Scripps installs Travel Channel boss

Scripps Networks Interactive has named the founding president of US cablenet National Geographic Channel as head of its newly acquired network Travel Channel.

Scripps bought Travel Channel in December and has appointed cable TV veteran Laureen Ong, best known for launching National Geographic Channel, as its president.

She was most recently chief operating officer of Hong Kong-based Star Group, where she headed its media and entertainment operations, though her career in cable stretches back 30 years.

Ong left her chief operating officer role at Star last year after 13 years at the company, a casualty of its parent News Corp restructuring its Asian business. More than 200 Star staff were pink-slipped during the process.

Now back at the head of an international network, Ong said: “The travel category is broad and expansive, and Travel Channel is the only network dedicated to transporting viewers to new places and exciting experiences all around the world. It serves as a trusted source for people who want to satisfy their curiosities.”

In addition to the appointment of Ong, who starts next week, Scripps has confirmed Jonathan Sichel as general manager, a position he had been filling on an interim basis since the acquisition. The pair will work together to build the Travel Channel brand, developing new programming and talent and creating new business opportunities.

Since the network launched in 1994, it has gone on to be transmitted on 20 satellites in 18 languages across Asia-Pacific and EMEA. In February, it launched in New Zealand.