Jukin Media Hires Ex-MTV Exec To Lead Its TV Push

Jukin Media is shopping the most prolific channel in its multi-channel network to international TV markets, and it has enlisted a TV veteran to assist that transition. The fast-growing online video network has hired Jessica Samet, formerly of MTV and Lifetime, as its Head of TV Production.

At MTV, Samet served as SVP of Development and Original Programming, where she worked on shows such as Jackass. At Jukin, she will work with another brand that focuses on pranks and humorous self-harm: FailArmy. In April, Jukin announced a partnership with Dick Clark Productions that is attempting to bring FailArmy to TV, and Samet will bring her experience to that project.

“Jukin’s video content has a proven appeal for TV audiences,” said Samet in a press release. “The natural progression for the company is to develop its own original formats based on both its successful digital brands, as well as around its truly compelling and unique clip content library

Jukin Media has been a network on the rise of late. In May, it announced its first ever round of venture capital, raising $1 million. Nine days later, thanks in large part to FailArmy and its five million subscribers, Jukin Media cracked the Comscore US Online Video Rankings for the first time, claiming the #10 spot among all YouTube networks.

The Samet hire is Jukin’s first since raising its funding round. It’s a telling move that informs Jukin’s TV aspirations, which will run parallel to the network’s continued status as a purveyor of user-generated online video clips.