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  CJ Olivares. Shop-eat-surf file photo.

The well-regarded former general manager of Fuel TV is consulting with GrindMedia, home to Surfer, Surfing and many other publications and online platforms.

 

GrindMedia SVP Group Publisher Norb Garrett told me in a brief phone conversation that he’s known CJ for a long time and called CJ right after hearing the news that he was leaving Fuel TV.

 

CJ can help Grind do a better job of packaging, delivering and monetizing its video content, Norb said. Norb feels there is a lot of opportunity both domestically and internationally for Grind’s content, and CJ, with his experience and contacts in the TV world, can help Grind navigate and tap into that sector.

 

Here is the full press release:

 

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., Oct. 10, 2011 – GrindMedia is pleased to announce that CJ Olivares will serve the company as television/video advisor to develop original television and video programming. The burgeoning brand, formerly Action Sports Group (ASG), continues to build and expand its business, which currently includes top properties in action and adventure sports print and online media in the U.S. GrindMedia also produces major events and webcasts and is the exclusive action and adventure sports partner for Yahoo! Sports.

 

In his new role, Olivares will consult on TV and video growth strategies and a range of initiatives across the GrindMedia network,including Surfer, Surfing, Snowboarder, Skateboarder and Powder, and events like the Surfer Poll Awards and Powder Video Awards.

 

“I’m thrilled to engage someone of CJ’s caliber to serve as TV/video advisor for GrindMedia,” said Norb Garrett, SVP Group Publisher of GrindMedia. “The development of original TV and video programming by our brands is a critical next step in the evolution of our business, and I can think of no one who brings more credibility, insight, knowledge and creativity to the table than CJ.”

 

A pioneer in action sports television and media, Olivares is credited with founding the FUEL TV network, as well as, creating its original concept, design and structure. In his most recent post as General Manager of FUEL TV, Olivares was responsible for daily oversight of programming, production, marketing, sales, new media, international expansion and business development.

 

Prior to joining FUEL TV, Olivares served as CEO of Bluetorch, advised Extreme Group Ltd. on its expansion across the action sports genre, and developed “Rush Hour”, the first-ever action sports television programming block for FOX Sports Net.

 

“The landscape of video content distribution is evolving rapidly, which has created an environment ripe with opportunity,” said Olivares, “that makes this the perfect time to capitalize on the amazing editorial and brand legacy of the GrindMedia titles and online platform.”

 

About GrindMedia

Source Interlink Media¹s GrindMedia is home to renowned action and adventure sports magazine brands Surfer, Surfing, Snowboarder, Skateboarder, Powder, Bike, Canoe & Kayak, SUP-Standup Paddler, Dirt Rider, ATV Rider, and Paved. Along with our standalone websites, including GrindTV.com, Newschoolers and Motocross.com, GrindMedia is the leading provider of print and online action sports and entertainment content in the United States. Delivering significant reach across both action sports enthusiast and various in-market consumer audiences, GrindMedia produces more than 20 leading events and webcasts such as Surfer Poll Awards, Powder Video Awards, Nike 6.0 Lowers Pro, EnduroCross and International Surfing Day. GrindMedia is also the exclusiveaction and adventure sports content provider for Yahoo! Sports. To learn more, visit grindmedia.com.