HGTV Co-Founder Bob Baskerville & RIVR Set Up New Studio

RIVR Media is teaming up with HGTV co-founder and Discovery alum Bob Baskerville to launch RIVR Studios, comprised of multiple full-service, Covid-compliant studio spaces in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Opening this summer, RIVR Studios will be a new resource for content producers across series, films, branded content and advertising. Baskerville, formerly executive VP of digital and media operations at Discovery, will serve as president of RIVR Studios.

Kathleen Finch, chief lifestyle brands officer at Discovery, commented: “Rapid industry changes and the impact of Covid have further accelerated the Southeast’s growth as a center for production and talent, resulting in greater need for top-tier facilities in the region. It is exciting to see a leading player such as RIVR Media respond to the increasing demand by opening turnkey studio spaces that promise to be best in class both regionally and nationally.”

RIVR Media’s Dee Haslam and Lori Golden-Stryer commented: “Knoxville has long been a hidden gem in the Southeast as a TV and film hotbed. Seeing its continuing growth over the last year, we identified an exciting opportunity to launch a full-service studio space equipped for all forms of production. Having Bob as president will bring to RIVR Studios unmatched experience in brand building, digital technology and business leadership.”

“Having led RIVR Media to become a world-class producer, Dee and Lori have a keen understanding of the resources needed to create content to the highest standard,” added Baskerville. “There could not be a better time to launch RIVR Studios, which will establish a valuable resource both for their own productions and for content creators across the country.”