David Zaslav

Discovery’s Zaslav: skinny bundles and D2C to fuel growth

Skinny bundles and direct-to-home distribution will fuel Discovery’s growth as traditional big pay TV bundles continue to decline in attractiveness, according to president and CEO David Zaslav. Speaking on an analyst call as Discovery posted its third quarter numbers, Zaslav said that international subscriptions to its content were growing by 2% to 3%, compared with […]

Malone confirms succession plan

The CEOs of John Malone’s companies will have the first right to acquire his controlling stock after he dies, the US cable magnate has told the Irish Times. Malone, speaking during Liberty Global’s annual overseas board meeting in Dublin, confirmed to the paper that “most of [his] long-time CEOs…have the first right” to acquire stock […]

Discovery extends Zaslav’s contract until 2023

Discovery has extended president and CEO David Zaslav’s employment contract through to the end of 2023. Zaslav’s contract was previously set to expire in 2020. The factual channel giant said that Zaslav’s contract extension would provide ongoing management continuity and stability and ensures Zaslav’s continued leadership for the next five and a half years. Zaslav’s […]

Discovery’s Zaslav hints at possible global OTT ambition

Discovery CEO David Zaslav has dropped a hint that the factual giant could look to develop a wider global OTT play either on a standalone basis or with partners. Speaking to analysts after the company posted its Q1 results, Zaslav said that the US market in particular is underserved with offerings catering to non-sports viewers […]

Discovery leaving Maryland 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 […]

Shareholders okay Discovery’s Scripps deal

Discovery Communications’ takeover of US cable rival Scripps Networks Interactive is drawing near after shareholders agreed to the deal. The US$14.6 billion deal brings networks such as Discovery Channel and Animal Planet together with the Food Network and HGTV. Discovery’s shareholder overwhelmingly voted in favour of the agreement, with more than 258 million for and […]

Zaslav: Discovery recognised Scripps’ IP strength

Discovery Communications CEO David Zaslav has said the ability to mine Scripps Networks Interactive’s catalogue was the key driver behind the US$14.6 billion deal. During a roundtable discussion at MIPCOM last week, Zaslav passionately talked up the deal, whose price tag raised eyebrows after an initial valuation was around US$9 billion, saying its rationale had […]

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 (€12.4 billion) takeover of US compatriot Scripps Networks Interactive, its chief executive 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, […]

Discovery buying Scripps for US$14.6bn

Discovery Communications is acquiring fellow US-based cable group Scripps Networks Interactive for US$14.6 billion (€12.4 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 […]

Discovery grows international revenues and profit

Discovery has reported an uptick in revenues and profit at its international business but noted Brexit concerns meant ad revenues were down in its largest market, the UK. “You have the UK down 4% and Brexit has had a meaningful impact on the UK,” CEO David Zaslav told analysts in the wake of Discovery reporting […]