NEW YORK–After announcing earlier this month that it will rebrand the Fine Living Network into the Cooking Channel, Scripps Network has appointed Food Network executive Michael Smith as general manager of the new channel. The Cooking Channel, scheduled to launch in the third quarter of 2010, will cater to foodies with informational and instructional programming.
Smith has guided Food Network’s creative and brand strategies for the past decade, most recently as senior vice president of marketing. In his new position, he will oversee the development, staffing and production of the Cooking Channel.
Meanwhile, Scripps’ Food Network continues to grow, with expectations to launch in the United Kingdom in this quarter, and then in Europe, Africa and the Middle East in early 2010.