Spike TV bolsters management team for original programming

Spike TV wants to broaden its appeal, and its answer -- or maybe “manswer” -- is more original, gender-neutral shows.

To that end, the network best known for its young male-oriented fare is bolstering its original programming staff, banking on reality series such as “Ink Master,” “Bar Rescue,” and “Tattoo Nightmares.”

This also means less emphasis on the dude-centric programming.

“The Original Series team’s expansion reflects our ever-continuing goal to create distinctive, bold shows geared toward a more gender-balanced audience,” said Sharon Levy, executive vice president of original series at Spike TV. “We are developing more original series than ever before.”

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The network promoted Chris Rantamaki, who helped develop Spike’s highest-rated show “Ink Master,” to senior vice president. Rantamaki will report to Levy and oversee the day-to-day department activities related to development and production.

Justin Lacob was promoted to vice president.

Spike hired Hayley Lozitsky, formerly of Ellen Rakieten Entertainment, and Kevin Bartel, previously at All3Media America, as vice presidents.

The network plans to debut more original programming such as mixed martial arts contest “Fight Master: Bellator MMA” and “Criss Angel: Believe.”

Spike’s original programming push comes as more networks compete for young men’s eyeballs. For example, TBS has “Conan” and FX has Charlie Sheen’s “Anger Management.”

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