, Peter assisted in negotiations that resulted in the privatization and acquisition of the provincial educational service, Access TV, and played a major role in the launch of Canadian Learning Television (CLT), BookTelevision and CourtTV Canada. He was a key player in the team behind the purchase of Craig Media and the integration of the new station assets.
DAVID KIRKWOOD – EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, SALES & MARKETING, CHUM TELEVISION
David Kirkwood oversees all sales and marketing activities for CHUM’s conventional and specialty television services, in addition to integrated sales and marketing opportunities across the company’s media platforms. Prior to this position, David was VP, Sales & Marketing, CHUM Television, and before that, VP, Sales & Marketing for CHUM’s specialty services. Since joining CHUM’s media sales department in 1980, David has built an internationally recognized team of sales, marketing, communications and cable professionals. Over the years, David helmed the creation of the major national marketing events CHUM is now widely recognized for and pioneered innovative new techniques in viewer interactivity, relationship marketing and the establishment of strategic partnerships with advertisers. David currently serves on the Board of the Broadcast Executives Society (BES) and Television Bureau (TVB).
MARCIA MARTIN – VICE PRESIDENT PRODUCTION, CHUM TELEVISION
As Vice President and General Manager for Star!, FashionTelevisionChannel and SexTV: The Channel, Marcia Martin was responsible for the specialty services’ growth, day-to-day operations and strategic direction. In addition, as Vice President Production, CHUM Television, she oversaw the development and production of the extensive original programming produced by CHUM’s local television stations. Prior to these roles, Marcia was Vice President Production for Citytv, where she first started her career in 1972, and Supervising Producer of the station’s unique and successful programs including FT-FashionTelevision, MT-MovieTelevision, CityLine, Startv and Sextv. Marcia is a Gemini Award winner and has served as Executive Producer of the 2004 and 2005 Genie Awards, and Supervising Producer of the internationally acclaimed, I am a Hotel, starring Leonard Cohen. Marcia is an active and respected member of the Canadian entertainment industry whose commitment to developing a Canadian star system is well known. She currently sits on the Board of Directors for ACCT, WIFT-T, Canada’s Walk of Fame and the Canadian Association of Broadcasters’ Television Board. She is also a program advisor for the Toronto International Film Festival’s New Talent Lab and is on the advisory committee for the Brian Linehan Endowment benefiting young Canadian filmmakers.
ELLEN BAINE – VICE PRESIDENT PROGRAMMING, CHUM TELEVISION
As Vice President Programming, CHUM Television, Ellen has overseen programming strategies, planning and acquisitions for CHUM’s local conventional and specialty television channels, and has supported individual channel programmers on specific programming tactics and planning. Prior to this role, Ellen was Director of Programming for Citytv, Star!, SexTV: The Channel and FashionTelevisionChannel. Ellen has extensive experience in television programming and an in-depth knowledge of its many facets. Having started her programming career with early pay services Superchannel and First Choice, she joined Citytv as Program Manager in 1991. In 1993 she was promoted to Director of Programming and in 1999 she added Director of Programming for CHUM’s successful entertainment and information specialty service, Star!, to her duties, which was soon followed by SexTV: The Channel and FashionTelevisionChannel. Since 1992, Ellen has sat on an international jury of two awards (Best Canadian First Feature Film and Best Canadian Feature Film) sponsored by Citytv for Canada First! and Short Cuts Canada (formerly Perspective Canada), two of the world’s premiere showcases for Canadian talent featured annually at the Toronto International Film Festival.
PAUL GRATTON – VICE PRESIDENT, ENTERTAINMENT SPECIALTY CHANNELS, CHUM TELEVISION
Paul Gratton was appointed Vice President of Bravo! NewStyleArtsChannel in 2003 and Vice President and General Manager of SPACE: The Imagination Station and Drive-In Classics in 1999 and 2001 respectively. In these roles he was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the three stations. In July 2004, he was also appointed Vice President, Independent Production for CHUM Television. Paul came to CHUM in 1994 as a senior program executive for Citytv from the Ontario Film Development Corporation where he had served as CEO since 1991. Paul’s experience with and expertise in programming developed when he worked at various art house and repertory cinemas in the Ottawa area as General Manager and Programmer. In the early ’80s, Paul was Program Acquisitions Coordinator and Program Manager at Superchannel, followed by Vice President of Programming for First Choice. Paul is currently Chair of the Academy of Canadian Film and Television, a member of the Boards of the Canadian Television Fund (CTF), the Independent Production Fund (IPF), the National Screen Institute (NSI) and is a member of the Canadian Feature Film Fund Advisory Group (CFFFAG).
