Discovery promotes Naked exec

Discovery Channel in the US has upped one of its execs behind Naked & Afraid and Deadliest Catch to work across the network’s production and development slate.

Joseph Boyle has been named VP of production and development for Discovery and will continue to be based in LA, reporting to Chris Rantamaki, senior VP of production and development.

Boyle joined Discovery in 2013 and has worked on shows including Treasure Quest, Naked & Afraid XL and recent entrant Cooper’s Treasure.

“Joe’s passion, coupled with his strong track record of cultivating successful series, makes him an important addition to our senior team,” said Denise Contis, exec VP of production and development.

Boyle was most recently senior director of production and development at Discovery. Prior to joining the US network, he was a showrunner at Original Productions and oversaw productions for TLC, Animal Planet, Science Chanel, History and Syfy.

The network’s parent, Discovery Communications, has been rejigging its programming departments over the past 12 months, focusing on local production and content.

The changes have seen several execs leave the broadcaster, including president of content at Discovery Networks International (DNI) Marjorie Kaplan, who exited last year after more than 20 years with the company.

As part of the rejig, DNI also got rid of its Northern Europe arm, which was overseen by Dee Forbes until she moved to Irish broadcaster RTÉ, while DNI chief creative officer Phil Craig left last year and has not been replaced.