Kelly Hornsby isHead of Acquisitionsacross the A+E Networks UK portfolio, solely responsible for acquisitions and pre sales across the company’s range of channels and territories, as well as screening and identifying suitable programming for acquisition. These channels are: HISTORY, Crime + Investigation, Lifetime, History2 and BLAZE.

She is a key part of cross-departmental collaborations to secure new content, attract new audiences, and negotiate co-productions for the company’s portfolio of channels.

As well as monitoring the performance of third-party titles and keeping track of programming trends, her role includes working with each A+E Networks UK channel to share information on potentially suitable content, and then negotiate a single deal for the company.

In charge of overseeing programme budgets, Kelly negotiates licence fees and terms for content, and tracks shows and series through all stages of development, identifying potential new content. In addition, she compiles business cases for potential acquisitions for internal board approval.

She maintains strong and productive relationships with Distributors and Producers, and seeks new contacts for acquisition opportunities, regularly attending the top TV markets and conferences. She is also part of the core project team working on new channel launches, and liaises with various departments on key deliverables including programme research, PR and marketing.

Kelly joined A+E Networks UK in 2013 as Acquisitions & Commissioning Editor, HISTORY & H2, and she then became Acquisitions & Commissioning Editor, Lifetime & Crime+Investigation. Both roles saw her screen and identify suitable programming for acquisition for channels in all territories, and negotiating licence fees and terms for content.

Kelly has more than ten years of experience in the television industry, which began when she joined Channel 5 in 2006 as an Acquisition Assistant. She also worked as Acquisitions & Digital Channels Assistant and EA to Director of Programmes before being appointed Acquisitions Executive in Factual. Reporting to Channel 5’s Director of Programming and Head of Factual, she was responsible for identifying suitable factual shows for its range of channels, and negotiating programme deals.

Prior to working in television, Kelly worked at an international architectural firm, property companies and a Marketing and Brand agency.

Speaking on: Coffee + Commissioners; Luncheon Roundtables