Scripps hires ex-Discovery exec for int’l role

Scripps Networks International has recruited former Discovery exec Barbara Bellini for a London-based commercial affairs and operations, programme distribution role.

Bellini becomes vice president, commercial affairs and operations, programme distribution, international at SNI.

The lifestyle and entertainment channel operator took its programme sales function back in-house late last year, Passion Distribution had been handling sales, and part of Bellini’s role will be content sales.

Bellini will work alongside Hud Woodle who was appointed SNI’s New York-based vice president, international program licensing and distribution. Both execs report directly to SNI CFO Simone Nardi.

SNI said Bellini will “also help manage programming deals for the international division, providing strategic support in structuring international programming deals and managing the content pipeline”.

Bellini has been consulting in recent times, working with UK free-to-air broadcaster Channel 4 and A+E Networks among others. Prior to that she was senior VP, business affairs, acquisitions and programming at Discovery Networks International, helping to roll out channels including TLC.

Simone Nardi said: “Barbara’s extensive industry experience in international programming and rights management, along with her excellent negotiation skills and market savvy, will further strengthen our talented international team.”