CBS President George Cheeks Will Keynote The Banff World Media Festival

George Cheeks - CBS Photo Archive

CBS President and CEO George Cheeks is set to keynote the 2023 Banff World Media Festival (BWMF). Cheeks, who is also Chief Content Officer, News and Sports for Paramount+, will participate in an exclusive fireside conversation during the Rocky Mountains event, which will take place June 11-14, 2023.

One of the most senior figures in American television, the former NBCUniversal executive is in charge of Paramount Global's CBS-branded assets as well as BET, the company's news and sports streaming service, Paramount Television Studios, and its free-to-air networks in the UK, Australia, Argentina, and Chile. Cheeks joined NBC in 2012 after working as executive vice president of business affairs, general counsel, director of standards and practices for Viacom Media Networks in New York City, and head of content distribution and marketing for Viacom Music and Entertainment Groups.

Ted Sarandos and Bela Bajaria of Netflix, Pearlena Igbokwe of Universal, and Greg Berlanti have all delivered keynote addresses at the BWMF in the past. Kevin Beggs, Chair of the Banff Board of Directors and Chair & Chief Creative Officer of Lionsgate Television Group, lauded Cheeks as a creative powerhouse and savvy businessperson. Beggs said, "We are thrilled to have him offer our keynote and share his perspective on the evolving profession.