Former Food Network Exec Joins Turn Card Content

Jake Haelen has been appointed as head of development at Turn Card Content, the joint venture launched last year by Lucky 8 TV (60 Days In) and unscripted producers Audra and Courtney Smith.

Haelen was previously the executive in charge for Food Network and Cooking Channel, leading successful series such as Kids Baking Championship, Holiday Baking Championship, Great Food Truck Race, Mystery Diners and Vinny & Ma Eat America. He has also previously produced the series My Crazy Obsession (TLC) and Bad Ink (A&E).

Working out of Turn Card’s New York City headquarters, Haelen will spearhead the company’s growing slate of lifestyle and prime-time family programming for linear networks and digital platforms.

Audra and Courtney Smith commented: “Jake’s dynamic background in unscripted and his particular expertise in lifestyle and food programming make him ideal to helm Turn Card’s development. As our roster continues to grow and we enter our next chapter, we’re delighted to integrate Jake’s unique vision and passion for storytelling into the Turn Card DNA.”