Discovery Realigns U.S. Networks Division; Discovery Channel’s John Ford Is Out

John Ford, ex-Discovery

Discovery Communications (NSDQ: DISCA) is restructuring its U.S. networks, attempting to group programming channels together according to audience and general content types. As a result, the cable programmer has reassigned a number of executives. For example, Discovery Channel and Science Channel will both operate under Clark Bunting, who was named acting president and general manager. He most recently held that title at Discovery’s Emerging Networks unit. The company also said that John Ford (pictured, left), who has served as Discovery Channel’s president/GM since Nov. 2007, is leaving the company after 20 years. No word yet from Discovery reps on whether there will be any layoffs stemming from the restructuring. There will be no layoffs related to the reorg, a Discovery spokesperson told paidContent.

Discovery has done great deal of personnel shifting and some hiring over the past few months, as it prepares to launch the OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network next year. Earlier this month, former Fox Broadcasting entertainment chair Peter Liguoriwas brought in as COO of Discovery Communications. He succeeded Mark Hollinger, who was just made president and CEO of Discovery Networks International, replacing Greg Ricca, who left the company.

Among the changes specifically related to OWN, Discovery is situating the Planet Green channel with female-targeted networks Discovery Health and FitTV, under GM Laura Michalchyshyn. She will also take on the additional responsibilities of managing Discovery Health through a smooth transition with OWN.

Among the other changes in Discovery’s reorg, current Discovery Health and FitTV GM Carole Tomko will leave that post behind her and will become president of Discovery Studios, reporting to Liguori. Also, Investigation Discovery will be aligned with male-targeted networks Military Channel and HD Theater, under GM Henry Schleiff.

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