The Mamamia Women’s Network (MWN) today announced the appointment of Shelly Horton who will be integral to the launch of Mamamia TV early in 2015.

As a host and producer of Mamamia TV, Horton will be charged with expanding on the MWN’s established strengths in written content and producing original short form video.

Horton will create snackable television-style content for the web, in the form of multiple mini-series covering all the topics Mamamia’s audience love best; from news and current affairs to fashion, parenting and entertainment.

“I’m am beyond excited to be joining the Mamamia Women’s Network,” says Horton. “I’m passionate about creating video content that will inform and entertain, as well as spark conversations. I’m not afraid of controversy and tackling sensitive topics, so it certainly won’t be dull.”

Horton’s outstanding knowledge of culture, entertainment and popular opinion will also make her a critical new writer and podcast commentator within the Network, particularly for flagship website Mamamia and soon-to-be-launched site for women 40+, Debrief Daily.

MWN’s editor in chief Jamila Rizvi said she was thrilled Horton was joining the Mamamia team, taking overall staff numbers up over 75 people across three states with 16 starting in January alone.

“Our audience of millions of Australian women have made it clear to us that video content on-demand is what they want,” said Rizvi.

“We will be transferring our intimate knowledge of what makes women click from the written to the video space and with her extensive hosting and producing experience, Shelly is the perfect person to help us do that.

MWN sales director Kylie Rogers said “This is a big one for us and it’s something clients have been asking us to do for a long time. Quality scalable engaging video content is scarce right now, and we’ll now be able to meet the demands of our advertisers through Mamamia TV, with integrated branded opportunities and simple pre-roll.”

Horton has previously worked for Fairfax’s Life&Style, been a regular commentator on Channel 7, reported for a number of ABC radio and TV programs, was as a producer on A Current Affair and was editor-at-large for the entertainment section S in the Sun Herald. She also co-hosted a digital web series called healthyMEtv.

Horton will continue to appear regularly in the media, on behalf of the MWN, including maintaining her regular weekly commitments on Channel 7’s Sunrise and The Morning Show.