Apple Hires Matt Cherniss for Worldwide Video Unit

Apple has hired Matt Cherniss, former president and general manager of WGN America and Tribune Studios to oversee development at their new worldwide video unit, reports Variety.

Cherniss will serve under Zack Van Amburg and Jamie Erlicht, the former presidents of Sony Pictures Television, who joined Apple back in June. He left WGN and Tribune after they were acquired by Sinclair Broadcasting and was a contender for posts at both AMC and Sony Pictures.

During Cherniss’ tenure, WGN America debuted its first original series, “Salem,” which premiered to record ratings for the network. That was followed by the critically acclaimed drama “Manhattan,” which garnered the network’s first-ever Emmy Award. In 2016, WGN launched both “Underground” and “Outsiders,” which consistently ranked among the top 20 cable dramas on television.


Apple has ramped up its video efforts of late, releasing Planet of the Apps in June and launching Carpool Karaoke last week. We're expecting more original content from Apple in the near future.

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