Shaw Communications has appointed Barbara Williams as its EVP of broadcasting and president of Shaw Media, putting her at the helm of the company’s 19 specialty networks and Global Television.
Williams’ other key duties in the new role will be strengthening the company’s core business, adapting to the changing media environment and continuing to meet the needs of the audience and advertisers, according to a release on the promotion.
Williams takes over as president after four years as Shaw Media’s SVP of content; prior to that she was CanWest’s EVP of content.
Over the last four years, Williams has acquired broadcast rights for international programs, helped launched the specialty networks H2, Lifetime, FYI, CI, DIY and DTOUR and overseen the creation of several Canadian programs by Shaw, including Rookie Blue, Vikings, Lost Girl and Top Chef Canada.
Williams assumes the role of president at Shaw Media after the passing of Paul Robertson earlier this month.
Jim Shaw, Brad Shaw, other Shaw…Paul Robertson, Barb Williams….doesn’t matter. To coin her annual phrase at the upfronts, “we have deep bench strength”. They have been a perennial #2 for 13 years now. CTV rules! They haven’t been a #1 since the days of Cheers, Friends and Frasier. I guess Luc didn’t want the job.
Good Luc to her!