Bonnier names C More programmer

European media giant Bonnier has promoted an exec to oversee programming at its new SVoD service launching later this year under its C More brand.

Bo Thörnwall becomes director of programmes at C More, which is moving from a linear channel focus to put a new SVoD service at the centre of its operations, and will be responsible for all non-sport content, including films and series. He previously oversaw programme acquisitions for C More and sister company TV4.

”C More is a quality label for premium film, series and children’s programming, especially focusing on local content. Furthering this development in a digital environment just may be the most rewarding job in Sweden,” said Thörnwall, who reports to C More CEO Manfred Aronsson.

Thörnwall worked for Kanal 5 in Sweden before moving to TV4 Group as director of programmes at TV4 Film in 2006, later taking on his acquisitions role.

Bonnier-owned TV4 and C More, along with sister companies Svensk Filmindustri and Finnish network MTV, are preparing to launch the SVoD service later this year.

C More, taken over by Bonnier in 2014, is being turned from a linear broadcasting company into a digital-first outfit with its linear channels acting as an extension to the SVoD service.

The project, first revealed by C21, has been in the works since late last year and is being led by Cecilia Beck-Friis, exec VP for TV4 and chief development officer for Bonnier’s broadcast business. It forms part of a wider digital transformation initiative underway at TV4 and Bonnier to compete with Netflix, HBO Nordic and Viaplay.

All of C More’s current VoD services – including Filmnet, C Sports and C More Play, as well as sections of TV4 Play Premium – will move to the new C More service during the year.