David Stefanou Named Senior Vice President, Original Programming and Development, WE tv
Sitarah Pendelton-Eaglin Promoted to Vice President, Original Programming, WE tv
Kari McFarland Joins WE tv As Vice President, Original Programming, WE tv
NEW YORK, NY — January 29, 2018 — WE tv today announced changes to their programming and development leadership team. David Stefanou is now serving as the network’s senior vice president, original programming and development, which is an expansion of his previous role as vice president, development. Sitarah Pendelton-Eaglin has been promoted to vice president, original programming from executive producer. Additionally, Kari McFarland joins WE tv from VH1 as vice president, original programming. Stefanou, Pendelton-Eaglin and McFarland will report to Lauren Gellert, executive vice president, development and original programming. Stefanou and McFarland are based in New York and Pendelton-Eaglin is based in Los Angeles.
“David, Sitarah and Kari are all creative and skilled executives who have a keen understanding of the kind of unscripted programming that resonates with WE tv audiences,” said Gellert. “David and Sitarah have both played critical roles in growing WE tv’s original programming slate and popularizing shows like Mama June and Growing Up Hip Hop, and I am very excited to welcome Kari, who has done exceptional work at VH1 and is already contributing to WE tv’s next slate of hit shows. These appointments solidify our already talented leadership team that continues to create and guide WE tv’s popular reality content that is authentic, relatable and always unexpected.”
As senior vice president, original programming and development, Stefanou is responsible for discovering and cultivating fresh, unscripted programming which align with WE tv’s vibrant brand. He has been instrumental in leading the development team at WE tv and shepherding current series like Hustle & Soul and 2017’s #1 new reality series, Mama June: From Not to Hot. Stefanou has been with WE tv since 2014. Prior to joining WE tv, Stefanou served as senior vice president of programming at True Entertainment (now Truly Original), working on shows such as Season 25: Oprah Behind the Scenes, The A List and Too Cute. Prior to that, he served as vice president, original programming at Oxygen where he launched new series such as Hair Battle Spectacular and oversaw continuing series like Bad Girls Club.
As vice president, original programming, Pendelton-Eaglin has brought great success to the Braxton Family Values andTamar & Vince franchise which recently concluded its fifth season with ratings growth among all key demos. She also oversees WE’s latest hit franchise Growing Up Hip Hop and Growing Up Hip Hop: Atlanta, which debuted as Thursday’s number one new reality show among all African-American demos and all female demos and recently returned for a second season. Pendelton-Eaglin has been with WE tv since 2015. Prior to joining WE tv, Pendelton-Eaglin was vice president, development and current programming at Style Network where she executive produced some of the network’s highest-rated programs. Prior to Style, she was vice president of development and current programming at BET Network.
As vice president, original programming, McFarland will oversee new WE tv original series that are currently in development. She will insure the implementation of development plans and provide guidance on all aspects of production including casting, story and production plans. Prior to joining WE tv, McFarland enjoyed a long career as an executive at VH1 as the vice president, production and development, where she was responsible for the development and production of series and specials with a focus on reality programming, launching and executive producing successful series like Mob Wives and Black Ink Crew.
About WE tv
With compelling, can’t miss unscripted shows, WE tv’s programming is fueled by personalities and relationships filled with purpose and passion. WE tv welcomes everyone and creates an inclusive experience across all platforms: on TV, online, on demand, and social media, embracing how today’s digitally savvy, socially engaged audiences connect through content, using it as a catalyst to drive conversation and build community. WE tv is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc., and its sister channels include AMC, BBC America, IFC and SundanceTV.
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