Discovery Communications names Angela Shapiro-Mathes president and general manager, TLC

Veteran Television Executive Will Run Discovery’s First Bi-Coastal Brand --

(Los Angeles, CA) – Discovery Communications has named Angela Shapiro-Mathes President and General Manager, TLC. The announcement was made today by David Zaslav, president and CEO of Discovery Communications, at Discovery’s Los Angeles Upfront presentation.

Shapiro-Mathes is currently president of Fox Television Studios, responsible for the company’s scripted, alternative, digital media and international divisions.

As president and general manager of TLC, Shapiro-Mathes will lead all key business functions at the network, including development, programming, production, new media, marketing, research and communications, and will work in partnership with ad sales and affiliate sales to generate revenue and increase the value of the TLC brand.

“With an enormous depth of experience running Fox Television Studios, ABC Family and ABC Daytime, Angela has a record of achievement that few can match. Key to all these positions is her unique ability to create content and brands, and broker advertising, new media and marketing partnerships,” said Zaslav to whom Shapiro-Mathes will report. “Discovery’s ability to attract top talent demonstrates the incredible strength of our brands. We are the number one nonfiction entertainment company in the world and with Angela at the helm, TLC is positioned to truly break out as a category leader.”

“Discovery Communications has amassed a group of some of the industry’s most respected and established brands,” said Shapiro-Mathes. “David Zaslav has an unquestionable passion for and commitment to this company, and together, we share a vision for the future of TLC. I am thrilled for the opportunity to be working with him.”

Shapiro-Mathes joins TLC as the network sees a resurgence in audience growth and brand strength. Most recently, TLC launched the new season of LITTLE PEOPLE, BIG WORLD to its highest-ever ratings and audience delivery and created a destination night for men on Thursday nights with the move of AMERICAN CHOPPER to TLC’s TURBO block. The network has experienced 13 consecutive months of year-on-year audience growth and established hit series like MIAMI INK and WHAT NOT TO WEAR.

Beginning July 1, Shapiro-Mathes will run DCI’s first bi-coastal network and will be based in Los Angeles. The network will have a presence in both LA and at DCI world headquarters in Silver Spring, MD. Deepening existing relationships with the LA creative community and forging new ones, Shapiro-Mathes will be charged with establishing TLC as a first in line destination for innovative content, working with the best nonfiction entertainment creators in the country.

Since 2004, Angela has served as president of Fox Television Studios, responsible for the company’s scripted, alternative, digital media and international divisions. Under her leadership, FtvS has produced such series as the critically acclaimed The Shield and The Riches for FX. Currently in production are Crowned for The CW; Burn Notice for USA; and Saving Grace, starring Academy Award-winner Holly Hunter, for TNT. Other programming includes Duets (produced by Simon Cowell, with whom FtvS maintains an overall development deal) and Talkshow with Spike Feresten for FOX; and The Girls Next Door for E!. Additionally, Regency Television, a joint venture between New Regency and Fox Television Studios, is currently piloting Mr. & Mrs. Smith for ABC; and The Return of Jezebel James and New Amsterdam for FOX. During her tenure, the studio established production studios in the UK, France, India and other international territories.

Prior to joining Fox, Angela was president of The Walt Disney Company’s ABC Family television channel, responsible for day-to-day operations, including creative direction, programming, business affairs, finance, scheduling, on-air-promotions, marketing, publicity and research. In 2000 she became president of Buena Vista Productions, serving simultaneously as president of ABC Daytime. In 1988 she co-founded and published “Soap Opera Update” magazine, and in 1975, co-founded and published “Soap Opera Digest.” Previously, she was co-owner of Brookville Marketing/Greybark Advertising, an in-house marketing/television advertising agency that specialized in direct response. In that capacity she helped create and market products such as the pop-culture phenomenon “Mood Ring.”