The CW has named Ryan Sharkey as its new senior vice president of programming and content strategy, announced Brad Scwartz, the network’s president of entertainment, on Tuesday.
In the new role, Sharkey will oversee the scheduling and acquisitions teams to optimize programming across all platforms including identifying co-productions and innovative strategies to create compelling content offerings. based in New York, he’ll also be tasked with pushing the growth of the network’s AVOD platform and FAST channel extensions
“As The CW explores new content that will resonate with viewers on both our linear and streaming channels, Ryan is the ideal candidate to lead our programming team,” commented Schwartz. “With Ryan’s vast experience in all areas of network scheduling and acquisitions, we’re confident he will set The CW up for immeasurable success.”
Sharkey comes to The CW after more than two decades at NBCUniversal, where he most recently served as SVP of content acquisitions. In his previous role, he curated programming across the NBCUniversal cable networks, broadcast TV and streaming portfolio. The industry veteran started at NBC in 2002 as a financial analyst responsible for the programming budgets at CNBC then USA Network and Syfy Channel. Sharkey is credited with leading the charge on several negotiations for major IP across Peacock and the NBCU networks including the Universal film output deal, the Harry Potter franchise, and “Modern Family.” He’s also credited with executing the first ever acquisitions deals for Peacock prior to its launch in 2020.
“The CW is going through an exciting transformation, and I’m thrilled to join the team at this opportune time to grow the network and its digital platforms into a profitable destination for premier programming,” said Sharkey. “I look forward to leveraging my long-standing industry partnerships, financial background and creative dealmaking skills to enhance the intense work Brad and his team have put into this transition. Brad is an energizing creative force, and I can’t wait to partner with him.”
