Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) has recruited a senior executive from the public service broadcaster ITV as it prepares for the launch of its major streaming platform in the United Kingdom.
Sasha Breslau will be taking on the role of Vice President of Content Acquisitions at WBD in October, responsible for acquiring content, handling rights discussions, and exploring early purchase opportunities, as well as assisting in making strategic programming choices within the United Kingdom.
In a statement issued this week, WBD referred to the U.K. as “one of [our] most significant international markets.” WBD manages several linear TV channels in the country, such as TNT Sports (previously BT Sport), CNN International, DMAX, and Quest, as well as regional versions of Animal Planet, the Discovery Channel, Food Network, HGTV, Cartoon Network, Boomerang, and TLC.
Many of WBD’s streaming initiatives have focused on Discovery Plus, an application that provides live access to some of its cable channels and live sports from TNT Sports and Eurosport. HBO programming is available through Comcast’s Sky Group, where it is broadcast on Sky Atlantic and offered via associated platforms.
WBD has shown significant enthusiasm for introducing its main HBO Max application to the nation, yet has postponed the app’s launch because of its contracts with Comcast, whichends at the conclusion of the year.
Breslau is a skilled executive who reached many significant achievements while working at ITV: She managed programming-related contracts for the broadcaster’s streaming service ITVX and played a key role in securing the broadcast and streaming rights to “Oprah with Meghan and Harry,” which resulted in ITV’s highest viewership since the 2018 FIFA Men’s World Cup soccer event.
The chance to collaborate with WBD during the launch of HBO Max was too appealing to ignore.
“HBO’s unmatched series played a significant role in my initial choice to pursue a career in television, making the chance to join HBO Max as it begins here very appealing,” Breslau stated in a release.
Breslau will provide updates to Ragnhild Thorbech, who holds the position of Senior Vice President for Programming and Acquisitions in WBD’s European, Middle Eastern, and African operations.
“I’m excited to be working with Ragnhild and her skilled team, and I’m eager to work with both new and experienced partners to enhance HBO Max’s streaming achievements,” Breslau added.
ITV is currently looking for someone to replace Breslau.
