In an effort to strengthen its content-distribution efforts across cable, mobile phones and the Web, ESPN Wednesday announced a major restructuring of its content division.
The network named Keith Clinkscales senior vice president of content development and enterprises, overseeing and expanding what was formerly ESPN Original Entertainment into a multiplatform creative content-development unit.
EOE was responsible for developing such original scripted content as Playmakers, Ruffian and upcoming miniseries The Bronx Is Burning for the network.
Clinkscales -- who will continue his oversight of ESPN’s publishing ventures, which he has held since 2004 -- will report to ESPN executive VP of content John Skipper.
Also receiving high-profile promotions were Rob King, named editor in chief of ESPN.com, and John Zehr, who was promoted to senior VP, digital-media production.
King, ESPN’s senior coordinating producer in the network’s studio-production unit since 2004, will be responsible for supervision of all content and overall editorial direction for the popular sports Web site. Zehr, previously senior VP, digital video and mobile products, will be responsible for all video programming across digital-media outlets including oversight of ESPN’s mobile-content applications.
Both executives will report to John Kosner who, as newly named senior VP and general manager of digital media, expands his responsibilities to all aspects of ESPN’s digital-media properties, including Internet and mobile efforts.
Along with Clinkscales and Kosner, other direct reports to Skipper under the new structure include:Norby Williamson, executive VP, production; John Wildhack, executive VP, program acquisitions and strategy; David Berson, executive VP, program planning and strategy; John Walsh, executive VP and executive editor; and Marie Donoghue, senior VP, business affairs and business development.
