Samples taking the helm at HGTV

Jim Samples has been tapped to be the next President of HGTV, the flagship cable network of Scripps Networks. He will succeed Judy Girard, who has announced plans to retire (7/17/07 TVBR #138). Samples will join HGTV October 1st and work with Girard for a transition period before she retires later this year.
"This is by no means a makeover. It's the best of both worlds as we bring in a proven industry executive to build on the long-running success of one of America's most admired television networks. Like Judy, Jim knows how to create compelling, original programming that viewers love while also broadening the appeal of the brand to attract new audiences," said John Lansing, President of Scripps Networks.
Samples has been in the television industry for nearly 15 years, rising through the ranks of Turner Broadcasting to the position of Executive Vice President and General Manager of Cartoon Network Worldwide.

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