Ascher upped to oversee A+E Originals

A+E Networks has promoted one of its executives to expand his remit over the company’s original programming.

Steve Ascher

Steve Ascher has been named senior VP of production and development for A+E Originals, which he helped to launch last year, initially as VP.

A+E Originals focuses on producing unscripted content for the company’s networks, including A&E, History and Lifetime, and has signed overall deals with talent such as Leah Remini and Gretchen Carlson. It is also seeking coproduction deals internationally.

Ascher joined A+E in 2013 as executive producer for History, working on shows such as Forged in Fire, Pawn Stars and Alcatraz: Search for the Truth. Before that he worked at NBC News.

Paul Buccieri, president of A+E Networks Group, said A+E Originals “has grown considerably in a short period of time” under Ascher’s guidance.

“His team has been active on several fronts, from developing original content for our channels to forging talent deals, and forming coproduction partnerships,” he said.