Discovery forms Digital Studios Group

Discovery has created a newly expanded hub for digital and social video to support its websites and its social and direct-to-consumer businesses and brands.

Vikki Neil

Digital Studios Group will serve as a “centre of excellence” for social video growth and monetisation, and a “one stop shop” for creative and branded content for Discovery sites and social channels, according to the company.

Scripps Lifestyle Studios’ senior vice president and general manager, Vikki Neil, has been promoted to lead the expanded group as its executive vice president and general manager. She will continue to report to chief lifestyle brands officer, Kathleen Finch.

Digital Studios Group will work closely with Discovery’s TV everywhere and direct-to-consumer businesses, led by recently named CEO of direct-to-consumer, Peter Faricy.

It will continue to be responsible for the Food Network, HGTV, Travel Channel and TLC sites and social platforms, while expanding its content responsibility to other brands, branded entertainment content and digital creative. It will also support Discovery’s US ad sales division.

“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,” said Finch.

“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.”

Niel added: “This is such an exciting time in our industry. 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 Scripps Lifestyle Studios, Neil spent several years at E.W. Scripps overseeing the digital classified products for newspapers. She previously held roles at Disney’s media group, focusing on digital product development for ESPN.com and ABCNews.com.