Susan M. Swain is to join Discovery Communications’ board of directors, effective December 2016.
She is currently co-CEO of multiplatform public affairs content distributor, C-Span, where she manages content strategy and programming for the public affairs network’s three TV channels, radio station and websites, as well as marketing and education outreach efforts.
Commenting on the development, Robert Miron, chairman of Discovery’s board of directors, said: “Susan Swain has a proven track record of leadership at a highly respected multichannel media organization, as well as decades of accomplishments in strategic operations, consumer engagement and branding.
“Her skills and expertise honed at C-Span will add tremendous value to Discovery’s board as we look to move the company forward in this time of enormous change and opportunity across the industry.”
David Zaslav, president and CEO, Discovery Communications, added: “A strong executive and accomplished cable programmer and author, Susan is a fantastic addition to Discovery’s well-regarded board of directors.
“We welcome her unique perspective, governance and operating expertise as Discovery continues to grow and diversify in new content and digital platforms around the world.”
Swain also serves as an officer of National Cable Satellite Corporation, as a trustee of the C-Span Education Foundation and as a board member of the National Press Foundation. She Swain served as a director of The Talbots, Inc. from 2001 and chairperson of its Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee until the corporation ceased to be a public company in 2012.
She said: “Discovery Communications has a stellar reputation as a well-run, forward-thinking media company.
“I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and working closely with senior leadership and the company’s long-standing dedicated board to help shape the company’s future.”
