Netflix's Jinny Howe to Headline Banff World Media Festival
Entertainment

Netflix's Jinny Howe to Headline Banff World Media Festival

authorBy Ta-Nehisi Coates
DateApr 23, 2026
Read Time4 min

Jinny Howe, a key figure in Netflix's scripted content division for the U.S. and Canada, is set to deliver a significant address at the prestigious Banff World Media Festival. Her participation underscores the festival's commitment to highlighting influential leaders in the global entertainment industry. Having played a pivotal role in the success of numerous popular series, Howe's insights are highly anticipated by attendees. The festival, known for bringing together industry talent and celebrating exceptional television, will also honor Spain as the Country of Honor this year, reflecting a broad international scope. This combination of insightful keynotes and global recognition solidifies Banff's position as a premier event for media professionals.

The festival will also host the Banff Gala Awards and the Rockie Awards, an international competition recognizing outstanding television series and industry talent. This unified event provides a platform to celebrate the best in global television, from creative storytelling to production excellence. The inclusion of Spain as the Country of Honor further emphasizes the festival's international reach and its role in fostering global collaborations within the media landscape. Attendees can expect a comprehensive program that blends strategic discussions with recognition of artistic achievements.

Jinny Howe to Deliver Keynote at Banff

Jinny Howe, the influential head of U.S. and Canadian scripted series at Netflix, is slated to give a keynote address at the forthcoming Banff World Media Festival. Howe's involvement as a lead speaker highlights her significant impact on the streaming giant's content strategy and development. Her role involves overseeing the creation and production of numerous compelling dramas and comedies that have garnered critical acclaim and massive viewership. This keynote is expected to offer valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of television production, creative development, and audience engagement in the digital age. Her insights will be particularly relevant to creators, producers, and executives looking to navigate the complexities of modern storytelling and content distribution. Howe's track record of developing successful series positions her as a prominent voice in shaping the future of global entertainment.

Howe's journey at Netflix began in 2018, where she quickly rose through the ranks, demonstrating a keen eye for compelling narratives and market-leading content. She was instrumental in the development of several iconic series, including the regency-era phenomenon Bridgerton, the critically acclaimed Inventing Anna, the intense drama Beef, the thrilling political series The Night Agent, the engaging diplomatic drama The Diplomat, and the adventurous series Untamed. These shows exemplify her diverse taste and ability to identify projects that resonate with a wide international audience. Last year, Howe took on her current leadership position, succeeding Peter Friedlander, solidifying her status as a top executive in the North American drama series sector. Her upcoming keynote at Banff will provide a unique opportunity for industry professionals to gain first-hand knowledge from one of the most successful content executives working today, covering topics such as strategic content acquisition, nurturing creative talent, and adapting to global viewing trends.

Festival Highlights and Industry Recognition

The Banff World Media Festival is preparing for its 47th edition, promising a rich program that includes more than just high-profile keynote speeches. This year, the festival will shine a spotlight on Spain, designating it as the Country of Honor. This initiative aims to foster international collaborations and highlight the vibrant and innovative content emerging from the Spanish media industry. The festival's commitment to global engagement is a cornerstone of its mission, providing a platform for cultural exchange and business development across borders. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore co-production opportunities, engage with international distributors, and discover new talent from various global markets, further enriching the festival's diverse offerings and promoting a truly global media conversation.

Adding to the excitement, the festival will unify its celebration of industry excellence by combining the Banff Gala Awards and the prestigious Rockie Awards international competition into a single grand event. This integrated approach ensures that both outstanding industry talent and exceptional television series receive the recognition they deserve on a unified stage. Previous Summit Series speakers include a roster of industry luminaries such as Chuck Lorre, Anjali Sud, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Paula Kerger, Rob Wade, Pearlena Igbokwe, Bela Bajaria, Keith Le Goy, Ted Sarandos, and Maverick Carter, underscoring the festival's history of attracting top-tier visionaries. This year's festival, running from June 14-17 in the picturesque Canadian Rockies, will continue this tradition by announcing additional keynote speakers in the coming weeks, further solidifying its reputation as a premier international gathering for the media and entertainment industry.

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