In preparation for the launch of several new specialty channels, CTV Television Network has made some key organizational changes.

Kathie Shearer has been assigned the new post of group vice-president, marketing and sales, for CTV Television Network. The new position, although seemingly similar to her former post as vice-president, sales and marketing, is different in that her new mandate is to build the ctv brand across all network services.

According to a company spokesperson, Shearer is to maintain her marketing duties for regular network programming but will concentrate on sales strategy for the network’s current specialty channels, including wtn (Women’s Television Network), cmt (Country Music Television), as well as the network’s planned headline news channel (temporarily named N1), the new regional sports channel (temporarily named S3) – both scheduled to launch in September – and the future history channel.

Meanwhile, to cover the sales side of regular network programming, Rita Fabian takes over as vice-president, network sales. Fabian was formerly the network’s general sales manager.

Still with ctv, Arthur Weinthal, vice-president of programming, plans to retire from the network but has accepted a one-year contract as group vice-president, creative director. He will be responsible for the on-air image for all of ctv’s network and specialty services.

Gary Maavara, who has been with ctv since 1988, will take over Weinthal’s programming position.