Former WGN America chief Matt Cherniss is joining Apple to oversee development in the company’s expanding video unit.
He will work with Apple video programming co-heads Jamie Erlicht and Zack Van Amburg in his new role. Erlicht and Van Amburg left their posts as the presidents of Sony Pictures Television in June.
Cherniss stepped down as president and general manager of WGN America and Tribune Studios in June following the channel’s acquisition by Sinclair Broadcast Group.
His tenure included a focus on developing new programming, including the 2014 premiere of WGN America’s first original series, “Salem.”
In June, Apple debuted its first original series, “Planet of the Apps.” Its spinoff of the “Late Late Show With James Corden” segment “Carpool Karaoke” launched earlier this month.