BroadwayHD, a niche streaming service that specializes in theater content, has announced the hire of Tom Kinney as its new VP of operations.
Kinney, an industry veteran with over 25 years of experience, previously worked for Spectrum and Freeport Metrics, an international digital product development company that is focused on conception through post-launch support, incorporating a human-centered design approach, lean metric-driven business strategies, and a distinct project management methodology into all partnerships with clients.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the team of industry experts at BroadwayHD. This platform has seen great success by expanding the reach of so many impactful performances to viewers across the globe,” said Kinney in a statement. “I believe there is even more in store for BroadwayHD and I’m excited to help maximize their effectiveness.”
Kinney joins the company at a time of “significant growth,” according to the company, though it declined to share any specific numbers.
“Tom joins us at a crucial moment and possesses incredibly valuable experience and insights to help guide us through this time and well into the future,” said BroadwayHD co-founder Stewart F. Lane.
Founded in 2015 by Tony Award-winning producers Bonnie Comley and Stewart F. Lane, BroadwayHD — priced at $9.99 per month — is a niche streaming service that carries the motto “Broadway Your Way.” The platform houses exclusive live streamed content and offers its subscribers unlimited on-demand access to a library of more than 250 theatre productions.
By catering to underserved audiences, niche streaming services like BroadwayHD are able to find success in a world dominated by Netflix and Hulu. One example of success in this department includes AT&T’s Crunchyroll. The service, which specializes in anime content, has grown its audience to over 40 million registered members and 10 million monthly active users.
Niche services such as Crunchyroll and BroadwayHD are expected to contribute significantly to the growth of premium OTT, which is expected to hit $21 billion dollars by 2020, according to a report from research firm MTM.