Scripps expands lifestyle unit as Nat Geo exec joins

Scripps Lifestyle Studios (SLS), the new digital division of Scripps Networks Interactive, is expanding efforts internationally with a focus on digital marketing, global content production and diverse talent development.

Scripps CEO Kenneth Lowe

Simultaneously, National Geographic’s Lynn Sadofsky has joined the New york office at SLS parent Scripps Networks Interactive as a vice president of programming and development for Food Network, Cooking Channel and Travel Channel.

The initial expansion of Scripps Networks’ digital production capabilities for domestic brands Food Network, HGTV, and Travel Channel extends to the company’s international operations in London, Warsaw, Singapore, São Paulo, and Miami.

Food Network will expand its social series #FoodNetworkFinds to the UK, where a new digital franchise entitled Enchanted Eats will be produced and distributed globally.

Scripps Networks’ global social media expansion will focus on key growth markets with solid early followings. These include Facebook footprints of Food Network UK, HGTV in Poland, Asian Food Channel, Food Network in Brazil, and Food Network in Latin America.

Derek Chang, head of international Lifestyle Channels for Scripps Networks Interactive, said: “The global expansion of Scripps Lifestyle Studios will allow Scripps Networks to quickly scale a greater global presence for our premier brands, using local expertise to accelerate the creation, distribution, and monetization of the content while helping source additional content and to identify fresh new talent.”

Scripps Networks has been expanding its lifestyle channel HGTV for the past two years. Just this month it expanded the channel to South Korea, following its launch throughout New Zealand, the Middle East and North Africa.

SLS launched in December 2015 as a push into multiplatform lifestyle content.

Scripps is currently in discussions with Discovery Communications over a potential combination.