Motorsport Network has named former Fox Sports and Speed Channel executive Kevin Annison president of Motorsport.tv, the racing network’s planned expansion into traditional and internet TV.
The appointment comes one week after former NASCAR Digital Media vice president Colin Smith joined Motorsport Network as CEO.
Motorsport Network acquired European cable network Motors TV last year and Annison will lead the team as the newly renamed Motorsport.tv expands from its European cable and satellite roots, to a global internet television network reaching large and small screens of race fans around the world. Motorsport.tv is available in about 31 million homes in 42 counries throughout Europe through cable and satellite agreements and airs more than 125 different motor racing championships.
“I’m very excited to help expand Motorsport.tv networks reach by tapping into the large and passionate global motorsports and auto enthusiast audience," Annison said in a statement. He likened is new job to the launch of Speed Channel in 2001.
“My new role at Motorsport.tv will be similar except now we are creating a global network rather than just a North American platform,” Annison continued in the statement.
At Fox, Annison also served as VP and general manager of the digital media division and oversaw the launch of SPEED2.com, the over-the-top network dedicated to motorsports. He also managed the network’s expansion into live and multi-camera streaming, rights renewals with NASCAR, Formula One and MotoGP and the launch of mobile apps.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Kevin to the team,” Smith said in a statement. “Having somebody with his experience and knowledge of motorsport, television and the rapidly changing digital marketplace will be a huge help in our future expansion.”
