Newman given newly-created management role at BBC Studios in the UK

Sam Tewungwa, BBC Studios’ chief commercial officer for the UK has announced today that the business will its commercial teams to focus more effectively on strategic priorities. Under the restructure Jonathan Newman will be promoted to the new position general manager, Commercial, BBC Studios UK Distribution and UKTV.

Jonathan Newman

Reporting to Tewungwa, Newman will assume day-to-day responsibility for all commercial activity (except for advertising) across the UK. This will include leading commercial strategy and implementation across the full range of UK businesses, including P&L responsibility, business development and supporting BBC Group corporate development. The UKTV Distribution team and BBC Studios Content Sales team will report through to Newman, as well as UKTV Ventures and Content Funding.

Tewungwa said, “This is an exciting time for the UKTV and BBC Studios businesses as we focus on both our commercial and corporate strategies to maximise value across the UK. Jonathan’s impressive achievements in content and affiliate sales and the breadth of his leadership experience means he will hit the ground running and I am excited to see how he drives the commercial team towards further success.”

Newman has worked across various areas of the BBC for 18 years, with 10 years’ experience in leadership roles across content sales and channel distribution. He said he was looking forward to tackling “all the challenges posed by the breakneck pace of change in our industry.” Newman assumes his new responsibilities immediately.