Now owned by Nexstar Media Group, rapidly evolving broadcast television network The CW has appointed a new Executive VP of Distribution, Strategy, and Affiliate Relations.
She’s now responsible for negotiating and managing the network’s distribution and overseeing affiliate relations with its station group partners.
In related news, communications head Paul Hewitt is being replaced, and he’ll exit after 22 years at the network.
Earning the role is Rebekah Dopp, and she reports directly to Dana Zimmer, President and Chief Distribution and Strategy Officer for Nexstar, and The CW President Dennis Miller.
“Rebekah is a leader and strategic thinker who will bring an incredible skill set to The CW,” Zimmer said. “She has both the depth and breadth of experience in the linear broadcast, digital, and streaming world, and will be a formidable presence leading the distribution of The CW Network.”
Miller added, “I’m excited to begin working with Rebekah as she assumes her new role. She
understands the industry and is extremely familiar with our network partners—she will be a huge asset for The CW as we begin discussing the evolution of our programming with them.”
Dopp joins Nexstar from Google, where she served as the Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Brand and Reputation. Before that, she served as SVP of Advanced Services at CBS Corporation. From 2000-2014, she held the role of VP/Global Technology Business Managment for Home Box Office.
“The CW Network, together with Nexstar’s diverse media portfolio, reach, and dedication to localism, is an unbeatable combination,” Dopp said. “I am eager to return to broadcasting and there is no better place than Nexstar to do it.”
Meanwhile, The CW has named Beth Feldman as its Senior VP of Network Communication, overseeing internal and external communication and program publicity. She will begin her new duties immediately.
Feldman takes over the communications role from Hewitt and for the past 15 years has served as a partner at Beyond PR Group. From 1996 to 2007, she held positions of increasing responsibility with the CBS Television Network and served as Vice President for the CBS Communications Group.
