Common Sense Media
Thursday, August 20, 2020
San Francisco, Calif.— Common Sense, the nation's leading nonprofit organization whose mission is to help all kids and families thrive in a world of media and technology, today announced that media industry veteran Eric Berger has been hired as CEO of Common Sense Networks, a newly formed, independent, certified B Corporation focused on creating and distributing quality media experiences for kids.
Eric brings more than two decades' experience creating, growing, and leading streaming and interactive services for global media organizations. Prior to Common Sense Networks, he was the chief digital officer and head of direct to consumer at Sony Pictures Television, where he launched and managed Sony Crackle, an ad-supported streaming network and original programming organization whose credits include the Emmy-nominated Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, as well as a slate of movies and premium series. His portfolio also included the global anime subscription service Funimation and the Sony Pictures Television Game Studio, as well as linear television channels Sony Movie Channel, Cine Sony, and getTV. Before Sony, Eric led strategic planning initiatives at Time Warner Inc.
As CEO, Eric will leverage his industry experience leading global brands in the digital entertainment space to launch Common Sense Networks. He will be tasked with building the for-profit entity from its infancy stage into a trusted and recognized international media property for families. While Common Sense Networks is a separate entity, it will share Common Sense's mission and values, including a core focus on the well-being of all kids.
"As a parent and a long-time user of Common Sense Media, I am excited to lead this new opportunity to deliver media services that entertain and enhance kids' understanding of the world around them," said Eric. "Common Sense Networks presents an unmatched opportunity to translate the organizational knowledge, assets, and relationships of Common Sense into a mission-based business that puts kids and families first."
Common Sense was founded by Jim Steyer in 2003, with a goal to create "a huge constituency for parents and kids in the same way that … AARP has done" (New York Times). Today, Common Sense Media ratings and reviews reach into more than 100 million households; its Digital Citizenship Curriculum is taught by just over 1 million teachers in all 50 states and around the world; and its advocacy work has secured critical privacy protections for students and consumers. The brand, with its signature green circle and check mark, has become synonymous with quality and age-appropriate media and technology.
"Technology moves at a rapid pace, and families trust that Common Sense will continue to evolve with it, to uphold our mission to build a digital world where all kids can thrive. To that end, making the decision to have Eric lead us into this pivotal stage of growth for the organization was a no-brainer," added Jim, CEO of Common Sense. "While the missions of Common Sense and Common Sense Networks are aligned, under Eric's leadership, Common Sense Networks opens up an entirely new world of possibility and innovation for us to better serve families."
About Common Sense
Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century. Learn more at commonsense.org.
Topics: Kids' & Teens' Media
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Press Contacts:
Sheila Feren-Thurston
FerenComm for Common Sense Networks
Email: sheilaf@ferencomm.com,
Cell: 917.699.8052