Disney, Fox, WBD Sports Streaming Venture Taps SiriusXM’s Jessica Casano-Antonellis as Head of Communications
02.05.2024 - 15:39
/ variety.com
Todd Spangler NY Digital Editor Jessica Casano-Antonellis is exiting SiriusXM to join the new Disney, Fox Corp. and Warner Bros. Discovery sports-streaming venture as head of communications.
Casano-Antonellis, PR head of PR for Disney’s streaming division, will start at the still-unnamed joint venture as senior VP of communications on Monday, May 6. Disney, Fox and WBD unveiled their partnership in February, positioning the new streaming bundle as a way to reach consumers who don’t subscribe to pay TV. It’s pegged to debut this fall.
Pricing and a specific launch date haven’t been announced for the service, which will combine ESPN+ with the three companies’ linear TV networks that carry sports programming (ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, Big Ten Network, TNT, TBS and truTV). Some wags have dubbed the venture “Spulu,” a portmanteau of “sports” and “Hulu,” which originally was set up as a joint venture among TV broadcasters. Casano-Antonellis reports directly to the JV’s CEO, former Apple TV+ exec Peter Distad.
“Jessica’s extensive experience in the direct-to-consumer streaming space makes her the perfect fit for this role,” Distad said in a statement. “Her track record of navigating complex global launches and leading transformational narratives for notable brands positions her as a trusted adviser as we embark on this exciting journey.” Casano-Antonellis commented, “It’s a privilege to join Pete at this stage in the joint venture’s development and to be part of building something destined to delight sports fans. It’s rare to get the opportunity to come in at the ground floor, and I can’t wait to get to work bringing the new streaming service to market this fall.” Casano-Antonellis has her
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