The Hasbro-Discovery Communications kids network has hired veteran production executive Donna Ebbs as senior vice president of programming.
Reporting to president and CEO Margaret Loesch, Ebbs will be responsible for planning, directing and executing the network's programming strategy, including scheduling, oversight and cost management, as well as working with Loesch and the network's senior management team on creative development and overall strategic planning and direction.
The yet-to-be-named service, slated to launch late in 2010, will reach approximately 60 million U.S. households as it steps into the space currently occupied by Discovery Kids channel.
A 16-year veteran in the development and production of children's and family entertainment series and movies, Ebbs most recently served as vice president of original programming at ABC Family network, where she oversaw movies and specials, including "Princess," "Santa Baby" (I & II), "My Fake Fiancé" and the highest-rated television movie of 2008, "Holiday in Handcuffs." During the 2008-09 TV season, she also oversaw the third-year series "Lincoln Heights," season one of "The Middleman" and the development and production of the limited series "Samurai Girl."
Before working at ABC Family, Ebbs was a driving force behind Disney Channel's breakout television movie, High School Musical. Her tenure with ABC/Disney also included serving as vice president of movies for ABC television network, where she was responsible for "The Wonderful World of Disney," overseeing a number of family films for the classic television franchise, including "National Velvet," "The Son of Pocahontas," "Growing Pains" (I & II), "Little House on the Prairie" and "Nancy Drew."
Ebbs' previous experience includes senior development and programming roles with King World Productions, Davis Entertainment Television, Goodman/Rosen Productions and Hearst Entertainment.
"With a proven track record of developing and producing top-rated children's and family television series and movies, Donna is a perfect choice to head up the programming efforts for this new network," said Loesch in a statement. "I am thrilled to have Donna join our team and I look forward to working with her to build a high-quality, family-friendly network based on compelling storytelling, strong characters and engaging
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