Viewers win first truly vertically integrated media company

In what it says is a first for the region, the VertiCast Media Group Limited (VertiCast), led by Oliver McIntosh, president and CEO, is launching a vertically integrated media company that will incorporate broadcast across all media platforms into multiple markets in the Caribbean.

Following on from his two-decade long stewardship and experience of building out Caribbean sports broadcaster, SportsMax, McIntosh and the team at VertiCast have set out to create a regional media entity with the intention to broadcasting over television and digital media via streaming and mobile via partnerships and on its own channels.

Having the experience of successfully leading rapid growth previously across 26 countries, McIntosh intends to launch VertiCast operations by this summer.

“VertiCast is set to transform your viewing experience by providing the very best international and local content across multiple platforms,” he said.

“We will provide prime content for all Caribbean audiences – for the first time providing premium sports and general entertainment via any broadcast platform via local and regional channels, whenever you
want to watch.”

McIntosh promised that pan-Caribbean audiences, who may not have had access in the past to premium content, can expect to have easy access to the best international and local content and experiences.

VertiCast said it expected to make several significant announcements over the coming weeks that “will reshape the media industry regionally and in select markets in the Caribbean”.

A key element behind VertiCast is its team, including Chief Commercial Officer Carlo Redwood.

Redwood draws on decades of experience in strategic and tactical marketing, brand development and commercial strategy.

“Senior marketing roles with telecoms and multinationals, marked by tangible successes, provide him with keen insights for the venture,” VertiCast said.

“Our advertising customers can take advantage of hyper-local or regional viewership or both to maximise the value of their spend in ways not previously available,” Redwood sought to explain.

“The seamless integration of traditional broadcast and digital channels right across the Caribbean complemented with an emphasis in sports marketing events allow our customers the flexibility and scale to suit their specific marketing objectives.”

VertiCast said the well-established industry experience of its leadership team extends to Timothy Paty, head of operations & business development, and Kia McIntosh, head of programming.

Paty leverages his on-the-ground experience in Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados and the United States, bringing his expertise in cost control, compliance, legal and regulatory oversight.

In the meantime, Kia McIntosh will utilise expertise gained as programming and production manager at BET and other media/telecom companies.

By capitalising on integration on all broadcast platforms for regional and local market broadcast, VertiCast said it would be able to serve up premium content to a vibrant market of nearly 45 million people in over 26 countries including the English-speaking Caribbean, the Dominican Republic, and parts of South America.

The multi-platform company said it has already attracted strong support from major content providers, which it intends to roll out over coming weeks.