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James Ackerman

James Ackerman is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience worldwide in leading advanced media companies. He was named Executive Chairman of Broadway Systems, a leading provider of software technology for cable television, IPTV and OTT networks, in September 2013. Broadway System’s clients include Scripps Networks (Food, HGTV, etc.), Fox News, BBC America, MLB Network, WWE Network, and dozens of others.


Prior to joining Broadway Systems, Ackerman served as the President and CEO of Documentary Channel. During his tenure (May 2009 to October 2012) Ackerman led the company to sustainable profitability that resulted in its sale to Participant Media.


In February 2005, Ackerman founded Spinnaker Media to develop innovative entertainment and digital media companies. In September 2008, he launched Spinnaker Media Fund I, a Delaware LP, for which he serves as General Partner.


From April 2001 to May 2004, Ackerman served as Chief Executive Officer of OpenTV Corp (NASDAQ), having previously served as the company’s President and COO. During his 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. 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.


Ackerman’s additional career posts have included positions as Vice President of International Business Development at A&E Television Networks, where he facilitated the launch of the History Channel in the UK and Latin America; Vice President of Program Development for Hearst Entertainment; Director of Original Programming for The Family Channel; and an Account Supervisor at Grey Advertising.


Ackerman is a Board Member of the International Documentary Association (IDA) and serves on the Board of Saving Innocence. He is a veteran of the United States Coast Guard and lives with his family in Los Angeles, CA.