Ron Garfield to Head New Game Show Network BUZZR TV

BURBANK: Former Sony Pictures Television exec Ron Garfield has been tapped to head BUZZR TV, FremantleMedia North America’s new digital multicast channel.

Garfield will serve as executive VP and general manager for the network, which is set to launch this summer on all 17 FOX O&O markets. The hub will tap into FMNA’s portfolio of more than 40,000 hours of game shows, including Family Feud, Let’s Make a Deal, To Tell the Truth, Password, Match Game and Card Sharks, among others.

Garfield joins FMNA from Sony Pictures Television, where he served as the chief revenue officer for FEARnet and senior VP of distribution for Sony Movie Channel and Cine Sony. He’s also held posts at Ovation TV, Hallmark Channel and FOX Broadcasting.

“Launching BUZZR TV and growing its footprint is one of the top priorities for the business this year,” said Thom Beers, the CEO of FremantleMedia North America. “It was essential for me to appoint an executive with a strong record of launching secondary channels and growing their penetration in the market. Ron’s extensive background in this area, as well as his innate passion for BUZZR, made him the right choice to join me in leading this endeavor.”

“I am thrilled to be joining Thom Beers and his team at FremantleMedia,” said Garfield. “BUZZR TV is a dynamic vehicle for FMNA to make its entry into the channels space, offering viewers a fun, entertaining and a nostalgic ride through some of the best game shows of our time. For advertisers, BUZZR provides a family-friendly platform, and for our affiliate partners, a new source of revenue.”