CALGARY, Sept.16, 2014 /CNW/ - Shaw Communications Inc. ("Shaw") today announced that it has appointed Barbara Williams to the position of Executive Vice President, Broadcasting and President, Shaw Media.
In this role, Ms. Williams will continue to reinforce Shaw Media's position as one of Canada's leading broadcasters while evolving to meeting the future audience and advertiser needs. A key focus will be to continue to strengthen the core business while at the same time transforming to meet the ever changing media environment.
"Over the past four years we have had the opportunity of working extensively with Barb," said Brad Shaw, Chief Executive Officer, Shaw Communications. "She is an exceptional leader and well-respected industry executive. Coupled with her extensive list of accomplishments and experience, she is the ideal candidate to lead our media business as we transition to become Canada's leading network and content company."
Ms. Williams brings more than 25 years of experience in the media industry to the oversight of Global Television and Shaw Media's portfolio of 19 specialty networks. Prior to this appointment, Ms. Williams served as Senior Vice President of Content for Shaw Media, overseeing the creation of Canadian original productions, acquisition deals of top U.S. and international series, and scheduling for the company's conventional and specialty channels.
While holding this position, Ms. Williams increased Global's presence among the Top 10 and 20 programs, and strengthened Shaw Media's specialty portfolio, resulting in ranker dominance for the company's analog and digital specialty channels. Over the years, she strategically grew key partnerships and deepened the company's relationship with U.S. studios, launching new channels H2, Lifetime, FYI, CI, DIY and DTOUR in the Canadian market. Most recently, Ms. Williams has led the evolution of program rights acquisition, leading to the launch of GlobalGo and HistoryGo, as well as shomi, a new Canadian SVOD service and joint venture between Shaw and Rogers Communications.
Throughout her career, Ms Williams has been a passionate advocate for the Canadian broadcasting industry, sitting on numerous boards and associations. She is currently Chair of the Banff World Media Festival and a Director of the Board of the Canadian Film Centre as well as Canada's Walk of Fame. She has been the driving force behind numerous successful Canadian television series commissioned by Shaw Media, including Rookie Blue, Vikings, Lost Girl, Remedy, Top Chef Canada, Continuum, Yukon Gold and Timber Kings.
A mentor and advocate for women both within the company as well as the industry, Ms. Williams has been an instrumental leader at Shaw Media and recognized for her unwavering value system and as a strong champion for diversity. In December 2008 Ms. Williams was acknowledged for her Outstanding Achievement at the 20th Anniversary WIFT-T Crystal Awards and in February 2014, Ms. Williams won the Chair of Distinction award at the Women in Communications and Technology Gala.
Before joining Shaw, Ms. Williams was Executive Vice President, Content at Canwest Broadcasting. Previous positions also include her role as Vice President and General Manager of Toronto 1 as well as Senior Vice President of Lifestyle Programming at Alliance Atlantis.
About Shaw Communications Inc.
Shaw Communications Inc. is a diversified communications and media company, providing consumers with broadband cable television, High-Speed Internet, Home Phone, telecommunications services (through Shaw Business), satellite direct-to-home services (through Shaw Direct) and engaging programming content (through Shaw Media). Shaw serves 3.2 million customers, through a reliable and extensive fibre network. Shaw Media operates one of the largest conventional television networks in Canada, Global Television, and 19 specialty networks including HGTV Canada, Food Network Canada, HISTORY® and Showcase. Shaw is traded on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges and is included in the S&P/TSX 60 Index (Symbol: TSX – SJR.B, NYSE – SJR). For more information about Shaw, please visit www.shaw.ca.
Image with caption: "Barbara Williams, Executive Vice President, Broadcasting and President, Shaw Media (CNW Group/Shaw Communications Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140916_C1676_PHOTO_EN_5624.jpg
SOURCE: Shaw Communications Inc.
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