Scripps Networks Interactive Continues to Build Its International Footprint
By Kate Bulkley
For MIPTV April 04, 2012
Food Network UK is renewing its first two original commissions for second seasons set to air in late 2012.
Fresh from its purchase of The Travel Channel International last month, HGTV and The Food Network owner, Scripps Networks Interactive, turned up in Cannes for the MipTV market hungry for more: “Clearly what the purchase of The Travel Channel International means is that international is a key priority for us,” said Bob Baskerville, chief operating officer international of Scripps Networks International. “We're not done yet and there’s a lot more to come.”
Baskerville explained that while the U.S. business is successful, it is a “mature” business and that new growth has to come from outside the U.S. The company which has just over $2 billion in revenues is especially keen to grow in Asia and Latin America where economies are on more of a growth curve than in many western and northern counterparts.
Nick Thorogood, managing director for Scripps-owned Food Network UK, also announced the recommissioning of the UK channel’s first two original commissions, Andy Bates Street Feasts and Reza, Spice Prince of India, for second seasons. In addition, Reza will also front a new show. Chef and star of South African radio show The Giggling Gourmet Jenny Morris has also been given a cooking show being developed for Food Network’s channel in South Africa. It will be shot on location in Morocco. Thorogood also said that Andy Bates is a “rising star” for the channel, being recently nominated for a Royal Television Society Award in the UK.