Altice USA will combine the forces of its i24News cable network and its Tri State-focused News 12 local news channel to launch a newly formed division called Altice USA News.
The unit will fall under the watch of Altice USA Chief Content Officer Michael Schreiber, who joined the company from Comcast two years ago.
“In today’s world, access to reliable, high-quality news is absolutely vital, which makes i24News and News 12 an incredibly important part of the Altice USA portfolio,” said Charlie Stewart, Altice USA co-president and CFO, to whom Schreiber reports.
“The establishment of a content-focused news organization under Michael will only help to strengthen our news properties and focus on their continued growth and development.”
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Yossi Benchetrit, who currently serves as chief procurement officer for Altice USA, will take over as the cable operator’s top programming executive. As chief procurement and programming officer, Benchetrit will over see all strategy, management and procurement of goods and services for the company, including oversight of content procurement. He’ll report directly to Altice USA Chairman and CEO Dexter Goi.
Within the Altice USA News division, Patrick Dolan will serve as senior network advisor of News 12 and will report to Schreiber. Additionally, Schreiber will work closely with Frank Melloul, CEO of i24News, who will continue to lead the i24News organization and its three channels globally.
Altice launched i24News last year. The channel is also carried by Charter and Mediacom
Added Schreiber: “i24News and News 12 are already very strong and successful news organizations among their core audiences, and I am excited to be onboard to bring both networks to the next level with a focus on expanding audience reach, enhancing digital products, and further capitalizing on advertising potential.”