Silberwasser heading up new international content unit at Discovery

Luis Silberwasser has been upped to chief content officer at Discovery Networks International and will run a new unit focused on developing and producing content for Discovery’s international networks.

Late last month Discovery said it was creating an international content unit to make programming for its female-skewing network TLC, which has started launching in international markets and will, Discovery says, be in 100 million homes by 2011.

The unit announced today will create content for all of Discovery’s international channels including Discovery Channel, Discovery Science, Animal Planet and DMAX.

Silberwasser has been at Discovery since 1998 and took the newly created role of international head of content in March in a management shake-up that saw COO Sahar Elhabashi leave without being directly replaced.

Speaking to TBIvision at MIPCOM Silberwasser said: “It’s not enough to rely on the US pipeline of programming and acquisitions, we also need to create must-see content for our own channels. From a content perspective, for the international channels we want the best of the US content, smart acquisitions and local production.”

In his new role, he will report to Mark Hollinger, president and CEO of Discovery Networks International. He said: “In this new role, [Luis] will drive innovation by further strengthening our global portfolio of networks and increasing our global programming initiatives.”

Hollinger added: “This new International Production and Development team will provide an enhanced foundation to fortify our brands and increase audience share by developing original international content, great storytelling and compelling characters.”