Discovery Gets Specific In Ad-Sales Reorganization
New York — Discovery Networks U.S. has reorganized its advertising-sales structure, developing teams focused on specific network groups, rather than selling across the programmer’s array of services.
The restructuring also moves sales personnel away from targeting only specific agencies and media-buying shops, according to a network spokeswoman.
As a result, Discovery has promoted John Barry, Scott Felenstein, Lisa Fischer and Harold Morgenstern from vice presidents to senior vice presidents for advertising sales.
Barry will handle TLC and Discovery Home Channel; Felenstein will oversee Discovery Channel, The Science Channel and Military Channel; Fischer is now responsible for Animal Planet, Discovery Health Channel, FitTV and Discovery Kids; and Morgenstern will direct the efforts for Travel Channel, BBC America, Discovery Times Channel and Discovery HD Theater.
Chris Czarkowski, Lauren Gastwirth, Lisa Lucaturoto and Josh Trager have been promoted to the newly created positions of director, advertising sales. Jocelyn Egan, Marc Saputo and Frank Quagliariello have been promoted to directors, Discovery Solutions and Branded Entertainment. And James Levitt has been elevated to vice president and national sales manager for Discovery Health and FitTV.
Cox Taps Navic Networks To Address Interactivity
Atlanta — Navic Networks will provide its interactive advertising service to Cox Communications Inc.
Navic’s “Addressable Advertising,” which Cox will brand as “interACTIVE,” allows the MSO’s digital-cable viewers to interact with select commercials and programs using their remote controls. Through interACTIVE, Cox’s digital subscribers can take actions including voting on community issues, taking advantage of special offers and telescoping to long-form content.
