UKTV today announces that Jonathan Newman has formally stepped into the role of Chief Commercial Officer, UKTV, alongside continuing wider BBC Studios responsibilities, and David Swetman has been appointed to the newly created role of Director of Content Partnerships & Sales (UK/Ireland), UKTV and BBC Studios.
Jonathan Newman, who recently played a leading role in securing a trailblazing deal with Channel 4 for UKTV’s U service to be carried on Channel 4 Streaming, was previously General Manager, Commercial, UKTV and BBC Studios UK/Ireland. Jonathan will continue to lead commercial strategy and growth initiatives across the UK region, while retaining responsibility for selected BBC Studios portfolios, including BBC SER distribution in Ireland.
In his expanded remit, Jonathan now oversees the full breadth of UKTV’s commercial activity, adding in advertising to distribution, content funding and UKTV Ventures. He also leads on the UK region’s routes to market strategy in partnership with BBC Studios and BBC Public Service. As a member of UKTV’s Executive Leadership Team, he is responsible for shaping and delivering commercial strategy, managing key industry partnerships, and driving long-term value creation across the business.
As part of the evolution of UKTV’s commercial function, David Swetman will join the business on 7 April, reporting to Jonathan. He will lead the newly structured Content Partnerships & Sales (CPS) team, with responsibility for UKTV’s content funding strategy combined with optimising and delivering on the BBC Group’s UK routes to market approach. Working closely with BBC Studios Global Content, David will align commercial and editorial priorities, shape content investment decisions across UKTV and BBC Studios, lead key negotiations, and build strategic industry partnerships. He will also head the CPS team to drive greater cross-group collaboration and deliver on commercial objectives.
David joins from All3Media International, where he is currently SVP of Content and Commercial Strategy. In this role, he leads the team responsible for identifying the scripted content pipeline and managing relationships and commercial negotiations with production companies. Since joining in 2011, David has built extensive experience supporting producers across development and production, with a particular focus on financing series through the international market.
Jonathan Newman said: “I’m delighted to step into the role of Chief Commercial Officer at a time when UKTV and BBC Studios are deepening their commercial collaboration and sharpening their focus on growth. David’s appointment is a key part of that ambition. His expertise across content investment, funding and distribution will be invaluable as we expand our partnerships and unlock new commercial opportunities.”
David Swetman said: “I’m thrilled to be joining UKTV and BBC Studios at such a pivotal time. The strength of the portfolio, combined with the opportunity to bring together content investment, partnerships and routes to market, creates a compelling platform for growth. I’m looking forward to working with Jonathan and the team to build on this momentum.”
Sam Tewungwa, UKTV CEO, added: “Jonathan’s appointment as Chief Commercial Officer reflects both his strong track record and the critical role commercial strategy will play in UKTV’s next phase of growth. We’re equally pleased to welcome David, whose deep expertise in content strategy and partnerships will further strengthen our capabilities as we continue to invest in content and expand our reach.”
These changes come as UKTV and BBC Studios continue to drive commercial growth in a rapidly evolving market and follows the recent news that Sam Tewungwa has been appointed CEO of UKTV.
-ENDS-
For further information please contact:
Rebecca Ferris, Corporate Communications Manager, UKTV
About UKTV
UKTV has been at the forefront of branded television for over 30 years, entertaining the nation with programmes they love. Its leading brands – U&Dave, U&DRAMA, U&W, U&YESTERDAY, U&GOLD, U&alibi and U&eden - span comedy, entertainment, natural history, factual and drama, and are delivered to UK viewers through free streaming service U, Sky, Virgin Media, NOW, Freeview, Freesat and Freely; and to Irish viewers through Sky, Virgin Media, Eir, Vodafone and NOW. Channel & content availability varies by platform. UKTV’s content is also available to UK viewers via dedicated FAST channels on Samsung TV Plus, Amazon Freevee, Pluto TV and Virgin Media.