Scripps Networks International Sets Up Program Sales & Distribution Unit

NEW YORK: Scripps Networks International has created a new in-house international program sales and distribution department, which will be led by Hud Woodle.

Woodle will serve as VP of international program licensing and distribution. He reports to Simone Nardi, the chief financial officer for international. The role sees Woodle managing all aspects of the company's program sales and content distribution to third-party broadcasters outside the U.S. He and his team will be working with the division's regional managing directors in London, Singapore and São Paulo. Woodle will also oversee program delivery operations for the company's international owned-and-operated channels.

“As Scripps Networks’ international business continues to expand, bringing our international program sales and distribution function in-house enables us to more closely coordinate our international and regional channel and programming priorities,” said Nardi. “As the global media leader in home, food and travel, Scripps Networks offers premium aspirational content that resonates with a global audience. Combining genuine storytelling and compelling experts with high entertainment value is what makes our content a must-have for programmers.”

“Hud is a consummate professional who has an in-depth knowledge of Scripps Networks International as well as the overarching international pay-TV landscape. His past experiences of helping establish our channel business across Asia Pacific and maximizing international program sales opportunities make him uniquely positioned to lead this new effort,” continued Nardi.

Passion Distribution has been representing Scripps Networks since 2010, and will continue to partner with Scripps Networks. Passion's exclusive representation deal with Scripps runs through to March 2015; the company will continue to represent a Scripps catalogue until September 2016.