Global Networks Arm Launches at Blue Ant

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To support its international expansion efforts, Blue Ant Media has unveiled a global networks division that will be led by Ward Platt as CEO of global networks and kids, a newly created position that is effective immediately.

Among other duties, Platt is charged with leading and expanding ZooMoo Networks, an interactive nature broadcaster for preschoolers with TV channels available in 20-plus territories. A joint venture with AT&T, ZooMoo was acquired as part of Blue Ant’s agreement to purchase RACAT Group earlier this year. Programming comprises more than 500 hours of original content combining wildlife footage with puppetry, animation and narration.

Platt will also have oversight of Love Nature 4K, a JV with Smithsonian Networks, and the recently acquired Singapore-based RTL CBS Entertainment and RTL CBS Extreme, which are distributed in 19 territories across Asia. He will manage the strategic direction, distribution, programming and all other operations of the new global networks division.

ZooMoo and Love Nature 4K produce and own all rights to all owned content through working with Blue Ant’s in-house production companies and leading third-party producers. The management team from RTL CBS Asia business will oversee the global networks business in Asia under Platt and small global networks teams have been established in EMEA and LatAm to do the same.

Platt has become a member of Blue Ant’s corporate management team and is working under Raja Khanna, the company’s CEO of TV and digital. He previously held COO positions at National Geographic Partners and Fox International Channels. He also served as CEO of National Geographic Channels International.

“Ward brings a wealth of experience, industry knowledge and leadership to support the expansion of our suite of channels across linear and streaming platforms all over the world,” said Khanna.

Platt added: “I am excited to be joining the Blue Ant Media team as CEO for global networks and kids. We have strong brands that are rapidly growing in popularity around the world thanks to the great content our sister divisions are developing, including content coming from NHNZ, Northern Pictures, Beach House Pictures and other third-party production partners. We now have moderate scale to our business, good momentum and strong teams on the ground in Asia, EMEA and Latin America who are focused on creating rewarding partnerships with distribution platforms across the globe.”