Hearst announces three hires to lead new production and distribution arm

US firm Hearst has unveiled the senior leadership for its newly launched production and distribution arm Hearst Media Production Group.

Bryan Curb

Former Hearst-backed producer Litton Entertainment has been merged into Hearst Media Production Group, which was founded in September to bolster the giant’s TV operations.

Three executives from the New York-based prodco, which has a library of more than 4,000 hours of content, have been appointed to newly created positions at Hearst Media Production Group.

Bryan Curb has been named executive VP and general manager of educational/informational programming, and will oversee programme development, business standards and practices, sales and marketing in the department.

Curb was previously chief creative officer for Litton, after joining the firm in 2018 from MTO Productions, the Burbank-based indie he founded.

Angelica Rosas McDaniel

Angelica Rosas McDaniel, who was executive VP, strategy and creative development for Litton, has been named executive VP and general manager of entertainment.

In her new role, she will lead Hearst Media Production Group’s newly formed entertainment unit, with a focus on unscripted original programme development and related marketing, syndication and distribution.

Prior to joining Litton in 2020 she worked at the CBS Corporation for nine years, most recently as executive VP of daytime programmes and syndicated programme development. She was responsible for launching CBS’s first daytime talk show The Talk.

Before that she was creative director of new media for Warner Bros’ Telepictures studio shows, with credits including The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Extra and The Tyra Banks Show.

Chris Matthews

Finally, Chris Matthews has been named chief financial officer, with responsibilities including financial oversight of all Hearst Media Production Group operating units, as well as strategic planning and business growth opportunities.

Previously, Matthews served as senior VP and chief financial officer for Litton and before that was a partner with the accounting firm Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP.

Frank Biancuzzo, president of Hearst Media Production Group, said: “Bryan, Angelica and Chris are savvy media executives who will help propel the new group from a creative, strategic and business standpoint. Together with our existing team of strong managers, producers and operational staff, we’re poised for great things ahead.”