TV4 Expands Acquisitions Remit

STOCKHOLM: Clara Sherman steps into the role of director of acquisitions at Sweden’s TV4 Group, while Helena Forsman becomes the new head of acquired programs.

As part of its expanded focus, the TV4 Group basic cable channels will be incorporated in the acquisitions department. The group will also be strengthening its acquisitions capabilities to focus more on the Nordic market. In addition to responsibility for productions acquired for all TV4 Group channels, including Canal+, in the Nordic region, the acquisitions department will also be responsible for driving the TV4 Group basic cable channels. The heads of programs of these channels will report directly to the Sherman.

At the same time, Forsman takes up a new position as head of acquired programs, with her task being to strengthen the handling of acquired programs on the TV4 Group general entertainment channels TV4, TV4 Plus and TV400, which will be rebranded as TV11 in January 2011, with full focus on entertainment for a 15- to 39-year-old target audience, and drama, comedy, blockbuster movies and reality as important components of the channel.

Forsman will be reporting to Sherman. Sherman will report to Lindström, TV4 Group’s director of channels.

Lindström commented: "The acquisitions department has grown in size as well as importance, having taken over responsibility for Canal+ film acquisitions, and now also responsibility for the basic cable channels. The TV4 Group’s aim is to sharpen our profile in the international market, while also placing greater focus on our Nordic presence. We have the utmost confidence in Clara Scherman’s ability to lead this process."

"By integrating the basic cable channels into the acquisitions department we will increase the potential for these channels to continue evolving in a positive way and growing. We will also strengthen our focus on the Nordic market, which is becoming ever more important to us," Scherman explained.