Banijay adds Universal Television exec for North America programming & development

Banijay Studios has appointed former Universal Television exec Rebecca Mayer to oversee programming and development for its operations in North America.

Mayer takes the newly created position of EVP of programming and development, focusing on expanding the studio’s development and current slate in the US. She will create original content for broadcast, cable and streaming, collaborating with Banijay producers on English-language programmes based on new and existing formats.

Mayer, who reports to Banijay Studios North America president and CEO David Goldberg, will be based in LA and joins having been a development consultant and producer under an overall deal at the Universal Television Alternative Studio for the past three years.

Rebecca Mayer

She worked on formats including NBC’s comedy competition series Bring The Funny, musical competition show Songland and sports competition series The Titan Games.

Goldberg said: “[Mayer’s] extensive producing experience, creativity and infectious enthusiasm make her the ideal choice to oversee our development and programming departments. I have no doubt that she will be a great asset to the future of our company.”

Goldberg launched Banijay Studios North America in 2014 having previously worked at Endemol USA, where shows under his remit included Big Brother, Deal Or No Deal, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Steve Harvey and Wipeout.

The division’s recent credits include Child Support with Ricky Gervais, USA’s Temptation Island and Wife Swap, which is airing its second season on Paramount Network. Upcoming shows include original comedy competition series Don’t for ABC.

Banijay is in the process of formally completing its deal for Endemol Shine Group, having struck a deal for the company in 2019.