Pluto TV, a linear-style, free OTT video service, said it has hired former NBCU exec Robert Magdlen to the post of chief programing officer.
In that role, Magdlen will head up programming and channel development for Pluto TV and its “strategic priorities,” which include becoming the “global, free destination for mainstream, interest-based, and unique TV entertainment.
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Magdlen will also help to push the programming strategy across all Pluto TV services, including curated channels such as The Feed, Hive, What?!, Funny AF, and Internet Gold, and will be asked to identify new programming opportunities.
He most recently served as SVP of program strategy and acquisitions at E!, where he oversaw the network’s move into scripted shows with The Royals, as well as reality TV series that included Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Total Divas, and Botched. Prior to E!, Magdlen worked in production for TNT in Los Angeles after starting his entertainment career at Turner Entertainment’s Atlanta headquarters and with Cartoon Network, CNN, TBS, TNT, TCM and Turner Sports.
Magdlen will be based out of the company’s headquarters in Los Angeles and will report to Tom Ryan, Pluto TV’s co-founder and CEO.
“Having built successful TV networks, Robert is the perfect person to lead our programming initiatives," Ryan said, in a statement. "Pluto TV is about connecting viewers with both familiar and unexpected content and I cannot wait for our viewers to see what he and the team have in store for them.”
Pluto TV currently offers more than 100 channels on platforms that include mobile devices, Roku players, Apple TV and Android TV devices, as well as PlayStation and Xbox consoles.
