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Discovery Communications Sets Major Channel Reorg

Feb 28, 2014  •  Post A Comment

"Discovery Communications has shaken up its executive structure," reports B&C.

The major reorganization involves a number of Discovery’s channels.

According to the article, "Discovery Channel group President Eileen O’Neill will give up oversight of the company’s second-highest-rated network, TLC, and has been placed in charge of Velocity and Science Channel. She will continue to oversee Discovery Channel, the company’s highest-rated network. TLC is now under the purview of group President Marjorie Kaplan, who will continue to oversee Animal Planet.

"Group President Henry Schleiff adds oversight of Discovery Fit & Health, in addition to his current role overseeing Investigation Discovery, Destination America and the upcoming American Heroes Channel. Discovery Fit & Health was also formerly one of O’Neill’s channels."

The article notes that Discovery Communications President and CEO David Zaslav said, “Eileen, Marjorie and Henry are among the finest creative leaders in the media business today, with proven track records of building brands, creating compelling programming slates and leading strong creative teams. I am confident, under their continued leadership, Discovery’s U.S. network portfolio will continue to grow market share, produce world-class content and fuel our international growth for years to come.”

Variety’s story about the reorg says, "The reshuffling removes TLC from O’Neill’s direct supervision for the first time since 2008. O’Neill was instrumental in transforming the outlet from something once envisioned as ‘The Learning Channel’ into a showcase for character-driven reality programs like ‘Jon & Kate Plus Eight’ or ‘Cake Boss.’ Under O’Neill’s oversight, TLC even put a program on the air featuring former U.S. vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin on the screen."

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