Discovery Ups Digital Distribution Exec

Discovery Communications has promoted Jamie McFarland to the role of VP of digital distribution.

Previously serving as senior director of digital media distribution at Discovery, McFarland helped launch the company’s portfolio of TV Everywhere apps, as well as the first U.S. standalone offering through Amazon’s Channels subscription service. Now, McFarland will be responsible for the strategic development and execution of Discovery’s U.S. offerings across all digital platforms, negotiating with SVOD providers, device manufacturers, pay-TV partners, digital MVPDs and wireless carriers for increased distribution of the company’s content and digital services.

“Jamie has been instrumental in many of Discovery’s recent deals with partners like AT&T and Amazon,” said Gabriel Sauerhoff, the senior VP of digital distribution at Discovery Communications, to whom McFarland will continue to report. “Her extensive background in and knowledge of digital content distribution is critical to securing Discovery’s long-term goal of maximizing digital platform opportunities to secure future growth.”