Discovery hires Twitter’s head of TV

Discovery Communications has appointed an executive credited with building Twitter’s TV business as its senior VP of digital content and social.

Fred Graver

Fred Graver has joined the US media giant in the New York-based role and will report to Karen Leever, executive VP and general manager, digital media at Discovery Communications.

Graver most recently served as global head of TV for Twitter. In his new role, he will oversee the digital network teams across Discovery’s US portfolio to extend the brand’s reach in all digital media platforms.

“As a creative visionary, he is perfectly suited to drive our networks’ digital and social strategies forward as we continue to pursue our goal of creating iconic Discovery content for audiences across all platforms,” said Leever.

Graver oversaw Twitter’s efforts to work with broadcasters, showrunners and talent to use the social media platform to engage audiences and increase ratings on shows such as The Voice and Big Brother.

Prior to Twitter, Graver served as executive VP, programming at Travel Channel and as a senior VP at MTV Networks.

Discovery Communications has been building up its presence on social media in recent years by partnering with companies such as Snap to develop original video series.