People

Fremantle today announced the company has promoted Mark Deetjen to Executive Vice President of Global Channels. In an effort to further the company’s interests in free, ad-supported streaming television (FAST), Deetjen’s new role is effective immediately.

Deetjen will continue to oversee Fremantle’s current Digital Multicast Network and FAST channel, BUZZR. He will now also be charged with leveraging the company’s diverse library of content with the goal of growing its presence in the FAST space, both in the U.S. and internationally. Deetjen will work with Fremantle’s sales teams around the world to identify content, create channels, sell them into regional and international platforms, as well as ongoing programming, marketing and content acquisition for Fremantle’s growing FAST channels business.

“Fremantle’s extensive library lends itself perfectly to the ever-growing world of FAST channels, and we can’t think of better team member to shepherd these efforts for us,” said Jens Richter, CEO, International, Fremantle. “Mark has been a huge asset to the company since coming on board as one of the initial team members behind the creation of BUZZR. Fremantle’s potential within the FAST space is enormous and we can’t wait to see how Mark helps us to engage with new audiences on these emerging platforms.”

“BUZZR has seen tremendous growth in the FAST space, while still succeeding in traditional broadcast TV,” said Mark Deetjen. “This new way to bring content directly to viewers through FAST channels offers us an opportunity to develop a direct relationship with the fans of our popular content. I am eager to work closely with Fremantle’s international territories to build out a portfolio of channels from our vast catalog.”

Deetjen will report into Jens Richter, CEO, International, on all FAST business. He will also continue to report into Executive Vice President of Finance in North America, David Buchan, on all matters related to BUZZR.

Deetjen initially joined Fremantle in 2015 as the Senior Vice President of Programming and Operations for BUZZR, the nation’s first network dedicated to vintage game shows, and was eventually promoted to General Manager. During his tenure with BUZZR, the network has experienced exponential growth and is currently available in more than 100 broadcast markets including all Top 30 DMA’s. Deetjen has been instrumental in expanding partnerships with numerous cable operators, in addition to a nationwide partnership with DISH. He has also led the charge for the network’s presence on OTT/FAST platforms in deals that have brought BUZZR to Pluto TV, Samsung TV Plus, The Roku Channel, Sling, IMDb TV, Vizio, and STIRR, as well as via live stream at www.BUZZRPlay.com [nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com].