Microsoft said today it has hired former president of CBS television programming Nancy Tellem. The longtime entertainment president of the CBS network will run a new production studio in Los Angeles.
She will be tasked with developing original video content and web series that will be available exclusively through Microsoft's Xbox platform. Her official title is entertainment and digital media president.
"I am excited to be a part of the continued evolution of Xbox from a gaming console to the hub of every household's entertainment experience," Tellem said. "The Xbox is already a consumer favorite, and we now have a tremendous opportunity to transform it into the center of all things entertainment - from games, music and fitness to news, sports, live events, television series and movies - so consumers have one destination for all their entertainment needs. I look forward to building a studio team that embraces the challenges of creating true interactive content that the Xbox platform supports and to work with talent to create content that will change the way entertainment content is experienced and delivered."
Xbox Live has been evolving recently into an entertainment hub as well as a video game service. Xbox Live now features more than 65 entertainment apps, including Netflix, Hulu Plus, HBO GO, MLB.TV, ESPN, YouTube and VEVO. According to the Microsoft press release global video consumption of Xbox Live has increased 140 percent during the past year. Phil Spencer, corporate VP, Microsoft Studios, explained in an interview that Microsoft is opening a new chapter for the service.
"Whether you are voting for your favorite contestant on a TV show or playing a game, entertainment is becoming more personalized and social, driven by the Internet and new tools to interact with content," Spencer said. "We are embarking on a new chapter with the creation of a studio dedicated to making original interactive and linear content, and I'm excited to have Nancy leading this effort."
Tellem had worked at CBS since 1997 and ran its entertainment division from 1998 to 2009. She was the second woman in television history, after ABC's Jamie Tarses, to hold the top entertainment post at a major broadcast network. Forbes Magazine ranked Tellem as high as 32nd on its annual list of the 100 Most Powerful Women.
What do you think of Microsoft continuing to transform Xbox Live? Comment below...
