Years in Cable: 19
Education: Stanford University
The newly expanded Discovery family has no shortage of brand experts, with these three wise women leading the way. Based on her dazzling track record at Scripps, Discovery named Finch to the lifestyles post at the combined company, with oversight over 11 networks, including the addition of ID and TLC to her existing Scripps roster, as well as Discovery’s lifestyle digital studio. Former TLC chief Daniels also comes up roses in the merger, taking the reins for all Discovery Channel and Science Channel doings. The Animal Planet brand has moved to a global leadership structure, with UK-based Dinnage at the helm. Look for her to make strides in increasing the digital footprint via direct-to-consumer offerings for animal lovers and mobile-friendly short-form content.
Your social media platform of choice? I’m a Twitter junkie. I follow an eclectic mix of media pundits, comedians, politicians, press outlets and writers, and I check in to see what they’re all tweeting about way, way too many times a day.
Favorite shortform content? I love watching extravagant cakes getting decorated. I’m not a baker and don’t even like sweets, but I’m a sucker for a mesmerizing frosting video.
What’s the first thing you read in the morning? My day begins with Brian Stelter’s CNN newsletter. I’m a former journalist and serious news addict, and Brian’s round up of all the outlets and their daily coverage is my bible.
Last show I binged not on my network(s): “The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling” on HBO. It’s a compelling four-and-a-half hours, perfect for an afternoon binge.
Favorite podcast: “WTF with Marc Maron.” He books interesting celebrity guests and then conducts long, sometimes convoluted interviews that delve into frank topics.