The NBCUniversal-owned group of channels on Foxtel is recruiting staff in readiness for the January 1 launch of Syfy.
Screening a mix of science fiction, fantasy, horror and the paranormal, Syfy will replace SF.
Both SF and general entertainment channel TV1 will go dark at the end of the year after the owners, CBS Studios International, NBCUniversal and Sony Pictures Television, were unable to renew carriage deals with Foxtel.TV1 was one of the first pay-TV channels in Oz, launching in 1995.
Selena Crowley, the former Director of Programming and Acquisitions at TV1/SF, will take the same role at the NBCUniversal channels group. Crowley departed TV1 last year amid a restructuring.
Shannon Most, who was the Head of Marketing at TV1 and SF, will join Crowley in the same role.
A TV industry executive has been appointed to head the NBCUniversal channels group, IF believes, but that hire is yet to announced.
Most of Syfy’s content is sourced from third-party acquisitions, hence the need to recruit staff. Apart from Syfy, the channels comprise the recently re-branded Universal, E!, Style and 13th Street.
Foxtel is yet to reveal the content of the entertainment channel that will replace TV1.