A+E Names Mark Garner Head of Global FAST Channels

Mark Garner A+E Networks
Mark Garner (Image credit: A+E Networks)

A+E Networks said it has named Mark Garner to the new role of executive VP, head of global FAST Channels, effective immediately.

A+E, known for cable networks including A&E, History and Lifetime, launched its first free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channel, History Shorts, in 2018. It now has 20 free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels in the lifestyle, competition, true crime and movie genres.

“As FAST continues to be a critical area for growth around the world, we are thrilled to announce the expansion of Mark’s role at A+E Networks,” Steven MacDonald, president, global licensing & international at A+E, said. “Under his leadership, A+E was an early entrant to the space, helping to monetize our vast library of owned and original content across an emerging fleet of digital and streaming platforms. With Mark at the helm, we will continue to build on our pioneering global position in FAST.”

Also Read: At Upfront, A+E Promises Advertisers It Will Deliver Peak Content

Garner, who has been with A+E for 23 years, most recently served as executive VP, global content partnerships and business development.

In his new post, Garner will concentrate his efforts on accelerating the growth of A+E’s FAST business internationally while continuing to build U.S. reach and performance.

Before joining A+E, Garner worked as an executive at several startup ventures including a satellite broadcast network based in Johannesburg, South Africa. He also held posts at MTV Networks and AT&T.

Jon Lafayette

Jon has been business editor of Broadcasting+Cable since 2010. He focuses on revenue-generating activities, including advertising and distribution, as well as executive intrigue and merger and acquisition activity. Just about any story is fair game, if a dollar sign can make its way into the article. Before B+C, Jon covered the industry for TVWeek, Cable World, Electronic Media, Advertising Age and The New York Post. A native New Yorker, Jon is hiding in plain sight in the suburbs of Chicago.