HGTV & DIY Networks Announce Development Team

Related: HGTV, DIY

General Manager Kathleen Finch is proud to announce the official creation of a HGTV and DIY Network Development Team within the brands' unified Programming Department. Led by Steven Lerner, vice president of programming, and Courtney White, vice president of program development and production, the new HGTV and DIY Network Development Team is responsible for facilitating original programming ideas, identifying on-air talent and developing multi-platform programs to accompany a total of 1300 hours of programming currently available across both networks.

"HGTV and DIY Network are committed to leading the pack when it comes to home-related programming," said Finch. "Our new development team offers the production Community the opportunity to develop original concepts and pitch fresh, unique and even, risky ideas."

From compelling real estate shows to engaging renovation series to follow docs, workplace docs and character-driven programs, HGTV and DIY Network are interested in creative formats that capture renovation, real estate, luxury living and home improvement - anything that fits across the spectrum of "home" - in a way that's never been presented before. Shows with a twist, a different POV, a bit of edge, and that are full of passion and imagination for an upscale audience is welcome fare.

"Shows that dare to be different and feature strong characters passionate about renovation and real estate like HGTV's Cousins on Call and Love it or List It, and DIY Network's The Vanilla Ice Project and Rehab Addict are what we want to see,' said Lerner, who reports to Finch. "Our audiences crave high-energy experts and programs that are fun, informative, and most importantly, entertaining."

In addition to announcing the Development Team, HGTV and DIY Network's unified Programming Department, which officially merged in March 2012, has also added two new programming directors: veteran television executives Christy Melton and Dean Melton. As directors of programming, they will be responsible for original commissioned productions and acquisitions for both brands. Starting in mid-January, Dean will report to Lerner, and in mid-February, Christy will report to Finch. Both will be based in Knoxville, Tenn., at HGTV and DIY Network's parent company headquarters, Scripps Networks Interactive.

Christy previously worked at Big Table Media, a Sacramento-based Production Company, and held the position of executive producer of DIY Network's Yard Crashers, YardCore and the Ultimate Crash specials. Before overseeing these DIY Network franchises, she was a director and producer at Entertainment Tonight, a writer on HGTV's House Hunters and Food Network's BBQ with Bobby Flay, and a producer at popular lifestyle and entertainment shows, such as EXTRA, E! News and the Fashion Police Awards.

Dean's prior role was also with Big Table Media where he was the supervising producer for DIY Network's Yard Crashers and a field producer for another one of the network's landscaping series, Turf War. Previously, he also owned his own Production Company where he created programming for the Tennis Channel, Spike TV and the NFL Network. In addition to producing, Dean has served as an editor for many production companies, including Weller Grossman and 44 Blue, with his editing work appearing on HGTV, A&E and in broadcast syndication.

About HGTV

America's leading home and lifestyle brand, HGTV features a top-rated cable network that is distributed to more than 98 million U.S. households and the HGTV website, HGTV.com, the nation's leading online home-and-garden destination that attracts an average of four million unique visitors per month. The brand also includes the HGTV(R) HOME consumer products line which showcases exclusive collections of paint, flooring, soft goods and other home-oriented products, as well as HGTV Magazine, a new home and lifestyle publication published in partnership with Hearst Magazines. Viewers can become fans of HGTV and interact with other home improvement enthusiasts through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

About DIY Network

DIY Network, from the Makers of HGTV and Food Network, is the go-to destination for rip-up, knock-out home improvement television. Currently in more than 57 million homes, DIY Network's programming covers a broad range of categories, including home improvement and landscaping. The network's award-winning website, DIYNetwork.com, is a leader in the Nielsen Online Home and Garden category and features multiple resources, including thousands of do-it-yourself home improvement projects, expert advice, how-to videos and images, and user-friendly reference guides with step-by-step instructions. Viewers can also become fans of DIY Network and interact with other home improvement enthusiasts and do-it-yourselfers through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.