Scripps strengthens programming team

Lifestyle media network Scripps Networks Interactive has promoted Carl Zuzarte as senior vice president of programming and production, Raphael Phang as head of programming and Elise Ching, programme acquisitions director.Zuzarte will now assume overall responsibility for all four of Scripps Networks’ brands, including Asian Food Channel, Food Network, Travel Channel and HGTV, with the programming and production team reporting to him. In his new role, Zuzarte will be working across all four brands to leverage programming content, on-air talent and digital programming extensions to develop compelling and relevant content.Phang, who currently leads programming for HGTV and Travel Channel, has been promoted to head of programming across all of Scripps Networks Interactive brands in Asia-Pacific. She will be tasked to drive the strategic direction across all four channels, spearheading the planning and execution within the programming function to improve integration and efficiency.In a newly created role, Ching will report to Phang, and will work closely to enhance the current content as well as identify new programming and commissioning opportunities in the region."Priority for the Asia-Pacific region this year is the global integration of our unit within the greater Scripps Networks family, focused on creating tighter relationships between programming and other functions of the business, particularly marketing and sales,” Derek Chang, managing director, Scripps Networks Interactive, Asia-Pacific, said."The promotions we are making today are proven executives whose abilities have propelled the success of the Scripps brand. They will be instrumental as we continue to further position our brands to connect key programming priorities with consumers across Asia."