Led by Jo Parkerson (pictured), who joins Bauer Media UK as Entertainment and Lifestyle Content Director, the new central entertainment and lifestyle news service will work with the publishers, journalists, producers, programme directors and presenters from around Bauer Media to best capture, distribute and share content around the group.
Using Bauer’s access to celebrities, musicians, artists, actors, directors, authors, fashion designers, and their brands’ attendance at international events, festivals, movie premieres and awards, the new strategic approach will result in even more engaging and exclusive content, says the company.
Paul Keenan, Chief Executive, Bauer Media UK, said: “Bauer Media’s strategy focuses on delighting our 20 million consumers week in, week out. This new hub puts our engaging content at the heart of our offering, and ensures that consumers of our world-famous brands will have 24/7 access to the best news and exclusives from around the world, across multiple platforms.”
Jo Parkerson is currently Global Radio’s Head of Artist Liaison and Showbusiness Editor, managing the Global entertainment news and guest booking service, which she set up in 2009 across the seven Global Radio brands. Parkerson has secured interviews and exclusives from the likes of Madonna, Brad Pitt, Tony Blair and The Beckhams, and has reported live from every red carpet including The Oscars, The Brits, MTV EMA's and the Cannes Film Festival.
Parkerson will report into Steve Parkinson, MD Bauer Radio London and Nicky Holt, Publishing Director of heat and Closer, who will have joint responsibility for the hub.
Jo will create a new content sharing strategy which will encompass audio, video and other stories already created for the Group’s brands, as well as seeking new opportunities which put content firmly at the heart of Bauer’s strategy.
Steve Parkinson, Managing Director, Bauer Radio London, added: “Jo’s experience as journalist, presenter, editor and producer, coupled with a little black contact book to die for, makes her the perfect candidate to head up Bauer Media Group’s new entertainment and lifestyle content department.”
