Discovery Inc. has flipped the switch on what it describes as “a newly expanded hub for digital and social video content creation” to support its growing “TV everywhere,” websites, social media and direct-to-consumer businesses and brands. In doing so, it is naming the former SVP/GM of Scripps Lifestyle Studios as this new group’s EVP/GM.
Introducing Discovery’s Digital Studios Group, under the direction of Vikki Neil.
She’ll continue to report to Chief Lifestyle Brands Officer Kathleen Finch, who said, “Vikki has played a vital role for many years in the growth of our lifestyle brands’ digital and social engines, and has driven tremendous value for superfans, partners and clients. Top quality digital content is invaluable for strengthening brands and attracting future audiences, and I look forward to Vikki’s leadership of the expanded Digital Studios Group in support of even more brands at the new Discovery.”
The Digital Studios Group will serve as “a center of excellence for social video growth and monetization, and a one-stop shop for creative and branded content for Discovery sites and social channels.”
Discovery’s TV Everywhere and Direct-to-Consumer businesses are led by recently named CEO of Direct-to-Consumer Peter Faricy.
The group will continue business responsibility for the Food Network, HGTV, Travel Channel and TLC sites and social platforms, while expanding into content responsibility for other brands, digital branded entertainment content and digital creative and audience support to the company’s U.S. Ad Sales division.
“This is such an exciting time in our industry,” added Neil. “I’m proud to have the chance to work with terrific people and beloved brands and bring Discovery to life in new ways for digital audiences around the world.”
Before leading the Scripps Lifestyle Studios, Neil spent several years overseeing the E.W. Scripps digital classified products for newspapers and launched the first digital newsroom experiences for local digital TV stations. She previously held roles at Disney’s media group, focusing on digital product development for ESPN.com and ABCNews.com.
