A+E Networks names veteran Mark Garner to lead global FAST channel push

Mark Garner

A+E Networks has named veteran exec Mark Garner to the newly created position of EVP & head of global FAST channels, as the company looks to bolster its operations.

Garner, who has been at A+E for 23 years, will accelerate the Disney and Hearst-owned company’s FAST business internationally and extend its reach in the US.

The company launched History Shorts in 2018 and now has more than 20 FAST channels across lifestyle, competition, true crime and movies available with various carriers.

Garner was most recently EVP of global content partnerships & business development, primarily focusing on the monetisation of A+E’s library through partnerships with emerging content distribution platforms.

He also looked after podcasting and out-of-home distribution, and reports into Steven MacDonald, president of global licensing & international in his new role.

“Under his leadership, A+E was an early entrant to the space, helping to monetise our vast library of owned and original content across an emerging fleet of digital and streaming platforms,” saif MacDonald. “With Mark at the helm, we will continue to build on our pioneering global position in FAST.”

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