Banijay to close All3Media International’s New York office

Banijay is closing the New York office of All3Media International, cutting multiple roles, including that of executive VP of the Americas Jennifer Askin.

Jennifer Askin

A Banijay spokesperson has confirmed to C21 that the New York office of All3Media International will shutter tomorrow (August 28).

The news was first reported by Deadline, which put the number of redundancies in the single digits.

It comes after the US$8bn mega-merger of All3Media and Banijay Entertainment was completed last month, with both entities’ distribution divisions integrated under the Banijay Rights umbrella led by the latter’s Cathy Payne.

Askin and her colleagues are the latest members of the All3Media International team to lose their jobs following the merger, with the distribution arm’s boss Louise Pedersen also exiting as a result of the consolidation.

Askin was responsible for managing the New York-based Americas team of All3Media International, maximising exploitation of the UK distributor’s multi-genre portfolio across the region.

Having joined All3Media International in 2021, Askin was last year promoted from senior VP of North America to executive VP of the Americas following Sally Habbershaw’s relocation to the UK to join Mediawan Rights.

During her time with All3Media, she brokered numerous major deals including the management of long-running brands such as Midsomer Murders, Brokenwood Mysteries and Doc Martin with Acorn TV.

She recently helped secure a deal with Amazon-owned MGM+ for British espionage drama Secret Service in the Americas after the series was co-commissioned by All3Media with UK broadcaster ITV.

Askin’s other previous positions in the industry include senior roles at Kew Media Distribution, Alfred Haber Distribution and 4Kids Entertainment. Prior to working in distribution, Askin held positions in network and cable news, with jobs at ABC News, NBC News and MSNBC in New York and London.

Askin said: “I am very grateful for the fantastic five years I had at All3Media International. I have really loved leading our Americas team – a very committed and dedicated group of executives – and I am also very appreciative of the support and collaboration of our many incredible clients across this significant region. I would like to thank all of them, as well as the leadership of All3Media, for what has truly been a career highlight.”

Jane Turton, deputy CEO of Banijay Entertainment, added: “Jen has been an integral part of our sales team during her five years with All3Media International, most recently as our exec VP Americas. She has done an extensive amount of business throughout the Americas region during this time.

“Jen is a much-admired leader and a great colleague with huge warmth, drive and commitment. I want to thank her for her significant contribution to the All3Media business and wish her the best with what comes next.”