John Ford to Lead Programming at ION

NEW YORK: Former Discovery executive John Ford has been named president of programming at ION Media Networks.

Ford joins the network’s senior management team, tasked with overseeing all aspects of ION’s content activities, including acquisitions, originals, scheduling and creative strategy. He will work closely with Marc Zand, who takes on an expanded role as executive VP of content acquisitions and digital networks. Zand will oversee the network’s TV series and movie acquisitions and negotiation activities reporting to Ford, while also continuing to lead ION’s digital channels Qubo and ION Life.

At Discovery, Ford had been responsible for the creative and business strategies and management for the channel. He also served as the president and general manager of Discovery Times Channel and Military Channel. Prior to this, Ford was the executive VP of programming at National Geographic Channel.

“John’s seasoned experience brings a whole new creative perspective to ION, including his background in acquisitions, unscripted reality content, major events and co-productions,” said Brandon Burgess, the CEO of ION Media Networks. “All these content sources are on the table as ION builds upon its growth momentum and looks to extend its television franchise in the years to come.”

“ION is a great environment to serve loyal entertainment TV audiences in the network’s growing 25-to-54 fan base,” commented Ford. “I look forward to drawing on ION’s impressive distribution across broadcast, cable, satellite and telco households to serve and grow this core demographic.”