Corus hires former OWN executive John MacDonald

Canadian broadcaster Corus has hired former OWN executive John MacDonald to become head of programming and production.

This comes as the company has restructured its television operations and created a digital distribution team to be run by former programming boss Maria Hale.

Hale will become vice president, television and head of digital and content distribution. She will head the new team that combines the domestic digital and interactive activities with affiliate relations. She was previously vice president, television and head of programming and production.

Subsequently, John MacDonald will head up the programming and production team. He was previously chief operating officer and executive vice president, programming, OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network. He worked closely with Corus on the Canadian launch of OWN and previously also worked at MTV, Fox and William Morris.

He will look after a team that includes Jocelyn Hamilton, Vice President, Original Programming, Kids, Comedy and Drama; Lynn Chadwick, VP, Network Content Acquisitions and Pay TV; Ted Ellis, VP, Programming, Kids and Family; Karen Phillips, VP, Network Operation; Renee Skea, VP, Programming, Women’s Networks; and Vibika Bianchi, VP, Original Programming, Lifestyle, Reality and Factual Entertainment.

Both executives will report to Doug Murphy, executive vice president and president, television, Corus Entertainment.

“These new executive appointments and related structural changes will position Corus Television well to compete in our dynamic and competitive media marketplace in Canada,” said Murphy. “We’re thrilled to have Maria lead the newly formed team and delighted to welcome John to Corus.”