David M. Zaslav

David Zaslav sets the strategy and oversees all operations of the world’s number one nonfiction media company that empowers people to explore their world and satisfy their curiosity. Discovery Communications’ 100-plus TV networks reach more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in over 170 countries and its websites attract more than 35 million combined unique visitors per month.

Since taking the helm at Discovery in January 2007, Zaslav has executed a number of initiatives that have focused the organization on growth, performance and operational efficiency. He directed a strategic effort to clarify and strengthen Discovery’s world-class brands, highlighted by a partnership with Oprah Winfrey to launch OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network, a multi-platform joint venture coming to 67 million homes in late 2009 or early 2010 with a mission to empower, entertain and uplift. He launched Planet Green, Discovery’s cross-company initiative committed to documenting, preserving, and celebrating the planet including the only 24-hour eco-lifestyle TV network. He also drove Discovery’s digital media strategy through the acquisitions of HowStuffWorks.com, the leading online source of high-quality, unbiased, and easy-to-understand explanations of how the world actually works, and Treehugger.com, the leading eco-lifestyle website.

Prior to Discovery, Zaslav had a distinguished career at NBC Universal. As president of Cable and Domestic TV and New Media Distribution, Zaslav oversaw content distribution to all forms of TV, led negotiations for cable and satellite carriage of NBC Universal networks, and forged innovative new-media partnerships, including a pioneering video-on-demand deal with the leading cable operator, Comcast. Zaslav also brought films and TV shows to consumers through new paths including the Internet, cell phones and other wireless devices.

Zaslav joined NBC in 1989 and was instrumental in developing and launching CNBC that same year. He played a key role in creating MSNBC in 1996. His responsibilities extended to Bravo, CNBC World, SCI FI, ShopNBC, Sleuth, Telemundo, Telemundo Puerto Rico, mun2, Trio, Universal HD, USA Network, NBC Weather Plus and the Olympics on cable. Zaslav also oversaw NBC Universal’s interests in A&E, The History Channel, The Biography Channel, National Geographic International, the Sundance Channel and TiVo.

Before joining NBC, Zaslav was an attorney with the New York firm of LeBouef, Lamb, Leiby & MacRae. He graduated with honors from Boston University School of Law. Zaslav serves on the boards of the National Cable & Telecommunications Association, The Cable Center, Center for Communication, and TiVo. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees for the Paley Center for Media and an Honorary Chair of Cable Positive. Previously he was an adjunct professor at Fordham University, where he created and taught a graduate-level course on the business of cable television.

In 2007, Zaslav received a Trustees Award for Lifetime Achievement from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.