Rachelle Savoia will now oversee the media relations and communications strategy for Turner Content Distribution (TCD), the division responsible for the distribution and marketing of Turner’s 10 domestic cable networks and Turner Classic Movies (TCM). Savoia is based in Atlanta and reports to Sal Petruzzi, senior vice president and domestic communications officer for Turner Broadcasting.
Since joining Turner as director of communications in 2011, Savoia has spearheaded internal and external communications strategy for a number of TCD initiatives, including multiplatform distribution and contract renewals with all of the major cable, telco and satellite providers. In addition, she manages publicity for TV everywhere, Turner’s industry-leading initiative to provide content across multiple platforms, including linear, digital and mobile.
Savoia’s work for TCD also includes communications efforts for Turner’s content licensing deals with such streaming video services as Netflix, Amazon and, most recently, Hulu, as well as media relations for TurnerPrivate Networks (TPN), Turner’s out-of-home division, which includes such highly visible services as CNN Airport Network. In late 2014, Savoia’s duties expanded to include oversight of media relations for TCM, including the annual TCM Classic Film Festival, which is held each April in Hollywood.
“Since joining our company in 2011, Rachelle has distinguished herself as a talented communications executive, and this promotion reflects how highly we value her strategic communications skills, judgment and relationships,” said Petruzzi. “As the media landscape continues to evolve and new distribution platforms emerge, we will continue to count on Rachelle’s forward-thinking approach, creativity and keen understanding of our business to further enhance our position as an industry leader for these two important divisions within the Turner portfolio.”
Savoia came to Turner from NBC Universal’s Bravo network, where she served as director of communications and supervised publicity for a wide range of projects, with a strong focus on digital initiatives. She previously served as manager of corporate communications at Oxygen from 2006 to 2007 and Court TV from 2004 to 2006. It was during her tenure at Court TV that Turner Broadcasting took full control of the network. Savoia’s 14-year career in the industry began at Goodman Media International, where she provided publicity support for such companies as Discovery Channel, PBS, Scholastic Entertainment and the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS).
