Industry vet to lead Cannabis OTT channel

Douglas Lee has been named as general manager of 420TV, the new OTT TV channel focusing on entertainment, news and lifestyle content about cannabis that is backed by online video distributor Ownzones Media Network.

Lee, who negotiated the deal that created 420TV on behalf of Ownzones and has been the architect of the channel’s programming, will oversee and unify 420TV’s key divisions – creative, content, technology, marketing and sales.

Lee is an industry veteran who conceived and launched MGM HD, created pay service Epix and headed its initial programming efforts, spearheaded News Corp’s acquisition of Asian pay platform Star TV, and helped create kids educational channel Noggin, a JV between Sesame Workshop and Nickelodeon.

420TV was created by Ownzones in partnership with Genesis Media and Alex Nahai Enterprises. The service will launch in the US early next year but has pans to expand internationally. All content for 420TV is filmed in 4K.

The service will initially be available on the 420TV.com website and mobile applications butwill expand to encompass other devices  and use Ownzone’s global distribution network to reach audiences.

“420TV exemplifies the tribrid mission of Ownzones, which is to provide high-quality, niche content; superior, innovative technology; and worldwidedistribution through our partnerships,” said Dan Gorman, CEO of Ownzones. “Doug, with his background steeped in niche, international channel launches, is the perfect quarterback to pull off this win for the company.”

“I’m thrilled to bring my wealth of experience to this venture, because I really believe we’re creating something totally different here,” said Lee.

“With 420TV, we’re targeting a huge niche and elevating the conversation around it by shooting all original content in 4K and bringing such a high caliber of on-air and production talent together. This channel reflects Dan’s vision to create niche OTT services for millennial audiences, and I look forward to helping him realize its execution.”

Lee was interviewed by DTVE about the conception of 420TV and plans for its international expansion at the recent MIPTV event in Cannes.