Ex-CBS alternative chief joins Verizon’s Go90

Former CBS alternative programming chief Chris Castallo is headed to digital video platform Go90 to lead its development efforts.

Castallo was one of a number of CBS execs that left the business earlier this year, with Sharon Vuong promoted to replace him.

Youth-focused Go90 has handed him a head of development role, in which he will oversee programming for the Go90 Saga, Go90 XO, Go90 Zone and Go90 Session brands.

These target specific demographics – sci-fi, sports, pop culture and counterculture respectively – and work with algorithms and a recommendation engine to offer personalised programming.

Focus on Go90’s original programming has ramped up at parent Verizon following the decision to scrap a separate mobile SVOD service that former ABC exec Samie Falvey would have led.

Castallo will now source, acquire and develop scripted and unscripted content for the four networks.

While he spent his ten-year run at US broadcaster CBS’s alternative team, he had joined them from a senior VP of drama development post at NBC.

At Go90, Castallo will report to chief content officer Ivana Kirkbride.