Dish Network’s virtual MVPD service Sling TV has a new EVP and president, welcoming industry veteran Gary Schanman to the role.
Dish CEO Erik Carlson announced the role on LinkedIn, praising Schanman’s experience as an innovator and leader in the video space.
“Throughout his career, Gary has launched and grown numerous successful industry-leading digital initiatives for both start-ups and large firms,” wrote Carlson. Schanman is “a great fit for Dish Network where he will drive Sling TV’s growth and evolution,” Carlson said in the post.
As EVP and group president, Schanman will manage all aspects of the Sling business, implementing strategies to expand market share and growth, according to LinkedIn.
Schanman has video experience in the cable industry including SVP of Spectrum video products for Charter Communications and several roles at Cablevision (now Altice USA).
He is stepping into the role at Sling TV that was previously held by Michael Schwimmer, who left to join Univision Communications earlier this year.
Before joining Sling TV Schanman most recently was chief product officer for Common Sense Networks, where he led the launch and scale of Sensical, a safe streaming service for kids ages 2-10 years. He spent over six years at Charter where he headed up strategy, product development and operations for its 16 million subscriber direct-to-consumer video service and advanced advertising product portfolio. In that role he created and implemented a video and OTT strategy, including third-party streaming device launches as well Spectrum’s cloud DVR service
At Cablevision, Schanman held a variety of roles, including SVP of video product management and SVP of strategy, revenue management and operations for media sales.
Sling TV ended 2021 with 2.49 million subscribers. In the fourth quarter it lost approximately 70,000 subscribers, but netted around 12,000 Sling TV subscriber additions for the full year.