Comedy Central makes Above Average digital hire

Viacom-owned comedy channel Comedy Central has named Jennifer Danielson as senior vice-president of digital, charged with overseeing all digital content for the Comedy Central brand, from short-form series to social video.

Danielson (pictured) will also be responsible for aligning Comedy Central’s digital strategy with Viacom’s overall initiatives.

Prior to joining Comedy Central, Danielson served as the president of Broadway Video’s digital comedy studio, Above Average, overseeing a business that she helped build. Above Average evolved into an entertainment company with over 2.6 billion YouTube views.

Danielson began working for Lorne Michaels at Broadway Video in 2001, earning her first credit on the film Mean Girls. She subsequently went on to earn credits on TV shows 30 Rock and Saturday Night Live, serving as as co-producer of the latter by the end of her tenure in 2012.

“We are thrilled to have Jen join Comedy Central,” said Josh Line, executive VP of marketing and creative at Comedy Central, to whom Danielson will report. “She brings industry-leading experience in the digital space and possesses a creative vision that has led to longstanding success producing award-winning comedy across linear and digital platforms with Broadway Video and Above Average.

“Her passion for comedy matches ours and she shares the same appreciation for the sharp comedic voices, innovation and experimentation that have so successfully built the Comedy Central brand.”

“I’m so excited to join such an amazing team at Comedy Central and I am looking forward to the opportunity my new role provides tocontinue creating great comedy content,” said Danielson.