Scripps expands digital activities

US factual channels operator Scripps Networks Interactive (SNI) is expanding the international reach of its digital division Scripps Lifestyle Studios (SLS).

Vikki Neil

The expansion will initially see Scripps Networks’ digital production activities for its brands Food Network, HGTV and Travel Channel extend to the company’s operations in London, Warsaw, Singapore, São Paulo and Miami.

SLS will focus on digital marketing, global content production and “diverse” talent development, SNI said. Digital series currently in production include Comfort Nation, featuring chef Lazarus Lynch, and Enchanted Eats, which will be filmed in the UK.

Its global talent incubation unit, Scripps Lifestyle Experts, launched in June with more than 50 international “influencers.”

“At SLS, we create digital content with the goal of appealing to all regions and including unique perspectives on food, home and travel,” said Vikki Neil, general manager of SLS.

“This global expansion will allow us to diversify our lifestyle content with fresh influences from international staff and talent, and to create new opportunities for international business partners.”

Derek Chang, head of international lifestyle channels for SNI, added: “The global expansion of SLS will allow Scripps Networks to quickly scale a greater global presence for our premier brands, using local expertise to accelerate the creation, distribution, and monetisation of the content while helping source additional content and to identify fresh new talent.”

Scripps Networks’ international division distributes the lifestyle entertainment brands HGTV, DIY Network, Food Network, Cooking Channel, Travel Channel, Fine Living and Asian Food Channel.

It emerged this week that US media giants Discovery Communications and Viacom were in the running to take over SNI, which also owns TVN in Poland.