Looking to bolster its digital networks, Scripps Networks is tying Do It Yourself and Fine Living together under the auspices of a group headed by Bob Baskerville.
The formation of the emerging-networks group under Baskerville -- the veteran programmer who has been serving as president of DIY -- will bring Fine Living from Los Angeles to Scripps Networks’ headquarters in Knoxville, Tenn.
As part of the new direction, Chad Youngblood has been promoted from vice president of on-air promotions at sister network Home & Garden Television to general manager of Fine Living, where he will work with Baskerville on programming and promotions. Scripps said it expects to name someone to a similar position for DIY within a few weeks.
Robyn Ulrich, who has been with Scripps for 10 years, will also be part of the group’s management team as senior VP of marketing.
“We have a real opportunity to strengthen and grow these networks even further within the digital tier, and we're committing the strategic thinking, creative attention and internal resources to support that effort,” Scripps Networks president John Lansing said in a prepared statement.
“As president of DIY Network, Bob Baskerville has taken DIY from a start-up to a front-runner among a multitude of digital programmers,” he added. “He has given the network a sharper focus and greatly enhanced the program quality. We are confident he will continue to have a big impact in this broader role.”
DIY reaches about 35 million U.S. households and Fine Living is approaching 30 million.
