FormatBiz | Blue Ant Media Elevates Sarah Etherden to VP, Global Communications and Craig Junner to VP, Programming, Canadian Media

International content producer, distributor and channel operator, Blue Ant Media, announced today the promotions of Sarah to VP, Global Communications and Craig Junner to VP, Programming, Canadian Media. Etherden s promotion reflects the significant role she has played in building the profile of Blue Ant Media’s distribution business, production companies and media brands globally, while also overseeing the company’s internal communications. Junner s new position reflects his on-going leadership in overseeing all aspects of the content and programming strategy for Blue Ant Media’s eight linear Canadian channels, including acquisitions, original programming and scheduling. In addition, Junner also oversees strategy for the company’s rapidly expanding portfolio of SVOD and AVOD channel offerings. Etherden and Junner continue to report to Jamie Schouela, President, Global Channels and Media, Blue Ant Media.

“These promotions reflect the key roles that Sarah and Craig have both played in propelling Blue Ant Media’s growth and success as a best-in-class international content creator and channel operator,” says Jamie Schouela, President, Global Channels and Media. “Both bring invaluable expertise, leadership and passion to their portfolios and will continue to be essential in driving the company’s momentum in our evolving industry.”

Etherden has 15 years of communications experience, which has included senior leadership and consultant roles serving broadcasters, producers and distributors with strategic communications across public relations, marketing sponsorships, executive profile development and employee communications. She has led Blue Ant Media’s global communications portfolio since 2015, most recently as Senior Director, Global Communications, overseeing the strategic direction and management of the company’s external and internal communications as it has continued to expand in international scale. Prior to joining Blue Ant Media, Etherden owned and operated the award-winning PR collective, Phoenix PR, serving clients such as marblemedia, Guru Studios, GameTV, Metropolitan Hotels and the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council. She also served in a senior communications role at Teletoon Canada Inc., where she led media relations and internal communications for the broadcaster’s English-speaking networks; and was a key contributor to the company’s 2012 launch of Cartoon Network in Canada.

Junner joined Blue Ant Media at its inception in 2011 as Senior Manager of Programming. He has played a vital role in the launch and re-launch of several channels landing in Blue Ant Media’s Canadian broadcast portfolio, including T+E, Cottage Life, Makeful, Love Nature, BBC Earth, Smithsonian Channel and A-Side, while also working in alliance with international brands, media partners and producers of content. Since taking on the role of Senior Director of Video Strategy in 2017, he has led all aspects of the content strategy for Blue Ant Media’s Canadian channels on linear, SVOD and burgeoning AVOD platforms, including scheduling, acquisitions and commissioning. With a career spanning 20+ years, Junner has previously served in senior roles leading and managing programming teams for some of Canada’s key broadcasters, including Global Television, CanWest, CTV and Shaw Media, while also contributing to all channel launches and integrations attached to M&A activities.