ITN’s news production and archive chief Tim Forrest has been promoted to head of content distribution and commercial innovation at the UK-based media production and news broadcasting company.His brief is to lead the company’s news syndication and distribution business, oversee ITN Archive and play a central role in shaping ITN’s opportunities, such as through programmatic sales, AI and within the creator economy.Forrest’s remit also includes growing relationships with international clients and driving the licensing of on-the-day content, archive footage and the commercial use of ITN’s broadcast facilities, including live locations, engineering services, and studio operations.He will work with clients including GMB, Channel 7 (Australia) and ZDF (Germany), ensuring ITN’s broadcast facilities and content reach audiences in multiple continents.During Forrest’s leadership of news production and archive, digital revenue grew 60% year-on-year.Alongside his co-leads on AI at ITN, Balihar Khalsa, head of policy and external affairs, and Jon Roberts, chief technology officer, Forrest will continue to explore new commercial opportunities through AI and oversee ITN’s commercial partnerships, such as its collaboration with Open Origins.He joined ITN in 2013, first serving as an assistant programme editor before leading coverage of major royal events for the newsroom. Most recently, he has overseen newsroom-wide projects, including the integration of digital workflows and innovation initiatives.Prior to that, Forrest served in producer and journalist roles at pubcaster the BBC and Sky News. 9-Forrest said: “As the media landscape evolves, we have a huge opportunity to innovate how we distribute and monetise our content globally. From expanding the reach of our archive to exploring AI and programmatic sales, I’m excited to help shape the next chapter of ITN’s commercial growth.”Rachel Corp, CEO of ITN, said: “Tim brings an excellent combination of editorial insight and commercial acumen to this role. His leadership has already driven significant innovation across our newsroom and archive operations.“He will be instrumental in unlocking new opportunities for ITN and ensuring our content continues to reach audiences in powerful and creative ways.”
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