Karen Leever

EVP & GM, Digital Media, Discovery Communications

After joining the company last October, Leever spearheaded Discovery’s TV Everywhere streaming service, Discovery GO, in the U.S. She also champions its VR platform as well as the new and improved digital Seeker brand, which creates more than 3,000 web-native pieces to feed curious young minds. Moving forward, Leever will continue to enhance Discovery GO and will develop new virtual reality and Seeker-specific content. Leever also enjoys being a mentor for young women; currently she mentors two young Discovery employees and coaches many from her past 10 years in the industry. Her biggest cable story of 2016? “The Rio Olympic digital coverage that drove millions of unique users and billions of streaming minutes. A true win for everyone working very hard in the industry to make TVE a great customer experience.”

Which current programming best reflects the kind of women’s roles you like to see and why?

Love the equal partnership Chip and Joanna Gaines share on HGTV”s “Fixer Upper.” Joanna is not only smart, talented  and very driven, but she also is a mom who seems to have figured out the perfect work life balance.

What advice would you give your 13-year-old self?

Growing up the daughter of a school principal… “It’s completely ok to be disruptive. Some of the best ideas will come…”

What’s been the biggest story in cable this year

I would say the Rio Olympic digital coverage that drove millions of unique users and billions of streaming minutes.  A true win for everyone working very hard in the industry to make TVE a great customer experience.