Former Cartoon Network Exec Tapped as Head of HGTV

KNOXVILLE, September 12:
Jim Samples, most recently the general manager and executive VP of Cartoon
Network Worldwide, has been named as president of Scripps-owned HGTV, effective
October 1.

Samples will succeed Judy
Girard, who earlier this year announced her retirement after more than 10 years
with Scripps Networks, and the two will work in conjunction before Girard steps
down later this year. Samples will report directly to Burton Jablin, the
executive VP of Scripps Networks overseeing content and brand strategy for all
the networks. Samples will work closely with Scripps Networks’ budding interactive
group, as well as the company’s new business development team to create new
growth opportunities and brand extensions for HGTV.

In his previous position
as the executive VP and general manager for Cartoon Network Worldwide, Samples
is credited with the creation and rollout for the network’s late-night
adult-animation franchise, Adult Swim. He also served as general manager for
Cartoon Network Online, during which time traffic to the site increased by more
than 230 percent.