Liberty Global and TPG Growth to launch global television and distribution studio
Liberty Global is joining forces with the middle market and growth equity platform of alternative asset firm TPG, to launch a new independent television production and distribution studio called Platform One Media.
The studio will be led by industry veteran and former CEO of Gaumont Television, Katie O’Connell Marsh. It will curate, develop, produce, and distribute high-quality scripted programming for the US and international markets.
As a regular investor in third-party content, Liberty Global will initially be taking a minority equity stake in the business, attributed to Liberty Global Group.
“Platform One Media has the key ingredients Liberty Global values in a strategic asset: great leadership, a clear vision, as well as aligned and well-capitalized partners,” said Bruce Mann, Chief Programming Officer at Liberty Global.
“It also gives us the opportunity to work with world-class talent creating high-quality scripted programming which could potentially feature on Liberty Global’s pay-TV platforms in Europe. We are fortunate to have Katie O’Connell Marsh bringing her vision, drive and creative track record, and to be working with TPG Growth, who we view as a natural strategic partner.”
Katie O’Connell Marsh said: “The explosion of original content globally is creating an opportunity for new, innovative and diverse ways of engaging audiences beyond the series itself. With Platform One Media and our partners TPG Growth and Liberty Global, we are perfectly positioned to develop and distribute compelling narratives that are artistic, meaningful and addictive by working closely with innovative, inspiring talent to bring to life their creative visions.”
Liberty Global already has an annual content spend of $2.2 billion as it continues to invest in new and exclusive content for its customers.
