Scripps Taps IBC for Consulting Role

NEW YORK: Scripps Networks International has named Jon Helmrich, the founder and president of International Broadcast Communications (IBC), as a consultant on its global distribution strategy.

The appointment sees Helmrich working directly with Scripps Networks International’s president, Greg Moyer. “Jon’s extensive experience launching channels around the world will be invaluable to Scripps Networks International as we take our domestic brands global,” Moyer said. “Jon will work with me and our business partners to take advantage of opportunities to broaden the footprint of Scripps brands on cable and satellite platforms around the world.”

Scripps Networks International has already launched Food Network in the U.K. and other markets in EMEA, and Fine Living Network across more than 60 EMEA countries. Asia, meanwhile, Scripps Networks Interactive has a joint venture with NDTV Group in India for majority interest in NDTV’s lifestyle programming subsidiary. The joint venture will be anchored by NDTV Good Times, an English-language lifestyle television channel. Scripps Networks Interactive also anticipates launching other lifestyle television channels in India via the NDTV partnership.

“We face a strategic moment in many major markets around the world where an emerging middle class is creating a new generation of aspirational consumers with the power to make decisions about how they live, work and play,” Helmrich said. “Scripps Networks International has a unique opportunity to provide information that is both meaningful and entertaining through their powerful lifestyle brands to serve this marketplace.”