Former NBC, CBS, NFL Executive Joins National Collegiate Marketer To Develop Content Investments

Learfield Sports named seasoned television and sports business executive Joe Ferreira to be its first-ever chief content officer as announced today by Learfield President and Chief Executive Officer Greg Brown, who said the move was further implementation of the company’s growth plans.

In his new role, Ferreira will work from Learfield’s Dallas office and have oversight of all Learfield content and distribution platforms.  He will have responsibility for development and expansion of digital/interactive, mobile, social, radio, and television media assets, as well as development of other new offerings in the marketplace.

Ferreira brings 25 years of highly strategic, innovative expertise to the collegiate multimedia rights holder, having served with CBS Inc., CBS Sportsline.com, CBS Interactive, the National Football League, as well as NBC Sports and NBC Inc.

Among his many professional accomplishments, Ferreira is credited for launching the Emmy-winning March Madness on Demand, making NCAA Tournament games available free online and via mobile devices; often lauded as a pivotal moment in Internet history.  Similarly, he created and implemented Amen Corner Live – the first digital broadcast from the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.

“Joe’s leadership in the media industry is well documented and highly respected,” said Brown, to whom Ferreira will report.  “We’re pleased to have a senior-level individual of his caliber and proven track record guiding the future of our critical content areas, particularly in this time of explosive growth in college sports.”

Most recently, Ferreira has been consulting with USA Today’s Sports Media Group, providing strategic analysis and guidance for the publication’s sports content across print, digital and mobile assets.  Prior to that, he was with CBS Interactive in Studio City, Calif. for four years serving as senior vice president, network liaison and original content; and senior vice president/general manager, CBS Audience Network.  Ferreira served seven years before that with CBS Sportsline.com as its vice president, programming and executive producer in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.  From 1992 to 2000, Ferreira was with the NFL in New York as the league’s senior director, broadcasting and scheduling.

He also has prior experience as director, sports research for CBS Inc. in New York, and with NBC Inc. in New York, where he launched his career serving not only as a page, but as an administrator, sports programming and later as manager, sports research.

“Naming Joe as our chief content officer marks a significant milestone for Learfield, as we continue to invest in the primary growth strategies we set forth in our company plan last year,” added Brown.  “He’s the right person to lead the development of our content assets, and we are thrilled to have him join us.”

“The chance to join the great team at Learfield Sports and oversee the abundance of content assets in their arsenal is an incredible opportunity,” said Ferreira.  “I look forward to contributing my knowledge and experiences in helping the company continue to grow an already impressive content portfolio.”