London, UK – TV5Monde, the international francophone public broadcaster, has appointed Sahar Baghery as its modern Director of Distribution, Marketing, and International Commercialization. The move, effective immediately, sees Baghery stepping into the role previously held by Denise Époté, who has retired after a distinguished career with the network. This appointment signals a strategic push for modernization and expansion within the rapidly evolving global media landscape.
Baghery brings a wealth of experience in the media and entertainment industry, most recently from Amazon, where she held several key leadership positions. Her appointment underscores TV5Monde’s commitment to strengthening its international presence and adapting to new technologies and audience consumption habits. The network operates in 200 countries and territories, making this role pivotal in extending its reach and influence.
A Proven Track Record in Global Media
Sahar Baghery’s career trajectory demonstrates a consistent ability to navigate the complexities of the international media market. She initially joined Amazon in 2018, leading the global development of Prime Video from the United Kingdom. Her responsibilities quickly expanded to Amazon Studios, where she oversaw programming strategy across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. CB News reports that Époté will remain with TV5Monde as a “senior advisor” following her retirement.
In 2022, Baghery was promoted to Director of Acquisitions and Co-productions of Content for Prime Video in France, further solidifying her expertise in content strategy and international partnerships. Prior to her tenure with Amazon, she honed her analytical skills as Director of Worldwide Research & Content Strategy at Médiamétrie/Glance (2012-2015) and as a Customer Insights Manager for Canal+ Group (2008-2012). This diverse background provides her with a comprehensive understanding of audience behavior, content acquisition, and market dynamics.
TV5Monde’s Strategic Direction
The appointment of Baghery aligns with TV5Monde’s broader strategic objectives, which include strengthening its digital platform, TV5Monde+, and fostering greater collaboration with Canadian content producers. The Canadian government recently committed 6 million Canadian dollars over three years to support the development of TV5Monde+, aiming to bolster the platform’s acquisition and distribution of francophone content originating from Canada. The Media Leader details this investment, highlighting Canada’s commitment to supporting francophone media internationally.
Kim Younes, the CEO of TV5Monde, expressed confidence in Baghery’s ability to lead the network’s distribution, marketing, and commercialization efforts. Baghery herself shared her enthusiasm for the role, stating on LinkedIn that she is “very happy and honored” to join TV5Monde and contribute to the “ rayonnement culturel francophone” – the cultural influence of the French-speaking world. She emphasized her commitment to building a “coherent, innovative and sustainable international strategy” for the network.
A Global Network with a Local Focus
TV5Monde’s unique position as a public broadcaster dedicated to promoting the French language and culture across the globe requires a nuanced approach to distribution and marketing. Baghery will be responsible for coordinating a team of six regional directors, ensuring that the network’s content resonates with diverse audiences in 200 countries and territories. This necessitates a deep understanding of local markets, cultural sensitivities, and evolving media consumption patterns.
The network has similarly recently announced the return of “speakerines” – female on-air presenters – in a new capsule program called “La Pause,” signaling a blend of tradition and innovation. This move, alongside the launch of its 2025-2026 season, demonstrates TV5Monde’s commitment to modernizing its image while remaining true to its core mission. The network is actively seeking to forge closer connections with its audience through engaging content and innovative programming formats.
Baghery’s Leadership and Team Structure
Baghery’s leadership will be crucial in navigating the challenges and opportunities facing TV5Monde. She will be responsible for overseeing all teams involved in distribution, marketing, and commercialization across the network’s vast international footprint. Her experience in building and managing high-performing teams at Amazon will be invaluable in this role. The success of her strategy will depend on her ability to foster collaboration, drive innovation, and adapt to the ever-changing media landscape.
The appointment has been met with widespread support within the industry. Numerous colleagues and industry professionals have congratulated Baghery on her new role via LinkedIn, praising her leadership qualities and vision. Alexia Laroche-Joubert, Cecile Rap-Veber, and Helene Etzi were among those who publicly expressed their congratulations, highlighting Baghery’s impressive career trajectory and potential for success at TV5Monde. Fabienne Gerles noted Baghery’s “belle feuille de route” – impressive career path – and praised Kim Younes for recognizing her talent.
The Future of Francophone Media
Sahar Baghery’s appointment comes at a critical juncture for the global media industry. The rise of streaming services, the proliferation of digital platforms, and the increasing demand for diverse content are reshaping the media landscape. TV5Monde, as a leading francophone broadcaster, is uniquely positioned to capitalize on these trends by leveraging its cultural heritage and expanding its international reach. Baghery’s expertise in digital distribution, content acquisition, and international marketing will be instrumental in achieving this goal.
The network’s commitment to supporting Canadian content producers through the TV5Monde+ platform further underscores its dedication to fostering a vibrant francophone media ecosystem. This investment will not only benefit Canadian filmmakers and content creators but also enhance the diversity and quality of programming available to audiences worldwide.
As Baghery settles into her new role, the industry will be watching closely to see how she navigates the challenges and opportunities ahead. Her proven track record, strategic vision, and commitment to innovation suggest that she is well-equipped to lead TV5Monde into a new era of growth and success. The next key development to watch for will be the implementation of her international strategy and the impact of the Canadian government’s investment on the TV5Monde+ platform.
Stay tuned to World Today Journal for further updates on TV5Monde’s strategic initiatives and the evolving landscape of international media. Share your thoughts and insights in the comments below.
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