TLC Hires Ex-Animal Planet GM Rick Holzman to Run Programming Department

Rick Holzman is back at Discovery, Inc. TLC has hired the former Animal Planet general manager to run its programming department.

“Rick is a consumer-insights driven, results-oriented programming executive who has made an indelible mark on numerous brands under the Discovery umbrella and across the industry during his exceptional career,” said Howard Lee, president and general manager of TLC, and to whom Holzman will report. “Rick’s deep expertise in growing multi-platform brands and developing fan-focused content and scheduling strategies, combined with his passion for Discovery brands, make him the perfect choice to oversee program strategy for TLC.”

In his new role, Holzman is responsible for planning, directing and executing TLC’s multi-platform programming strategy and scheduling, per the cable channel. He’ll also manage the integration of all revenue-related functions, including ad sales, distribution, digital and finance.

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Holzman was recently general manager of Discovery’s Animal Planet. Before his decade under that corporate umbrella, Holzman held senior programming positions at MTV Networks and NBCUniversal Television.

“TLC is an incredible brand and I am proud to return to the Discovery family to join a remarkably creative team under Howard’s leadership,” said Holzman. “As a long-time fan of TLC, I am excited to build on the network’s already tremendous momentum.”

Holzman, who returns to Discovery after working independently for a little while, is based at the company’s New York headquarters.

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