FIC Establishes Content Sales Division

LONDON: FOX International Channels (FIC) has launched a dedicated content sales division, which will handle programming from its flagship networks, including FOX and National Geographic Channel.

Simon Thomas will lead this group as executive VP of global sports and content sales at FIC. The unit will bring together scripted and unscripted programming and formats. The library will span series and specials from FOX, National Geographic Channel, FOX Sports and FOXLife.

Prentiss Fraser, the recently announced senior VP of global entertainment sales, is tasked with guiding the team’s entertainment strategy. National Geographic Channel’s Germaine Deagan Sweet will take on the new role of senior VP of factual and commercial operations, while Andrew Guy will serve as senior VP of sports content sales. Also appointed to the team is Connie Hodson, who joins from Sky Vision to serve as VP of commercial affairs, leading the international co-finance strategy to maximize revenue opportunities.

“FIC is uniquely positioned to guarantee a broad, day-and-date global release for key entertainment and factual shows,” said Hernan Lopez, the president and CEO of FIC. “Through our revamped content sales efforts, we will continue to increase the revenue stream required to attract premium content creators to our brands.”

Thomas added, “We have put a fantastic team in place whose leadership, strategic vision and insight into the programming sales and acquisition landscape will position FIC as a major player in the distribution business.”