UKTV targets growth across platforms with Jonathan Newman, David Swetman appointments
Jonathan Newman, left, and David Swetman
Jonathan Newman has formally stepped into the role of chief commercial officer at UKTV, which has also appointed David Swetman, All3Media International’s senior VP of content and commercial strategy.
Newman was previously general manager, commercial, UKTV and its parent company BBC Studios in the UK and Ireland and will serve as CCO while continuing his wider responsibilities at BBC Studios.
Newman recently played a leading role in securing the deal for UKTV’s U service to be carried on Channel 4’s streaming service as the multi-channel broadcaster looks to grow its presence on different platforms, including YouTube.
David Swetman, meanwhile, has been appointed to the newly created role of director of content partnerships and sales in the UK and Ireland at UKTV and BBC Studios.
He will continue to lead commercial strategy and growth initiatives across the UK, while retaining responsibility for selected BBC Studios portfolios, including distribution of BBC specialised English radio/services in Ireland.
In his expanded remit, Newman now oversees the full breadth of UKTV’s commercial activity, adding in advertising to distribution, content funding and UKTV Ventures.
He also leads on its ‘routes to market’ strategy in the UK partnership with BBC Studios and BBC Public Service.
This refers to the BBC’s overall strategy for distributing its content to UK audiences across broadcast, streaming, and digital platforms, and how those channels work together.
As a member of UKTV’s executive leadership team, he is responsible for shaping and delivering commercial strategy, managing key industry partnerships, and driving long-term value creation across the business.
Swetman will join UKTV on April 7, reporting to Newman. He will lead the content partnerships and sales (CPS) team, with responsibility for UKTV’s content funding strategy combined with delivering on the BBC Group’s UK routes to market approach.
Working with BBC Studios Global Content, Swetman will “align commercial and editorial priorities, shape content investment decisions across UKTV and BBC Studios, lead key negotiations, and build strategic industry partnerships,” UKTV said.
Swetman joins from All3Media International, where he is currently senior VP of content and commercial strategy.
In this role, he leads the team responsible for identifying the scripted content pipeline and managing relationships and commercial negotiations with production companies.
Since joining in 2011, Swetman has built extensive experience supporting producers across development and production, with a particular focus on financing series through the international market.
Sam Tewungwa, UKTV’s recently appointed CEO, said: “Jonathan’s appointment as chief commercial officer reflects both his strong track record and the critical role commercial strategy will play in UKTV’s next phase of growth.
“We’re equally pleased to welcome David, whose deep expertise in content strategy and partnerships will further strengthen our capabilities as we continue to invest in content and expand our reach.”
