UKTV appoints Newman as Chief Commercial Officer
April 1, 2026
UKTV has announced that Jonathan Newman stepped into the role of Chief Commercial Officer, alongside continuing wider BBC Studios responsibilities. Additionally, David Swetman has been appointed to the newly created role of Director of Content Partnerships & Sales (UK/Ireland), UKTV and BBC Studios.
Newman (pictured), who recently played a key role in securing a deal with Channel 4 for UKTV’s U service to be carried on Channel 4 Streaming, was previously General Manager, Commercial, UKTV and BBC Studios UK/Ireland. He will continue to lead commercial strategy and growth initiatives across the UK region, while retaining responsibility for selected BBC Studios portfolios, including BBC SER distribution in Ireland.
In his expanded remit, Newman now oversees the full breadth of UKTV’s commercial activity, adding in advertising to distribution, content funding and UKTV Ventures. He also leads on the UK region’s routes to market strategy in partnership with BBC Studios and BBC Public Service. As a member of UKTV’s Executive Leadership Team, he is responsible for shaping and delivering commercial strategy, managing key industry partnerships, and driving long-term value creation across the business.
As part of the evolution of UKTV’s commercial function, Swetman will join the business on April 7th, reporting to Newman. He will lead the newly structured Content Partnerships & Sales (CPS) team, with responsibility for UKTV’s content funding strategy combined with optimising and delivering on the BBC Group’s UK routes to market approach. Working closely with BBC Studios Global Content, Swetman will align commercial and editorial priorities, shape content investment decisions across UKTV and BBC Studios, lead key negotiations, and build strategic industry partnerships. He will also head the CPS team to drive greater cross-group collaboration and deliver on commercial objectives.
Swetman joins from All3Media International, where he is currently SVP of Content and Commercial Strategy.
Newman commented: “I’m delighted to step into the role of Chief Commercial Officer at a time when UKTV and BBC Studios are deepening their commercial collaboration and sharpening their focus on growth. David’s appointment is a key part of that ambition. His expertise across content investment, funding and distribution will be invaluable as we expand our partnerships and unlock new commercial opportunities.”
Swetman said: “I’m thrilled to be joining UKTV and BBC Studios at such a pivotal time. The strength of the portfolio, combined with the opportunity to bring together content investment, partnerships and routes to market, creates a compelling platform for growth. I’m looking forward to working with Jonathan and the team to build on this momentum.”
Sam Tewungwa, UKTV CEO, added: “Jonathan’s appointment as Chief Commercial Officer reflects both his strong track record and the critical role commercial strategy will play in UKTV’s next phase of growth. We’re equally pleased to welcome David, whose deep expertise in content strategy and partnerships will further strengthen our capabilities as we continue to invest in content and expand our reach.”
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