SVG Europe Editor Setanta Sports has appointed a director of new media to develop the internet and mobile platforms as outlets for its coverage of football, boxing and Gaelic games. The newly created role is filled by Stephen Michael, who joins from LFC TV, the media and e-business operation of leading English Premier League football team Liverpool FC. Michael was general manager of LFC TV for four years and in that time turned it around from a loss-maker to be among the most successful European football club media operations. Before working for Liverpool he was part of the sport and interactive division of Granada Media Group. Setanta distributes LFC TV as part of a multi-million pound contract with the football club and now as director of new media for the broadcaster Michael will be in charge of its global output and profile, with a specific brief to develop internet and mobile distribution. Commenting on his appointment Michael said, "I am delighted to have joined Setanta at what is an incredibly exciting time for the business. We already have some fantastic sports content and there is much more on the way. The TV proposition is extremely strong and I am looking forward to developing our new media services so that we can offer our customers an equally compelling experience online, on mobile and on other emerging platforms." Timothy Ryan, Setanta's marketing director for Britain, confirmed that new media "continued to be an important focus" for the broadcaster. © Copyright 2006-2009 sportsvideogroup |