December 12, 2007

Going Off Scripps

Name: John Lansing
Title: President, Scripps Networks
Years in Industry: “In cable industry since 2000. In television for more than 27 years.”

Why Him? An unwavering champion of using technology to bolster his networks—including early launches of HGTV HD and Food Network HD when most folks were still equating the format with sports—Lansing has lately been driving hard to continue the successful  transition of HGTV, Food, DIY Network, Fine Living and Great American Country content to the Web. He has done such a great job that E.W. Scripps pres/CEO Ken Lowe will keep Lansing in place as pres when Lowe takes over as CEO as part of the spinoff of Scripps Networks Interactive. Meanwhile, the current $30 million expansion to upgrade Scripps’ Knoxville headquarters includes a new data center and updated technical infrastructure to help Channing Dawson, SVP, emerging media; Doug Hurst, SVP/GM, nonlinear distribution; and Beth Higbee, SVP, Scripps Networks Interactive, see that transition through. Lansing also proved himself a real people person this year, placing Scripps’ jewel HGTV in the hands of new network president Jim Samples, who’s anxious to put that Adult Swim guerilla marketing debacle behind him.  CAO

In my free time, I like to: “Take my kids boating.”
Favorite restaurant: “The Cape Cod Room - Drake Hotel, Chicago”        
Favorite city: “Chicago”
Favorite song: “The Rising,” Bruce Springsteen
Favorite sports team: “Green Bay Packers”


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