WNET Group hires former Vox, Vice Media exec Steven Belser

The WNET Group in the US has hired former Vox Media and Vice Media exec Steven Belser as VP of distribution and new revenue, replacing current distribution VP Jen Danielson, who will step down by early 2027.

Steven Belser

Beginning his new role this week, Belser is tasked with unifying programming, rights and clearances, research and distribution goals to lead WNET’s content distribution strategy across platforms, building audience reach and growing revenue.

Belser has more than 20 years of media experience, with leadership roles at Vox Media, Tribune Media, Bloomberg Media and Vice Media.

As VP and general manager at Vox Media, he managed Vox.com, The Verge, Recode and Polygon. At Tribune Media, he led national content, distribution and monetisation across the company’s 42-station broadcast network.

He was a founding team member at Bloomberg’s QuickTake and at NowThis Media, and served as head of content at Vice Media and chief growth officer at McCourt Global/Unfinished Media.

Belser joins WNET’s senior leadership team and reports to Edward O’Keefe, president and CEO of The WNET Group.

O’Keefe said: “As we explore new ways to reach audiences and expand our impact to build a sustainable future for independent public media, Steven’s experience and entrepreneurial perspective will be especially valuable. I am confident he will bring fresh thinking, energy and opportunity to our organisation.”