William Astor Steps Down as Chair of Sony-Owned Silvergate Media (EXCLUSIVE)
variety.comK.J. Yossman William Astor, who co-founded kids TV juggernaut Silvergate Media, has stepped down as the company’s chair. Silvergate, which was acquired by Sony Pictures Television in 2019, quietly re-branded as Sony Pictures Television – Kids in 2022. “I can confirm I am no longer associated with Sony and have resigned as director and chairman,” Astor told Variety.
He stepped down at the end of December. Astor originally co-founded the company alongside well-known British television producer Waheed Alli back in 2011.
It is best known for producing children’s animated franchises “Octonauts” — which has inspired films and theme park attractions across the world — and Nickelodeon animation “Peter Rabbit,” based on the classic children’s books by Beatrix Potter.
It has also produced shows including “Hilda,” a Netflix animated series based on Luke Pearson’s graphic novels of the same name, and Nickelodeon’s “Sunny Day,” about the adventures of a young hair stylist.
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