Super Channel names int’l buyer

Canadian pay TV broadcaster Super Channel has promoted an executive to VP of programming, overseeing the strategy of three of the company’s channels and international acquisitions.

Melissa Kajpust

Melissa Kajpust is stepping up from director of programming, international distributors and Canadian pre-sales to the new role overseeing SC1, SC2 and SC Vault.

Kajpust will also be responsible for all US and international programme acquisitions for the company, reporting to president and CEO Don McDonald.

Acquisitions for Super Channel’s GINX eSports TV Canada network will continue to be overseen by McDonald

In her previous role, Kajpust brought a variety of high-profile series to the network including American Gods, Mr Mercedes, Harlots and Berlin Station.

She also worked with studio partners including Fox, Paramount, Sony, MGM, Warner Brothers, Lionsgate and Entertainment One, to curate and acquire content for the launch of Super Channel Vault.

Kajpust initially joined Super in 2007 as creative development representative for Manitoba. She moved to the National Screen Institute in 2010 as the director of programming, but then returned in 2014 as head of creative development.

Troy Wassill, who sees his title revised to director of programming and his role expanded to include responsibility for Canadian pre-sales and development, in addition to acquisitions for Super Channel Vault and Super Channel Sports, will report to Kajpust.

McDonald said: “Melissa’s deep knowledge and wide breadth of experience and relationships in the industry, along with her keen eye to find unique and entertaining programming, will contribute to the continued strategic growth of Super Channel as we move forward into the ever-changing Canadian TV broadcast landscape.”