Andy Singer has been promoted to general manager at Travel Channel and recruited a former DIY Network colleague, Ross Babbit, to replace him as senior vice president of programming and production.
As GM, Singer will be responsible for setting the programming strategy and editorial vision for Travel Channel, reporting to channel president Laureen Ong.
The veteran programmer joined Travel Channel's programming team in August after contributing the previous four years to content development at Scripps-owned HGTV and DIY Network. Singer will work closely with the entire Scripps Networks Interactive ad sales group to better leverage Travel Channel's audience in the marketplace, the company said.
SNI has identified Travel Channel, which it bought a majority stake in from Cox Communications for $1 billion in late 2009, as a key focus of potential growth and investment this year.
Singer joined Scripps Networks in 2005, serving as head of DIY Network's programming for more than three years before being named GM in 2010, giving him a depth of experience guiding program development, production, on-air talent acquisition, scheduling, marketing and creative services. Before that he was a show producer at VH1 and also produced programs for A&E, Twentieth Century Fox, Fox News Channel, MSNBC and nationally syndicated broadcast series Extra and Inside Edition.
"Andy is a proven programmer and a strong leader who has made his mark quickly wherever he's been," John Lansing, president of Scripps Networks, said in a release. "His focus on developing scalable, breakout programs and identifying engaging talent is evident in the new programs Travel Channel is introducing this year, moving this brand closer to becoming a destination network."
Babbit, who succeeded Singer as GM at DIY Network, will concentrate on the creative and editorial direction at Travel Channel while overseeing the network's team of producers, editors and programming partners. Babbit also will oversee program scheduling. He has been with SNI since 2004. Before that he was a producer of breaking news and feature stories for The CBS Early Show in New York.
Replacing Babbit as GM at DIY Network is Chad Youngblood. He served as senior vice president and GM of Fine Living Network from 2005-2010 before Scripps rebranded that network as the Cooking Channel.
Most recently, he has served as senior vice president of Home Category initiatives for Scripps Networks Interactive, responsible for developing and launching new branded initiatives HGTV and DIY Network, and Scripps Networks Digital in the areas of crafting, gardening and social media.
In his new role as GM at DIY Network, Youngblood will be responsible for supervising all departments including programming, creative services and marketing. In addition, Youngblood will work closely with HGTV to bring about greater collaboration between the two networks.
