A+E Global Media Unveils Bold Digital Strategy and Expansive New Initiatives at IAB NewFronts

Toby Byrne, President of Media Solutions, opened the presentation with the announcement of the company’s new identity: A+E Global Media, reflecting the organization’s transformation into a multi-platform content powerhouse with over 70,000 assets distributed globally across linear, streaming, and digital platforms.

Alongside the corporate rebrand came a new name for the ad sales team: A+E Media Solutions. “This name better captures our dynamic approach delivering, flexible, strategic media solutions that are built around your goals and your KPIs.” Byrne emphasized that A+E delivers passionate, engaged audiences across its biggest brands, and provides guaranteed results across various media solutions, from creative formats to multi-platform placements.

“We truly believe we are the best in the business, for your business; whether it's compelling documentaries on History, and raw reality storytelling on A+E or the high-stakes drama of Lifetime's movies and series.”

Expanding the Digital Ecosystem

Ann McGowan, General Manager, Digital Platforms took the stage to lay out the company’s multi-pronged digital growth strategy. Since joining earlier in the year, McGowan has been focused on four core pillars of A+E’s digital expansion: TV Everywhere (TVE), subscription video on demand (SVOD), social media, and new digital experiences.

McGowan highlighted how TVE and SVOD services allow fans to engage with A+E content whenever and wherever they choose. On the SVOD front, dedicated platforms for History, Lifetime Movies, and true crime content continue to grow in popularity. At the same time, A+E’s social footprint remains expansive, with storytelling tailored for platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat.

However, it’s the “new digital experiences” that represent the most ambitious evolution of A+E’s digital offerings. “We’re diving into our areas of expertise to deliver something unique, like we’ve never done before,” McGowan said.

The New History.com and Upcoming Experiences

The first of these new experiences is the fully relaunched History.com, which went live in March. The site now serves as an immersive destination for history enthusiasts and casual learners alike. Featuring robust editorial content, videos, timelines, and interactive tools, the revamped platform combines educational depth with modern design and user engagement. [MediaVillage readers may be familiar with HISTORY’s Moment in Media, a series that dives into a historic event that took place that month, from events that captured the world’s attention to industry-changing incidents.]

History.com is also launching original content, including a digital-first series hosted by presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin. The series explores the many roles of the U.S. President -- from commander-in-chief to consoler-in-chief -- with engaging storytelling and a lightning-round of trivia at the end of each episode. It combines historical insight with entertainment to appeal to a wide audience.

Later this year, the site will introduce interactive “brackets” that allow users to vote on topics like the most impactful American in history or the greatest invention of all time. In anticipation of the United States’ 250th anniversary, A+E will continue expanding the platform’s content daily, reinforcing its role as a trusted, engaging, and ever-evolving destination for history content.

Beyond History: New Crime and Justice Destination

While the new History.com marks a milestone, it is only the beginning of A+E’s digital evolution explored at the NewFronts. McGowan also teased the development of new genre-specific digital destinations, including an upcoming crime and justice platform. With proven audience interest in true crime content, evidenced by the continued success of shows like The First 48, A+E is strategically leaning into verticals where it already commands significant cultural capital.

This new destination will be designed to engage users through binge-worthy content, interactive storytelling, and deeper exploration of criminal justice topics. It will build on A+E’s extensive success in crime programming and give fans a home for both classic and original content.

Future-Focused Innovation and Brand Partnerships

Looking ahead, A+E is also exploring how emerging technologies like AI can work in harmony with human creativity to push the boundaries of storytelling. McGowan emphasized that this fusion will allow for faster iteration, more customized content, and entirely new formats, particularly in the short-form and social space.

“The combination of AI technologies and the authenticity of human creativity and lived experience can develop innovative storytelling methods that are like nothing we've ever done before,” she said. “We can find innovative ways to work with our advertising partners.”

With content distributed through 13 on-demand partners and 50+ FAST channels across seven platforms, A+E is already a formidable force in the digital media space. Shows like American Pickers and The First 48 continue to perform exceptionally well, with over 110 million hours viewed in fiscal year 2024 alone.

Whether through social campaigns, immersive websites, or short-form storytelling, A+E Global Media is positioning itself as a go-to partner for brands looking to connect with passionate, engaged audiences across the globe. At the heart of all these efforts remains the company’s dedication to compelling, meaningful stories that resonate deeply with viewers.

“No matter what the medium is, it is the great story that captures our hearts and our time. A+E has always excelled in telling that great story and we hope that you will join us on this journey in digital.”

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