Broadcast television service Free TV Networks has hired Suzanne Satterfield to serve as its new general counsel, the company announced on Monday.
Satterfield joins Free TV Networks from Warner Bros Discovery (WBD), where she worked as a trusted advisor to the company’s legal department for 16 years. During her time at WBD, she helped the company navigate the complex world of content licensing and acquisition, original programming and other legal matters. She also helped launch WBD’s Max streaming service in Europe.
At Free TV Networks, Satterfield will do much of the same work, with a specific focus on the company’s multicast networks. She won’t have to move too far from her former home, as Free TV Networks operates as a joint venture between WBD and two other media companies, Lionsgate and Gray Media.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have a seasoned lawyer like Suzanne join our world-class team. In this ever-changing media landscape, she brings a unique blend of legal and media expertise with a focus on managing complex entertainment rights issues,” Jonathan Katz, the President and CEO of Free TV Networks, said in a statement.
In addition to Satterfield’s hiring, Free TV Networks announced it was promoting Joe Cantrell to Chief Distribution and Development Officer, and Athansios Tsiris to the role of Senior Vice President of Digital, Distribution and Partnerships.
Cantrell will oversee all distribution, technical operations, media management and digital and business development for Free TV Networks. Tsiris will report to Cantrell and oversee digital initiatives as well as his prior distribution and partnerships responsibilities.
“We’re also thrilled to recognize Joe and Athanasios’ successful accomplishments during our company’s first year and look forward to them continuing to drive growth and innovation for Free TV Networks,” Katz said.
Free TV Networks operates three digital multicast networks: The365, Outlaw and Defy. Content for the national networks come from the intellectual property libraries of its joint venture stakeholders as well as A+E Networks.
