FremantleMedia hires cable veteran as Buzzr channel chief

FremantleMedia North America’s upcoming game show network Buzzr TV has a general manager.

Ron Garfield has been hired as executive VP and GM to oversee the digital multicast network, which launches in 17 markets in the US this summer. It will have a portfolio of more than 40,000 hours of game shows from the FMNA library, which comprises titles such as Family Feud, Let’s Make A Deal and To Tell The Truth.

Garfield is a former high-ranking Sony Pictures Television exec, where he was chief revenue officer for cable channel; FEARnet and senior VP of distribution for Sony Movie Channel and Cine Sony.

Prior to that, he was founding COO of US arts channel Ovation, having been part of the team that secured funding to launch the network. He was also senior VP, network distribution and service at Hallmark Channel and held a similar post at Fox Broadcasting.

“Launching Buzzr TV and growing its footprint is one of the top priorities for the business this year,” said FMNA CEO Thom Beers. “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 endeavour.”

FremantleMedia North America, Ron Garfield, Family Feud, Let’s Make A Deal, To Tell The Truth, Sony Pictures Television, Hallmark Channel, Ovation, Fox Broadcasting, Thom Beers, FEARnet