Barnett Promoted to Sundance Channel President

Lead network's push into original scripted programming

By Tim Baysinger -- Broadcasting & Cable, 2/28/2013 1:49:10 PM

AMC Networks on Thursday promoted Sarah Barnett to president and general manager of Sundance Channel, effective immediately.

Barnett had previously served as executive VP and general manager since 2009. During her tenure, she initiated the push into original scripted programming with Carlos, which won the network's first-ever Golden Globe award. That was followed by Appropriate Adult and Restless. In April, Sundance will debut its first wholly-owned scripted series with drama Rectify (April 22), as well as Top of the Lake, which bows March 18.

In the unscripted arena, Barnett was responsible for breakout hit Push Girls and the recently greenlit, The Writers Room, which is done in partnership with Entertainment Weekly.

"Under Sarah's leadership, Sundance Channel has undergone a successful and dramatic transformation," said Ed Carroll, COO of AMC Networks. "Sarah has energized and repositioned the network as a dynamic, multiplatform brand that engages audiences with daring and award winning content, and I look forward to her continued contributions to Sundance Channel and AMC Networks."

Barnett first came to Sundance in 2005 from BBC America, where she was VP of on-air.