Executive brings leadership experience from Walt Disney Studios, Excel Entertainment, Deseret Book, Bonneville International, Deseret News
BYU Broadcasting announced the appointment of Jeff Simpson as its new managing director, overseeing multiple channels, including BYUtv – a family entertainment network available over cable, satellite and free streaming – and its companion network, BYUradio.
“We have a bold vision at BYU Broadcasting to create world-class, universal entertainment that young people and their parents actually want to sit down and watch together, and I’m incredibly proud of all that we’ve accomplished,” said Michael Dunn, departing managing director of BYU Broadcasting. “I often refer to BYUB as ‘the little engine that could,’ persistently steaming up abandoned hilltops, such as capturing a co-viewing family audience, and Jeff Simpson is the perfect conductor to lead BYUB up the next mountain and into the future.”
Mr. Simpson began his career working at Walt Disney Studios in the Television and Motion Picture production group. He then built Excel Entertainment Group, which became a top 10 independent media distributor. The Excel Entertainment Group was acquired by Deseret Book Company in 2004.
Mr. Simpson served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Deseret Book until he was named president and CEO of Bonneville International in 2010. In 2013, he was named president of Deseret Book and subsequently became the president and publisher of the Deseret News in late 2017.
He has served on the board of directors of the National Association of Broadcasters, the national News Media Alliance and the United Way, as well as other local community organizations. Mr. Simpson received his bachelor’s degree from BYU in business and film.
“I have watched with great interest and admiration as BYUtv and BYUradio have grown exponentially over these past several years under Michael Dunn’s leadership, assembling an incredible management team and creating an inspiring, forward-thinking vision,” said Mr. Simpson. “I am thrilled to be able to inherit such a sophisticated and well-calibrated team committed to this unique vision, and I look forward to building upon everything that has been accomplished as we develop the exciting next season in the progression of BYU Broadcasting.”
In 2020, BYUtv’s digital viewership was up 43% year over year with a 98% increase in app downloads since 2019 and more than 30,000 downloads a month. In addition, BYU Broadcasting recently received a Daytime Emmy Nomination for unscripted series “Welcome Home,” a Peabody nomination for the radio show/podcast “Treasure Island” and a Critics Choice Real TV Award nomination for animal show “The Wizard of Paws.”
Additional memorable programming milestones from Mr. Dunn’s tenure include the “Studio C – Live from NYC” special taped in front of a sold-out audience with special guest Kenan Thompson; scripted adventure series “Dwight in Shining Armor,” which wrapped its fifth and final season last month; youth competition show “All-Round Champion,” in its third season; “Wayne Brady’s Comedy IQ,” co-created and hosted by the multi-hyphenate performer; and “Christmas Under the Stars” concerts featuring John Legend and Lauren Daigle.
“The impact Michael Dunn has had on BYU Broadcasting is deep and long-lasting,” said Kevin Worthen, president of Brigham Young University. “Under his direction, it has broadened its scope and reach to become a trusted provider of uplifting content that inspires and entertains families nationwide. Jeff Simpson’s business acumen, keen insight and industry experience make him a natural fit to continue on this important trajectory. Both are tireless and generous leaders whom I feel fortunate to count among my associates.”
In April 2021, Mr. Dunn accepted a new full-time ecclesiastical assignment as a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He continued to serve as managing director of BYU Broadcasting until Mr. Simpson began as managing director on July 1.
BYUtv is available in every state of the country on DISH Network, DirecTV and 139 other major cable systems. A digital pioneer, BYUtv was the first U.S. television network to stream all of its content live and unencrypted over the internet. Today, BYUtv has more than two million YouTube subscribers and two billion views and is available live and on-demand on multiple digital platforms free of charge, including Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Xbox One, Windows Media, digital apps for iOS and Android, and BYUtv.org.
For a complete listing of BYUtv’s programming and to view full episodes, visit www.byutv.org or download the app. BYUtv streams for free with no subscriptions, in-app purchases or ads. The network is always streaming live, and past and current seasons are all available to binge.