Discovery Communications has elevated Deborah Adler Myers to general manager, Science Channel and executive vice president, Discovery Emerging Networks.
In this newly created position, Myers will lead the development, production, scheduling, research, marketing and communications efforts for Science Channel, with responsibilities for driving the revenue and ratings for the brand. Moreover, she will continue to oversee all programming and development for Investigation Discovery, Military Channel and HD Theater.
Myers joined Discovery Emerging Networks in March 2008 and during her tenure has attracted experts and personalities to the channels, including major development and programming deals for Science Channel with Morgan Freeman, Whoopi Goldberg, Popular Science Magazine and physicist Michio Kaku. In addition, she brought in major new faces for Investigation Discovery, signing programming pacts with Paula Zahn, Aphrodite Jones and Whoopi Goldberg.
Myers also launched more than 40 new series and specials in the past year, including 20 for Science Channel alone and has developed the largest-ever upfront programming slate in Science Channel's history. Under her programming leadership, first quarter 2009 was Science Channel's best quarter ever for major demos and March marked the seventh consecutive month of year-over-year growth.
For its part, Investigation Discovery became the fastest-growing network in cable, with 14 consecutive months of gains since the channel launch in January 2008 and double- digit ratings growth for the target demographic.
"Debbie is an exceptional leader who has created excitement for her brands through creative deal making, rapid and smart development and unbridled enthusiasm for the networks," said Clark Bunting, president and general manager, Discovery Emerging Networks, to whom Myers reports, in a statement. "In just one year, she has created great momentum, especially for Science Channel and Investigation Discovery, leading the charge as we unlock the full potential of these brands."
