WNET Group Appoints Jen Danielson as New VP of Distribution to Drive Strategic Media Efforts

WNET Group's New VP of Distribution: Jen Danielson

The WNET Group, the parent corporation of THIRTEEN, which is widely regarded as America's flagship PBS station, has taken a progressive step by appointing Jen Danielson as the Vice President of Distribution. This strategic move aims to enhance the company's outreach and content distribution in an increasingly digital media landscape.

Driving Media Innovation

In her newly established role, Danielson will be pivotal in crafting comprehensive strategies for content dissemination across both digital and traditional broadcast platforms. Her responsibilities will include overseeing programming strategies tailored for television and online audiences, as well as conducting in-depth market analysis to gauge monetization potentials and explore various distribution avenues including over-the-top (OTT) services like subscription streamers, FAST channels, YouTube TV, and newer social platforms.

Danielson's appointment comes after a successful six-month consultancy period with The WNET Group, where she collaborated closely with senior leadership to implement data-driven approaches to strengthen the organization's strategic plan and future-proof its multiplatform distribution efforts.

Experience and Vision

Neal Shapiro, President and CEO of The WNET Group, expressed confidence in Danielson's capabilities, praising her wealth of experience in multiplatform media and distribution strategies, having previously worked with renowned entertainment brands and exceptional creators. He highlighted that her storytelling passion paired with her industry insights is crucial for fostering audience growth and engagement.

As she steps into her VP role, Danielson is set to provide seasoned insights into competitive trends in the digital realm, develop product enhancements for distribution, and create analytical measures to inform crucial decisions for upper management. Her focus will also encompass content investments and ensuring sustainable fundraising, thereby aligning the organization’s vision with strategic distribution plans.

A Distinguished Career in Media

Before her tenure at The WNET Group, Danielson's prominent career includes leading the development and strategic frameworks for original content at ViacomCBS across digital platforms such as Comedy Central, Paramount Network, and TV Land from 2017 to 2021. Furthermore, she served as President and Co-Founder of Above Average from 2012 to 2017, a digital company that significantly influenced comedy programming, establishing alliances with platforms and networks such as YouTube, NBC, and Snapchat.

Danielson's professional journey began at the illustrious Saturday Night Live, where she climbed the ranks from assistant to co-producer, immersing herself in various roles that primarily focused on digital distribution and content licensing.

Commitment to WNET

Expressing her enthusiasm about joining The WNET Group, Danielson shared, “I am honored to be a part of a New York institution like The WNET Group, which boasts a rich legacy of over 60 years of exceptional content production.” Growing up in New York City, she fondly recalls the significant impact THIRTEEN had on her early television experiences. Her commitment to forging new connections between engaging content and diverse audiences will be a priority as she embarks on this new chapter.

Educational Background and Recognition

Danielson earned her master's degree from the University of Southern California and is a graduate of Franklin & Marshall College, where she studied English. Her contributions to the media landscape have been recognized with numerous accolades, including a Webby Award for Media Company of the Year representing Comedy Central, and two Peabody Awards for shows like Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock. She has also been honored in CableFax's "Top Women in Digital" list in 2019 and recognized as one of Variety's "30 Execs to Watch" in 2017.

Currently, Danielson serves on the boards of The Atlantic Theater Company and Above Average while also imparting knowledge as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Rhode Island.

About The WNET Group

The WNET Group is a leading nonprofit public media producer offering diverse and enriching content to audiences nationwide. Through its various platforms including THIRTEEN, WLIW, NJ PBS, and ALL ARTS, the organization delivers a significant breadth of programming encompassing arts, culture, education, and current affairs. With the adoption of innovative practices and a fervent commitment to community engagement, The WNET Group continues to inspire curiosity and understanding across generations.