Karen Leever

Since joining Discovery in October of last year, Leever has championed the company’s first TV Everywhere offering, Discovery GO, and the company’s virtual reality portfolio, Discovery VR. She comes from DirecTV where she spent a decade, most recently as SVP, Digital and Direct Sales. There she was behind the launch of the satcaster’s first responsive TVE streaming product and its OTT service NFLSundayTicket.tv. In three years she believes “virtual reality will be more mainstream, putting viewers right in the experience, whether it’s a riveting natural history show or live sporting event or concert.”

What does the multiscreen experience look like in 3 years?

It will finally start to become effortless. TVE experiences will dramatically evolve, making it easier to seamlessly to watch anywhere. At the same time, virtual reality will be more mainstream – putting viewers right in the experience, whether it’s a riveting natural history show or live sporting event or concert. Finally, great storytelling, like we do at Discovery, will continue to transcend platforms by engaging viewers and incorporating their input and participation to create new programming and revenue opportunities.

How do you keep yourself and your team engaged and informed on the changing multiscreen universe?

We start by hiring the best of the best – true subject matter experts that have a desire to always go deeper, as well as knowledge and skills that they are excited to share across teams. Additionally, Discovery is always future-focused, investing in and partnering with innovative companies, which provides a dynamic environment for personal and business advancement.

What are your 3 go-to apps?

Discovery GO, New York Times and Words with Friends