On this episode of Inside Content, I’m joined by Dean Possenniskie, Managing Director of Hearst Networks EMEA, to explore how the company has evolved from a traditional pay-TV business into a diversified media powerhouse.
Hearst Networks EMEA operates across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, with a strong focus on history and true crime content through brands like Sky History, Crime + Investigation, and Blaze. Dean shares insights into the company’s strategic expansion into FAST, AVOD, SVOD, and short-form content, as well as its long-standing partnerships with major players like Sky, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube.
We discuss how the pay-TV landscape is shifting, the importance of content curation in FAST, and how Hearst is balancing traditional partnerships with new digital opportunities. Dean also highlights the company’s growing investment in short-form content for YouTube and social platforms, reflecting changing audience behaviours.
“We have a business that is very clear on what we do best, and many of our partners know that. Now, there is a real openness to explore new partnerships and bundling opportunities in ways we haven't seen before.” – Dean Possenniskie
Key Topics Discussed:
● The Evolution of Hearst Networks EMEA: How the business has expanded beyond pay-TV into SVOD, AVOD, FAST, and short-form content.
● Partnerships and Pay-TV Innovation: Why collaborations with major telecom and pay-TV providers like Sky, Vodafone, and Deutsche Telekom remain crucial.
● FAST Strategy & Monetisation: How Hearst is leveraging True Crime UK, History Hunters, and Deal Masters to carve a niche in the ad-supported streaming space.
● Short-Form & Social Media Growth: The success of YouTube-first formats like “Cut to the Crime”, which amassed over 1 million views in a day.
● New Distribution Models & Data Utilisation: How bundling, co-productions, and direct-to-consumer platforms are reshaping Hearst’s future.
● AI in Content Operations: How AI-driven tools are being explored in areas like dubbing, scheduling, and content delivery.
Hearst Networks EMEA is proving that a traditional media brand can adapt and thrive in the evolving content landscape. By focusing on specialised genres, smart partnerships, and diversified distribution, the company is paving the way for a more flexible and data-driven media future.
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