New Ownership for GlassBOX

TORONTO: Michael MacMillan, former executive chairman of Alliance Atlantis, has inked a deal to take a controlling interest in Canadian specialty channel operator GlassBOX Television through his Blue Ant Media venture.

Blue Ant Media will initially purchase 29.9 percent of GlassBOX Television, which owns and operates Bite TV, AUX TV and the newly acquired Travel & Escape Channel. In addition, an offer has been accepted for Blue Ant to purchase additional shares to result in a minimum ownership position of 75 percent. MacMillan will assume the new position of executive chairman and will actively participate in GlassBOX Television’s strategic growth. The new ownership structure sees new roles for co-CEOs Raja Khanna and Jeffrey Elliott. Khanna becomes CEO and Elliott will take on the new position of president and chief strategy officer.   

Elliott and Khanna said in a joint statement: “Michael MacMillan is internationally respected in our industry and we are delighted to have him take an active role in what we are building at GlassBOX.  We are well positioned as an innovative independent media company and Michael’s involvement will allow us to accelerate our growth strategy."

MacMillan added, “GlassBOX Television is establishing its place as a developer of innovative cross platform channels in genres that resonate with today’s consumer. Jeffrey and Raja have built a company poised for growth and I look forward to being part of it.”

This transaction will also see Jay Switzer, the current chair of GlassBOX’s board of directors, stepping down. “It has been a privilege to serve as GlassBOX’s Chair as it established a meaningful place in our industry," said Switzer. "Blue Ant’s new ownership position, together with Michael MacMillan taking an active role as executive chair, is the perfect next step in GlassBOX’s strategic growth."