YouTube tracks down SPTN’s Hunter

YouTube has tapped Sony Pictures Television (SPTN)’s director of kids’ networks, Craig Hunter, for a newly created role overseeing global preschool content.

Craig Hunter

Hunter joined the Google-owned platform’s originals team this month as global head of preschool content. He is set to relocate from London to LA this summer and will report to Nadine Zylstra, head of family learning and impact at YouTube Originals.

The appointment comes after YouTube promised to put US$100m towards original children’s content between 2019 and 2022 as part of its efforts to protect kids and their privacy.

At SPTN, Hunter was responsible for leading the programming and development of its linear and AVoD kids’ brands, including commercial kids’ channels Pop, Tiny Pop and Pop Max, plus AVoD service Pop Fun.

SPTN’s UK children’s networks air shows including Trulli Tales, Cookie Monster’s Foodie Truck, 44 Cats, Care Bears: Unlock the Magic, Pokémon, Power Rangers and Lego Nexo Knights.

Hunter was promoted to the role heading SPTN’s kids’ networks in the UK following Sarah Muller’s return to the BBC in 2019.

Prior to joining SPTN in 2012, Hunter held roles at Nickelodeon, Disney and BBC Studios.

Zylstra said: “Craig is a highly seasoned international content specialist in the kids and family space. His experience and creative background will help lead us in our commitment to invest in the future of quality kids, family and educational programming as part of the US$100m commitment to original content that we announced.”