Ovation Appoints Award-Winning Digital Media Strategist Marc Johnson to VP of Digital Media Post

Santa Monica, CA -- May 16, 2012   Ovation, the only multi-platform network celebrating art, artists and all forms of artistic storytelling, has tapped award-winning digital media strategist and producer Marc Johnson as its new Vice President of Digital Media. Johnson joins Ovation having worked on digital media strategies for such entertainment brands as Disney/ABC, Fox Broadcasting, ESPN, Universal Music Group, and NBC Universal/iVillage. He will report directly to Ovation COO Chad Gutstein.

Based in Ovation’s Santa Monica office, Johnson is responsible for leading the network’s digital media strategy and its execution across all platforms, including Ovationtv.com, Ovation social media sites, and overseeing the launch and management of new digital initiatives.  He will also lead Ovation’s digital team in its digital content creation strategy, including companion content to on-air programming as well as original digital content.

“Marc has the perfect combination of technical experience, managerial ability and creative enthusiasm to fit well in this position and within the culture of Ovation,” said Chad Gutstein, COO.  “We are fortunate to be able to tap Marc’s broad and impressive experience working with such notable entertainment brands at this key time in our network’s evolution.  We are very excited about the opportunities ahead of us and are confident that Marc will be instrumental in helping us reach our digital media goals.”

Previously, Johnson was Director of Creative Services at ABC.com, driving ABC’s digital presence, as well as that for Oscar.com, official web home of the Academy Awards.  Formerly, he was a senior staff member at digital/interactive agencies HUGE, Deutsch Interactive and Icon-Nicholson NY, where he led multi-disciplinary teams in crafting digital strategies, websites, content, apps and games for many entertainment industry, educational and Fortune 100 companies.  Just prior to joining Ovation, Johnson was a consultant to leading Healthcare PR agency Chandler Chicco, where he helped the agency establish its digital and social media practice.  He also consulted to purple suitcase, a kids’ virtual travel experience start-up.  He is the recipient of numerous awards acknowledging excellence in his work, including the 2008 Webby and People’s Voice Awards for his team’s work at ABC.com, and a 2004 NAB ICE Award for his work on interactive product design for Total Training, Inc.

Johnson is currently serving on the Executive Committee of the Interactive Media Peer Group of The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, and is an advisor to the Academy’s work building a full digital, web-based workflow for Emmy Awards “For Your Consideration” submissions and viewing to replace DVDs sent by mail.  

About Ovation
Ovation is the only multi-platform network celebrating art, artists and all forms of artistic story-telling. Its programming tells the stories of artists, their work, and the powerful impact art has on each of us. Ovation programming is a one-of-a-kind mix of original and selectively curated series, films, documentaries and specials. The network reaches a national audience of 51 million homes and is available on cable systems across the country, as well as nationally on DIRECTV, Dish, Verizon FiOS and AT&T U-Verse. Ovation is also available in HD and VOD (both in standard and high definition). Ovation extends its linear channel experience for viewers online via its popular website, www.ovationtv.com . In addition, Ovation is also active in the social media space. See the Ovation Facebook page for the latest information and conversations about the network and the arts:  http://Ovtn.tv/fb.


###
For more information, contact:
Patricia Frith
Patricia Frith Marketing (for Ovation)
Tel: 818 876-0480
Email: pfmarketing@roadrunner.com