With almost 20 years experience in programming and channel development, Batty has worked in several markets including North America, Asia and Europe.
Hooq CEO Peter Bithos said: “Jennifer needs no introduction in the Asian region. She has a stellar reputation in the industry and we are so proud to welcome her to the Hooq family. Most importantly, she understands the region and she knows customers’ media appetite. You don’t just see it in her resumé – you see it every day in her work. Her knowledge of Asia combined with her passion for content are assets we welcome to Hooq.”
Before joining Hooq, Batty served as executive vice president of programming at RTL CBS Asia Entertainment. She was instrumental in the expansion of the RTL group in Asia and in particular its venture with CBS Studios International and the launch of RTL CBS Entertainment and RTL CBS Extreme.
Prior to working in Asia she headed up programming at Modern Times Group (Viasat Broadcasting) pay TV channels in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe. She has also held positions from content sales to content development at Alliance Atlantis Communications in Europe and Canada.
“Content consumption over the recent years has seen a significant shift whereby viewers have more control. The growing access to multiple screens and improved connectivity underscores the reality that linear viewing is on the decline. With Hooq, viewers can choose to watch their favourite shows wherever, whenever they want. More than ever, we must provide compelling programmes and an easy-to-navigate platform to retain viewers. I’m very excited to be joining the team at Hooq at such a pivotal time in the media industry”, said Batty.
Her appointment comes at a time when Hooq, whose majority shareholder is Singtel, is achieving a growing audience base. One of her first tasks will be to build on the newly signed agreement with Marvel for exclusive subscriber video on demand rights for three series, an extension of a deal signed earlier this year with Disney. Hooq also plans on expanding its list of original Asian content.
Most recently Vodafone India partnered with the company to include Hooq's video content library as part of its new video streaming service Vodafone Play. Under the agreement Vodafone's pay monthly customers will have access to unlimited streaming of video content.
