David Zaslav


Discovery eyes global OTT after closing Scripps deal

Discovery has completed its US$14.6 billion takeover of US cable rival Scripps Networks Interactive, and is now looking to the OTT opportunities the new scale provides. The new look group comprises channels such as Discovery Channel, Travel Channel, TLC, HGTV and Animal Planet among others, and owns over 8,000 hours of programming. Following completion of […]

Rich Ross exiting post-Scripps deal Discovery

Discovery Communications has named the new management team that will lead the enlarged company after the Scripps Networks Interactive acquisition, with Discovery Channel boss Rich Ross out and Scripps programming chief Kathleen Finch put in charge of all lifestyle channels. Discovery said that Ross, currently group president of Discovery Channel and Science Channel, is to […]

Discovery gets US approval for Scripps deal

Discovery Communications’ US$14.6 billion acquisition of fellow US-based cable group Scripps Networks Interactive has been cleared by the US Department of Justice (DoJ). Commenting on the DoJ’s decision to close its investigation, Discovery president and CEO David Zaslav said it was a “significant regulatory milestone” and an “integral step toward closing our transaction”. “We look […]

Discovery-Scripps deal okay with European Commission

The European Commission has cleared Discovery Communications’ proposed US$14.6 billion buyout of Scripps Networks Interactive. The greenlight marks an important step towards completion of the deal, with Discovery stating it expects the acquisition to close later this quarter ­– subject to obtaining additional antitrust clearances and satisfying other customary closing conditions. The EC’s approval is […]

Discovery leaving Maryland HQ after three decades for New York

Discovery Communications is planning to relocate from its home in Maryland to New York City in 2019 after buying Scripps Networks Interactive. The move is contigent on the US$14.6 billion deal for Scripps completing, as expected. The plan will see Discovery’s HQ move to New York, with a national operations headquarters based at Scripps’ home […]

Discovery ups stake in Oprah Winfrey Network

Discovery Communications has paid US$70 million to gain a majority stake in the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), which it jointly owns with the celebrity. Discovery has upped its stake from near 45% to 70% in the deal. This will allow the network to consolidate its financial reports with OWN. Oprah Winfrey will remain chief executive […]

Discovery names global Animal Planet chief

Discovery Communications has named Susanna Dinnage as global president for pay TV channel Animal Planet, with general manager Patrice Andrews exiting. Discovery Networks UK and Ireland president Susanna Dinnage (pictured) has landed the post, which will see her jointly reporting to Discovery CEO and president David Zaslav and international chief executive J.B. Perrette. Discovery said […]

Discovery recognised Scripps’ IP strength – Zaslav

Discovery Communications CEO David Zaslav has said the ability to mine Scripps Networks Interactive’s fully owned catalogue was the key driver behind the US$14.6 billion deal. During a roundtable discussion at MIPCOM last week, Zaslav (pictured) passionately talked up the deal, whose price tag raised eyebrows as it included a 34% premium, saying its rationale […]

Discovery ‘still has bullets’ for deals post-Scripps

Discovery Communications is “not out of bullets” to use for company acquisitions despite its US$14.6 billion takeover of US compatriot Scripps Networks Interactive, its chief exec has said. The Scripps deal will create one of the largest media companies in the US, and includes US$2.7 billion worth of new debt for Discovery. However, this will […]

Discovery buying Scripps for $14.6bn

Discovery Communications is acquiring fellow US-based cable group Scripps Networks Interactive for US$14.6 billion. The cash-and-stock deal values each Scripps at US$90, a 34% premium of the company’s share price when talks with Discovery first began on Tuesday, July 18. The deal, which is subject to approval of both sets of shareholders and regulatory watchdogs, […]