Ovation poaches Eqal exec for digital media role

US cable net Ovation has hired Jason Black as its new original programming exec.

He has been appointed VP of original programming and head of digital media, a new role at the company, which has undergone rapid change in recent months.

Recently-installed chief creative officer Robert Weiss has spearheaded the changes since joining from digital media business Eqal at the turn of the year. Black also joins from Eqal.

In the newly created role he will oversee the management, development and execution of all original programming on Ovation’s linear channel, as well as Ovationtv.com, Ovation’s YouTube channel, and its VOD activities. He will also develop talent and commercial relationships in the digital content world.

At Eqal Black was vice president, Celebrity Influencer Networks, overseeing websites including JenniferLopez.com, ElizabethBanks.com, and TiaAndTameraOfficial.com.

Weiss said: “Jason is a media rock star. I’ve worked with Jason for nearly 10 years, and there aren’t many folks who can drive this growth in original content with such a unique, diverse background in traditional and digital.”

Black will report to Douglas Strasnick. He joined Ovation recently, also from Eqal, as the cable net’s senior VP, head of programming & content strategy.