Stephen MacDonald

President, Global Content Licensing & International
A+E Networks

MacDonald oversees the A+E Networks global multiplatform and library content licensing initiatives, as well as the company’s international activities.

MacDonald, a 24-year veteran of Fox, joins A+E Networks from Twentieth Television. Most recently he was Executive Vice President, General Sales Manager, Basic Cable with oversight of broadcast syndication. During his tenure, he directed Twentieth Television’s revenue growth strategy, driving content licensing sales for the domestic off-net syndication distribution of sitcoms, dramas, reality, original programs and all library product. Additionally, he oversaw the premiere feature film and library window sales.

Among his countless accomplishments at Twentieth Television, MacDonald partnered across divisions to close several game-changing content and licensing deals. He masterminded a deal to revive Family Guy by working cross-divisionally to sell the series to TBS/Adult Swim while simultaneously releasing the show on DVD.  In addition, he led the team that devised the strategy to free up rights and reverse broadcast syndication exclusivity in order to sell the basic cable rights for The Simpsons franchise. He also negotiated the deal with USA Networks to acquire the rights to Modern Family, one of their largest acquisitions.