DAVID KINES – VICE PRESIDENT, MUSIC & YOUTH SPECIALTY CHANNELS, CHUM
TELEVISION
As Vice President and General Manager for CHUM Television music services
MuchMusic, MuchMoreMusic, MuchLOUD, MuchVibe and MuchMoreRetro, David Kines has been a driving force behind the distinctive MuchMusic style of television
and key to the brands’ enduring popularity on the ever-changing pop culture landscape. David joined CHUM in 1983 as an editor for Citytv’s TheNewMusic, helped launch MuchMusic in 1984, and went on to hold a number of positions including Coordinating Producer, Director of Music Operations and Program Manager. He helped launch MuchMoreMusic in 1998 and oversaw the build and launch of MuchMusic affiliates in Argentina, Finland and the United States.
He became VP and GM for MuchMusic and MuchMoreMusic in November 2000 and for MuchLOUD and MuchVibe, and MuchMoreRetro in 2001 and 2003 respectively. David has been key to a number of milestones in MuchMusic’s history, from Live Aid, The Nelson Mandella Freedom Concerts and Woodstock ’94 and ’99, to the first ever MuchMusic Video Awards and the Gemini Award-winning coverage of Canada’s 1993 federal election. His efforts as an organizer of the post-9/11 Music Without Borders benefit concerts were critically acclaimed. David currently sits on the Board of Directors of Serve Canada, a national organization providing opportunities for youth to develop leadership and teamwork skills.
NIGEL FULLER – REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT, CHUM TELEVISION, ONTARIO
Nigel Fuller was previously Vice President and General Manager of The New RO (soon to be rebranded A-Channel), one of CHUM’s local conventional stations serving Ottawa/Pembroke. In this role, he oversaw all aspects of station management including news, sales, promotions and operations. Nigel joined CHUM in 1976 as a Media Sales Representative for CKVR and then became Regional Sales Supervisor, heading up regional retail sales for all of CHUM’s conventional television stations. In 1987, Nigel moved to Halifax as Regional Sales Manager and was then promoted to General Sales Manager for ATV/ASN. Ten years later he returned to Ontario and CHUM as General Sales Manager for The New PL and The New RO, before becoming VP and GM for The New RO. Nigel has served on the BBM’s Television Executive Committee and currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Television Bureau (TVB), and is Chairman of the Bureau’s Telecaster Committee.
AL THORGEIRSON – REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT, CHUM TELEVISION, ALBERTA/MANITOBA
Most recently, Al Thorgeirson was General Manager of A-Channel Calgary soon to be rebranded as Citytv), Acting General Manager of MTV Canada, MTV2 and TV Land and Chief Operating Officer of Craig Media Inc. Al has over 25 years of experience in radio and television broadcasting. He joined Craig Media Inc. in 1986 as Winnipeg Bureau Manager, where he was involved in the launch of CHMI (currently A-Channel Manitoba and soon to be Citytv). Over the years, Al held various positions with Craig Media Inc. including News Director and Assistant General Manager for CHMI, Assistant General Manager for Craig Alberta and Manager of Station Operations for A-Channel Calgary, A-Channel Edmonton, A-Channel Manitoba and CKX Television. While with Craig Media Inc., Al was an integral member of the team that secured licences for and launched A-Channel Calgary, A-Channel Edmonton, MTV Canada, MTV2, TV Land and Toronto 1. He also led the transition team on behalf of Craig Media during CHUM Limited’s purchase of the company’s assets.
BRAD PHILLIPS – REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT, CHUM TELEVISION, B.C.
As Regional Vice President, CHUM Television, B.C., Brad Phillips oversees operations at CHUM Television properties Citytv Vancouver and The New VI (soon to be rebranded A-Channel). Prior to this appointment in March 2004, Brad was Vice President and General Manager of Citytv Vancouver where he directed all aspects of the station’s July 2002 launch. Brad launched his career in radio, working at stations in Red Deer, Moose Jaw, Edmonton and at Vancouver’s Z95.3. He moved to Toronto to become Program Director for 104.5 CHUM FM and 1050 chum, and later became General Manager of both stations. He has won numerous broadcasting awards and is a Board Member of the British Columbia Association of Broadcasters and the Kids Up Front Foundation.