Sling TV, the Internet TV unit of Dish Network, has hired Ben Weinberger — previously CEO and co-founder of recommendations-tech firm Digitalsmiths, which was acquired last year by TiVo for $135 million in cash — as senior VP and chief product officer.
Weinberger, in the new role, will oversee Sling TV’s product development and product management. He reports to Sling TV CEO Roger Lynch.
Dish launched Sling TV in January, priced at $20 per month for a baseline package of about 20 channels with optional add-on packages. Dish has not disclosed how many Sling TV subs it has signed up to date.
“Ben’s background makes him the ideal fit to lead our effort in creating a world-class, next-generation TV experience,” Lynch said in announcing his appointment.
As CEO of Digitalsmiths, Weinberger helped pioneer development of video-discovery solutions designed to make it easier for consumers to find personally relevant programming on pay-TV services. Lynch, it’s worth noting, served as a member of Digitalsmiths’ board of directors.
Weinberger, in a statement provided by Dish, said, “In joining Sling TV, I’ve gained the opportunity to lead a talented team whose entrepreneurial spirit will continue to redefine television.”
In addition to his executive duties, Weinberger serves on the boards or advisory boards of Librestream, MediaShift, T3Media, the Southern Illinois University Alumni Association and the Council for Entrepreneurial Development, a Durham, N.C., nonprofit org.
