BBC Worldwide Press Releases

BBC AMERICA’s VP Programming Strategy, John Taite, is to take up a new position within the BBC Worldwide America family as VP, Branded Entertainment and Integrated Ad Sales Solutions.

Reporting in to BBC Worldwide America’s EVP, Ad Sales, Mark Gall, Taite will work with the ad sales, programming and marketing teams of BBC AMERICA to look at creative advertising solutions for clients, developing ad category sponsorships and assessing and implementing branded entertainment opportunities for the channel and its digital extensions. The announcement comes at a time when BBC AMERICA is experiencing unprecedented growth, up 30% year-on-year and delivering its best ever ratings.

Mark Gall, EVP Ad Sales commented on Taite’s appointment: “This is a critical role within our business and one we’ve been looking to fill for some time. John brings enthusiasm, creative talents and close working relationships to the role, and we look forward to having him on board.”

Taite was formerly VP Programming strategy, BBC AMERICA. He joined the New York office in April 2010 from BBC Worldwide in London, where he was VP of Programming for EMEA (Europe, Middle East & Africa), overseeing the rollout and programming strategy of 14 localized channels.

Prior to joining BBC Worldwide, Taite served as Director of Scheduling & Acquisitions for MTV Networks and was responsible for their nine channels in the UK.

Taite started his career as an independent writer/director after receiving a Bachelor of Communications Studies degree in Television at Auckland University of Technology.

NOTES TO EDITORS
About BBC Worldwide America
BBC Worldwide is the main commercial arm and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). BBC Worldwide America, with headquarters in New York and Los Angeles, brings together all of BBC Worldwide’s businesses in the U.S. The company exists to maximize the value of the BBC’s assets for the benefit of the UK license payer, and invests in public service programming in return for rights. The company has seven core businesses: Channels, Sales and Distribution, Content and Production, Home Entertainment, Digital Media, Global Brands and Magazines. Under these businesses fall two key brands in the U.S. – digital cable channel BBC America and a bi-coastal production arm responsible for the smash hit Dancing with the Stars for ABC.

Chris Charlton