WBD TV executive Kathleen Finch to retire at the end of the year, former Netflix executive Channing Dungey to take over leadership of WBD’s US networks
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19 August 2024
Finch, who began her WBD career at the Food Network after spending 12 years as a journalist at CBS News, helped launch some of the most popular unscripted franchises on HGTV and TLC, turning chefs and house flippers into household names and sparking cultural dialogue with real-life stories.
“There is no one better able to develop compelling content, compelling talent and meaningful lifestyle brands than Kathleen, who was my partner as we built our entertainment networks at Discovery and formed Warner Bros. Discovery,” said David Zaslav, CEO of WBD, in a statement.
Zaslav says Channing is an “unparalleled” creative executive who has overseen countless award-winning hit shows.
“She has the ideal expertise and experience – as a content developer, platform programmer and network manager – to lead the U.S. networks,” he said.
Finch helped transform a small food-focused network into one of cable’s best-known and most-watched brands, which is now a staple on television thanks to the chefs and restaurant owners Finch built, including Bobby Flay and Guy Fieri.
Under her leadership, the Property Brothers – Drew and Jonathan Scott – were also featured on HGTV and have become leading renovation and real estate experts. After Discovery acquired Scripps, Finch served as the company’s Chief Lifestyle Brands Officer, overseeing HGTV, Food Network, TLC, ID and Travel Channel.
In 2022, after founding WBD, Finch took over the helm of Adult Swim and Cartoon Network, as well as cable channels TNT and TBS. Recently, the U.S. networks have been home to several hits, including ID’s multiplatform hit “Quiet on Set” and TLC’s “90 Day Fiancé” franchise, which is available in 216 territories and in 44 languages.
