WWE Creates New Programming Position – WWE Network Could Be Close to Debuting

The WWE Network could be close to debuting. World Wrestling Entertainment sent out a press release to cable subscribers Monday, November 18th stating that they would be canceling their WWE Classics On Demand service in February of 2014. Taking that news into consideration and that the WWE has officially hired an Executive Vice President of Programming, and it seems as if the WWE Network isn’t that far off from becoming a reality.

World Wrestling Entertainment addressed another wrestling news site, WrestlingInc.com, with a statement for their reports about Classics On Demand ending next year on Monday, saying,

“Beginning February 2014, WWE will no longer offer WWE Classics On Demand, our subscription video-on demand content delivered through cable television providers, as we are focusing our resources on other initiatives. As communicated on our recent earnings call, we continue to aggressively pursue launching a WWE Network; however, no launch date has been set.”

While no date has been “released,” with the WWE canceling their On Demand service and creating a new position, one has to believe that the WWE Network will be up and running in early 2014, possibly by WrestleMania on April 6th. The following is a statement from the WWE that was released in regards to the new position of Executive Vice President, Programming.

WWE® Names Matthew Singerman Executive Vice President, Programming

STAMFORD, Conn.– WWE (NYSE:WWE) today announced the appointment of Matthew Singerman as Executive Vice President, Programming. Singerman, who previously held senior level positions at Fox News Channel, TV Guide Network and Reelz Channel, will report directly to WWE Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Vince McMahon.

In this newly created role, Singerman will be responsible for the strategic development of content, including original, unscripted and scripted shows, scheduling of all programming and operations across all distribution platforms, including a potential WWE Network.

Singerman brings more than 20 years of experience in production and programming from various broadcast and cable networks. Most recently, Singerman served as a consultant for well-established and start-up channels, including NFL Network, Nuvo, Pivot and Back9 Network. Prior to his role as an industry consultant, Singerman was the Senior Vice President of Programming at Reelz Channel. In this position, he oversaw all programming, development and acquisitions, including The Kennedys, which was the highest-rated show in Reelz Channel history. The network’s rating grew more than 300 percent during Singerman’s tenure.

Prior to joining Reelz, Singerman was the Senior Vice President of Programming and Production at TV Guide Network. He spent five years overseeing all of the network’s programming, which included the creation of 10 new shows, and partnerships with top Hollywood production companies including Freemantle and Magical Elves. In this role, he also managed and recruited all of the network’s talent.

Earlier in his career, Singerman was Fox News Channel’s Executive Producer of Morning Programming, in charge of the Fox & Friends franchise, which included Fox & Friends, Fox & Friends First and Fox & Friends Weekend. During his tenure, he managed the production and booking for 21 hours of live television each week, and increased network viewership from 40,000 to more than 1 million daily viewers.