The VPs of Programming, Engineering, Distribution & Ad Sales Walk Into a Bar…
Synopsis:
This panel brings together senior leaders from across the broadcast ecosystem to examine how their departments are evolving from independent silos into interconnected parts of a unified, data-driven media business.
Through real-world examples and candid discussion, the panel will explore the opportunities, tensions, and strategic decisions shaping radio and television organizations as they transform for the next decade.
Moderator:
With over 25 years of experience across the Canadian media landscape, Connie Thiessen is an award-winning journalist, editor, and podcast host specializing in the Canadian broadcasting, digital media, and entertainment technology sectors.
Her news background spans major markets across the country—including Vancouver, Halifax, Edmonton, and Southern Manitoba—where she has served as a reporter, editor, anchor, and host.
As Editor of the Vancouver-based trade publication BroadcastDialogue.com, Connie leads coverage on the regulatory, technological, and corporate shifts shaping modern Canadian media. She hosts and produces Broadcast Dialogue – The Podcast, interviewing key industry executives, innovators, and creators, while also serving as a contributing writer for sister publication CARTT.ca.
Panelists:
Brad Danks, J.D. is the CEO of OUTtv Network Inc. and OUTtv Media Global Inc. (collectively OUTtv), the world’s leading streamer and commissioner of LGBTQ2S+ content. A former entertainment lawyer with a distinguished practice representing U.S. and international studios, broadcasters, distributors, and financiers, Brad joined OUTtv as COO in 2006 and became CEO in 2016 with a mandate to globalize the business.
Since then, he has led OUTtv’s international expansion, securing strategic partnerships across AVOD, SVOD, and FAST platforms in 17 countries across six continents. These include Amazon, Apple, Roku, YouTube Prime Channels, Comcast (Xumo), Samsung, PlutoTV, Google TV, Freevee, Vizio, Tivo+, Plex, Netgem, the UK’s Freeview, South Africa’s eMedia, Allente in Scandinavia, and Chung Wa in Taiwan.
OUTtv is home to a compelling mix of inclusive, queer-focused content from comedy to drama, documentaries, reality, and award-winning movies. OUTtv Originals include Slayers: Wheel of Fate, For the Love of DILFS, Sew Fierce, X-Rated: NYC, Drag House Rules, Settle Down, Call Me Mother, Sugar Highs, Trixie Mattel: Skinny Legend, and the documentary strand OutSpoken.
Brad is also a frequent writer and speaker on the evolving media landscape. He represents OUTtv’s interests as a member of several industry groups, including Beyond Mainstream — a global alliance of independent streaming companies advancing innovation and competition in digital media — Streaming for Australia, and the Thematic Streaming Coalition. He serves as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Victoria, sits on the Numeris Board, and is a faculty advisor at the Centre for Digital Media in Vancouver.
As President and CEO, Michelle van Beusekom provides strategic leadership for Knowledge Network, ensuring it provides British Columbians with a trusted, high-quality public broadcasting and streaming service in an ever-evolving media landscape. Michelle has worked in Canada’s screen sector for the past 30 years. Previous leadership roles include Executive Director of the NFB’s English language production studios; Senior Broadcast Advisor for Uvagut TV, Canada’s first national Inuit language television network; and Executive Director at the Documentary Organization of Canada. Michelle has held production/development executive roles at the CBC and WTN and is a former programmer at Planet In Focus.
Richard Davis – VP Engineering and Technology, Radio, Stingray
Richard has led engineering and technology initiatives across Stingray’s radio operations since 2015. With extensive experience in broadcast and digital technology, the role focuses on the technical infrastructure, systems, innovation and AI that support Stingray’s radio operations across Canada.
Event Timeslots (1)
Wednesday – Sessions Track B
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Moderator: Connie Thiessen
Cordova Ballroom (Salon A)
