Krafty Entertainment Acquires Minority Stake in Sports First TV

30th August 2023

Kevin Conroy Jorg Nowak Matthew Baxter

Krafty Entertainment is thrilled to announce its acquisition of a minority equity stake in Sports First TV, the world’s first global sports news TV channel. Sports First TV, which launched in March on FAST platforms in North America, was founded by Frank Brown, the former CEO of Viacom International Media/MTV Networks, where he served for 11 years. The channel is based in Sydney, Australia.

John Warrington, CEO of Krafty Entertainment, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We’re delighted to be partnering with Sports First TV. Frank is a true visionary with an outstanding track record. In Sports First TV he has created something exceptional. While the economic climate in the industry is showing signs of improvement, this strategic investment provides an outlet for our content library and future sports programming globally. This partnership will help to insulate us against future market turbulence and drive our business growth. We will continue to consider further strategic investments and partnerships as long as they align with our core business."

Frank Brown, Founder and CEO of Sports First TV, commented, “Krafty Entertainment’s involvement will accelerate our growth as we continue to redefine how global sports news content is delivered to audiences worldwide. The belief that Kevin Conroy and John Warrington have in our vision is a testament to the potential of Sports First TV to become the leading platform for sports news content globally.”

Kevin Conroy, Chairman of Krafty Entertainment and Founder of ConroyCo Ventures, added, “This investment is a natural fit for Krafty. Sports First TV offers something truly innovative for a passionate audience of global sports fans. At a time when sports broadcasting, coverage, and storytelling are evolving, this partnership allows us to align our resources and expertise for future growth.”

Sports First TV is the world’s first global sports news TV channel, offering 24/7 sports news programming across a variety of leading sports with content supplied by SNTV. Based in Sydney, Australia, the channel is currently accessible via FAST platforms in the USA and will be announcing further distribution deals across multiple platforms in the coming weeks and months.

Krafty Announce Three Board Members

7th August 2023

We are pleased to introduce Kevin Conroy as Chairman of the Board of Krafty Entertainment. Kevin will spearhead the company's operations in North America, with a particular focus on digital platform distribution. Kevin previously served as MGM's President of Digital and New Platforms, overseeing all ventures related to new and emerging platforms for the company. Under his leadership, MGM made significant strides in advancing and diversifying its short-form digital content, and successfully developed innovative formats tailored for new platforms, leveraging MGM's extensive catalogue as well as original scripted content.

We are delighted to welcome Jorg Nowak to Krafty Entertainment as our Chief Revenue Officer. Previously, Jorg held the position of CRO Global at YuMe/RhythmOne, and has a wealth of experience in Vice President roles for emerging markets and international operations. Prior to that, he served as SVP, General Manager, and SVP of Business Development & Strategic Planning for Univision Interactive Media. Jorg played a pivotal role in establishing a mobile division and an ad network unit, while also securing significant technology and programming deals with esteemed partners such as Televisa, RCN, MGM Latin America, Dorimedia, and Endemol, among others.

We are also delighted to announce the appointment of Matthew Baxter as a non-executive director on to the board. Matthew is the co-Founder & Managing Director at Stellwagen Ventures. Previously, he held the position of President at Dugout Ltd. Inc., a renowned football content platform and media services creative agency. At Dugout, Matthew's accomplishments include the successful launch of a platform that reaches over 400 million viewers worldwide, benefiting some of the most prominent brands in the industry. Prior to Dugout, Matthew served as Chief Media Officer on the board of Liverpool Football Club, where he played a key role in orchestrating a successful digital transformation of the club's media and TV operations. His expertise was also instrumental during his tenure as EU Marketing Director at Warner Brothers International, where he oversaw the triumphant launches of numerous TV and movie properties. Additionally, Matthew's contributions at Disney and FOX studios were vital in expanding platform sales, distribution, development, and growth across all of Europe.

Kevin Conroy Jorg Nowak Matthew Baxter

Distribution Deal Agreed for Local Heroes

3rd March 2023

We are delighted to announce that Krafty Entertainment have concluded a deal with one of the UK's leading independent sales and distribution companies, Trinity Creative Partnership, who will be handling all worldwide rights to Local Heroes, our latest feature length documentary.

Local Heroes is a deeply personal film about the three Nottingham born players who won the Champions League with unfashionable Nottingham Forest in 1979 and 1980. Set against the cultural and economic backdrop of the 1970's, Viv Anderson, (the first black footballer to win a full international cap for England), Garry Birtles and Tony Woodcock, recount the trials, tribulations and discrimination they overcame to reach the very top of the professional game and how that determination to succeed helped them to deal with events later in life, including for one, an intriguing family story which only came to light during filming.

Produced and directed by John Warrington, Local Heroes is narrated by former Minder star, Gary Webster and will be released in the UK digitally as well as on Blu-ray & DVD in June.