GSN’s Roberts Announces Launch of New Venture

SANTA MONICA, May 12: Jamie
Roberts will step down from his current position as GSN’s senior VP of
programming to launch a new as-yet-unnamed Los Angeles-based independent
production firm focusing on cross-platform programming for the global market.

GSN has already reached a
first-look production deal with Roberts. Roberts will remain in his current
role at GSN as the network searches for his successor. During his tenure at
GSN, Roberts ushered in new initiatives like GSN Live, a new daytime block that gives viewers an
opportunity to participate to win cash and prizes. Additionally, Roberts also
brought aboard other participation-TV format shows like Bingo America, which provides a cross-platform opportunity for audiences to print Bingo
cards, watch on air, play along and be eligible to win money for in-home wins.
Three million-plus cards have been printed in the six weeks since Bingo
America’s premiere. The
British-born Roberts, who came to GSN after ten years at Sky Networks, was also
responsible for developing originals for the network like Grand Slam and the soon-to-launch Catch-21.

David Goldhill, the CEO of
GSN, said, “We are excited about a continuing relationship with Jamie. He was
an architect of GSN’s shift in focus and has helped us gain our footing in
creating new and innovative cross-platform franchises that drive audience
participation. I expect that,
working with a new head of programming, Jamie will continue to help broaden the
definition and audience appeal of game-centric programming at GSN.”

Added Roberts, “I have
truly enjoyed my time at GSN and am delighted to continue to work with my
colleagues in the new venture.
I’ve been itching to get back to producing and have been thinking about
making the switch for some time. I see an incredible opportunity ahead and look
forward to working together with the new head of programming in continuing to
create and produce new cross-platform content which keeps audiences entertained
and engaged.”

—By Irene Lew