Foxtel appoints Head of Channels & Operations
Stephen Baldwin returns to Foxtel for a newly-created role.
- Published by David Knox
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Foxtel has appointed Stephen Baldwin to the newly created role of Head of Channels & Operations – Foxtel Networks.
Baldwin returns to Foxtel after five years at Ai-Media as Chief Operating Officer. He was previously the General Manager of Television Operations and Group Programme Manager for FOX8, Arena and Bio.
Foxtel Executive Director of Television, Brian Walsh: “I am delighted to welcome Stephen back to Foxtel and especially to take the helm of the Foxtel Networks Australia channel group.
“Stephen has television in his blood and is one of most well rounded young executives in the business. I know he has a passion for television and for Foxtel and am very confident that he will take our channels to greater success. The appointment allows my colleague, Ross Crowley and I, the opportunity to focus on strategy, content, growth, our expanded production slate and the ever changing commercial environment. Stephen has the smarts, the energy and drive to keep this company surging ahead. I cannot wait for him to get on board.”
Stephen Baldwin added, “I am thrilled to be returning to Foxtel and working with such a creative and innovative team. The opportunities for Foxtel in the ever changing media landscape are plentiful and it’s a very exciting time to be working in the television industry.”
In his role at Ai-Media, Baldwin was responsible for strategic and operational management of the company leading the Sales and Marketing, Operations, Technology, Legal and People and Service teams.
Baldwin’s career at Foxtel began in 1998 with various roles ranging from Support Technician through to Programme Operations Manager and finally to General Manager of Television Operations and Group Programme Manager where he was responsible for the forward planning and scheduling of the channels.
During this time he also assisted the development of successful new local production formats, while also managing the continuing success of FOX8 and ARENA local productions – Australia’s Next Top Model and Project Runway Australia. As the General Manager of Operations, Baldwin also pioneered the introduction of interactive TV applications across the Foxtel owned and operated channels.
In 2010 Baldwin undertook the challenging role of Sydney Executive in Charge of the ground-breaking and hugely successful coverage of the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games and the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games. In this role Stephen undertook the management of the Sydney team working 24/7 across six channels simulcast in HD and SD.
He will report to Brian Walsh and begins Monday, July 20.
One Response
From the sounds of it he is the person to have on board. Foxtel’s Olympic coverage was brilliant so if he was one of the ones responsible then I’m glad to see him back on board – especially if Seven decide to on sell the pay TV rights. Not to mention if he was the head of Ai-Media we might see Foxtel jump further head of it’s ACMA obligations in terms of closed captioning its content.