Biographie
James Ackerman is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience worldwide in leading advanced media companies and an experienced cable television executive producer. He was named Executive Chairman of Broadway Systems, a leading provider of software technology for cable television networks, in September 2013. Broadway's clients include Scripps Networks (Food, HGTV, etc.), Fox News, BBC America and dozens of others.
Prior to joining Broadway Systems, Mr. Ackerman served as the President and CEO of Documentary Channel. During his tenure (May 2009 to October 2012), Mr. Ackerman led the company to sustainable profitability that resulted in its sale to Participant Media.
From April 2001 to May 2004, Mr. Ackerman served as Chief Executive Officer of OpenTV Corp (nasdaq), having previously served as the company's President and COO. During Ackerman's career with OpenTV (August 2000 to December 2004), he led the company through a change in control ownership and the acquisition and integration of two publicly traded competitors and managed the company through a transition from a pure software vendor to one of the world's leading providers of advanced interactive television technologies, applications, and services.
Prior to OpenTV, from October 1995 to August 2000, Ackerman was with British Sky Broadcasting (BSkyB). He served in various capacities including Chief Executive Officer of British Interactive Broadcasting (a venture between BSkyB and BT) where he was responsible for the launch of the world's first comprehensive interactive television service as part of Sky Digital. Mr. Ackerman also served as Managing Director of Sky Ventures, responsible for managing Sky's portfolio of joint venture owned channels, including the British versions of Nickelodeon, Paramount Comedy Channel, History Channel, The National Geographic Channel and QVC.
Prior to this, he was Vice President of International Business Development at A&E Television Networks, resulting in the launch of the History Channel in the UK and Latin America. Prior to that, he was Vice President of Program Development for Hearst Entertainment, following his positions as Director of Original Programming for The Family Channel and an Account Supervisor at Grey Advertising.
Today, Ackerman and his wife Martha live in South Carolina. Ackerman is a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard.
