New Stratergy Director for Digital UK

Digital UK has appointed Simon Hunt as Strategy and Business Development Director, it was announced today. Simon will be responsible for strategic and business-related activities at the company, particularly with regard to commercial and product development of Freeview Play.

He will also lead on analysis and planning for other areas of Digital UK’s operations, including regulatory and policy issues relating to the future of the DTT platform, working in conjunction with Freeview. Simon brings a wealth of experience having held a number of senior roles across the industry, primarily in the pay TV sector. These included positions at Virgin Media, Talk Talk and Sling TV in the US, where as Vice President of Products he worked with partners including Apple, Google, Microsoft, Samsung and Disney. Most recently Simon was Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer at Digital Media Distribution Ltd, a consultancy specialising in video on-demand. Jonathan Thompson, Chief Executive of Digital UK, said: ‘Simon’s extensive experience across the TV industry will be invaluable as we prepare the DTT platform for an increasingly hybrid future and continue to develop our long-term vision for Freeview Play.’

Simon Hunt said: ‘I’m delighted to be joining Digital UK at such an exciting time for the hybrid DTT market and looking forward to driving further innovation in catch-up and on-demand services, working with broadcasters and the consumer electronics industry.’ ends; notes follow About Digital UK: Digital UK supports Freeview viewers and channels. The company manages strategy, policy and service development for digital terrestrial television (DTT) in the UK and provides day-to-day technical management of the Freeview Electronic Programme Guide (EPG).

Digital UK is owned by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Arqiva and has also led development of Freeview Play, a new hybrid platform bringing together free-to-view DTT and catch-up services in a range of TVs and set-top boxes.