HGTV AND DIY NETWORK ANNOUNCE NEW PROGRAMMING ROLES FOR STEVEN LERNER AND FREDDY JAMES

NEW YORK [For Immediate Release - May 17, 2013] Scripps Networks Interactive announced the promotions of two individuals on the programming team for its top-performing home category brands, HGTV and DIY Network. Steven Lerner has been elevated to senior vice president of programming and production and Freddy James was named senior vice president, strategic development and program integration. Lerner and James are part of the team led by Kathleen Finch, general manager, HGTV and DIY Network.

"HGTV and DIY Network create 1,200 hours of programming annually. Steven and Freddy not only oversee an amazing amount of television, our record-breaking ratings prove it is content that viewers, advertisers and other partners want to be a part of, creating valuable opportunities in this rapidly changing world of content creation," said Finch. "Their collaborative and strategic approach create innovative ways to leverage that content to grow our various businesses and ensure the continued success of HGTV and DIY."

Lerner, who has been with SNI for six years, now oversee the programming efforts at HGTV and DIY Network, as well as lead the New York and Knoxville-based programming teams. During his tenure with Scripps, he has developed many popular talent-driven series, including Buying & Selling, Salvage Dawgs and Rehab Addict. In addition, his experience includes executive producing and directing for a variety of critically acclaimed programs and cable networks, including VH1, Lifetime, FX and PBS. His 20 years in television has garnered him numerous awards including The Peabody Award, Parents' Choice and Factual Entertainment Award.

A 16-year veteran of SNI programming and production, James, who leads the Program Integration Team staff in New York and Knoxville, expands his role in content strategy development around integration, digital convergent content and creating co-branded opportunities with media entities like HGTV Magazine and others. As HGTV and DIY Networks' partners increasingly seek ways to become a part of program content, James' cross-platform strategies will create valuable opportunities to drive revenue and grow the networks' business.

About HGTV

America's leading home and lifestyle brand, HGTV features a top-rated cable network that is distributed to more than 98 million U.S. households and the HGTV website, HGTV.com, the nation's leading online home-and-garden destination that attracts an average of four million unique visitors per month. The brand also includes the HGTV HOME(TM) consumer products line which showcases exclusive collections of paint, flooring, lighting, furniture, plants, fabrics and other home-oriented products. For more information on HGTV HOME branded products and to find a retailer, go to www.hgtvhome.com. In partnership with Hearst Magazines, the HGTV Magazine, a home and lifestyle publication, is currently available on newsstands. Viewers can become fans of HGTV and interact with other home improvement enthusiasts through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. Headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., HGTV is wholly owned by Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. (SNI).