Steven Belser Joins The WNET Group
Steven Belser joins The WNET Group as vice president of distribution and new revenue, guiding content strategy across platforms.
The WNET Group, parent company of PBS flagship THIRTEEN, has appointed Steven Belser vice president of distribution and new revenue, beginning this week. Belser joins the senior leadership team and will report to President and CEO Edward F. O’Keefe. The media executive brings more than 20 years of experience across distribution, subscriptions, licensing and brand partnerships. His remit includes unifying programming, rights and clearances, research and distribution goals across platforms.
New Distribution Mandate
The appointment positions Belser to lead the organization’s content distribution strategy, with a focus on audience reach and revenue growth. Jen Danielson will step down from her role as vice president of distribution by early 2027.
Edward O’Keefe, President and CEO at The WNET Group, said:
“As we explore new ways to reach audiences and expand our impact to build a sustainable future for independent public media, Steven's experience and entrepreneurial perspective will be especially valuable. I am confident he will bring fresh thinking, energy, and opportunity to our organization.”
Media Growth Experience
Belser brings more than 20 years of media experience with leadership roles at Vox Media, Tribune Media, Bloomberg Media, and VICE Media. At Vox Media, he was vice president and general manager, managing Vox.com, The Verge, Recode, and Polygon. At Tribune Media, he led national content, distribution, and monetization across the company’s 42-station broadcast network.
Steven Belser, Vice President of Distribution and New Revenue at The WNET Group, said:
“The kind of trust WNET has with its audience is hard to earn. Generations have grown up with Great Performances, American Masters, and Nature, and now we have a chance to bring those programs, and what we make next, to new viewers on the platforms they already use. I'm excited to work with Ed and the team to build closer relationships with those viewers and create new, durable revenue for WNET.”
Building Audience Relationships
Belser was a founding team member at Bloomberg’s QuickTake and at NowThis Media. He also served as head of content at VICE Media and chief growth officer at McCourt Global/Unfinished Media. He studied media at the University of Arizona and New York University and is a longstanding judging member of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for the News and Documentary Emmy® Awards.
