In a sign of its commitment to boost its presence as an entertainment content provider, Microsoft has hired former CBS Television Entertainment Group Nancy Tellem as its Entertainment & Digital Media President.
As part of her new duties, Tellem will oversee the launch of a new Los Angeles production studio that will develop interactive and linear for Microsoft's Xbox gaming console and other devices. Tellem will also "help spearhead the company’s efforts to turn Xbox into a destination where consumers can enjoy all their entertainment in one place," Microsoft said in a release Tuesday.
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Reporting to Microsoft Studios corporate vice president Phil Spencer, Tellem will lead a team that develops "unique, storytelling experiences for the Xbox brand," the company said.
Since its launch as a gaming console, the Xbox has evolved to include dozens of entertainment apps, including Netflix, Hulu Plus, MLB.TV, YouTube and Vevo. In September, Microsoft will launch two-way TV experiences for the Xbox, partnering with Sesame Workshop and National Geographic.
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In addition, this September, Microsoft will introduce 2-way TV experiences from renowned entertainment partners Sesame Workshop and National Geographic that will further expand the Xbox platform beyond games, offering entertainment options for everyone in the family.
“The Xbox is already a consumer favorite, and we now have a tremendous opportunity to transform it into the center of all things entertainment — from games, music and fitness to news, sports, live events, television series and movies — so consumers have one destination for all their entertainment needs," Tellem said. "I look forward to building a studio team that embraces the challenges of creating true interactive content that the Xbox platform supports and to work with talent to create content that will change the way entertainment content is experienced and delivered.”