ORLANDO, Fla. (August 21, 2012) – Longtime Discovery Communications executive David Schaefer has been named to the newly created position of vice president of communications for Golf Channel. The announcement was made today by Golf Channel President Mike McCarley.
In this newly created role, Schaefer will lead the network’s communications team, joining Dan Higgins and Jeremy Friedman, to capitalize on Golf Channel’s record growth and its standing as the U.S.’s fastest growing television network among those in more than 80 million households. Schaefer will report to McCarley and be based out of Golf Channel’s studios in Orlando.
“David is a strategic thinker with deep television industry knowledge, and his experience with Discovery will bring an innovative approach to the way we connect the world to golf,” said McCarley. “David’s experience and track record speak for themselves, and we look forward to him leading Golf Channel’s communications strategy at such an exciting time for the company.”
“As I begin this next chapter of my professional career, I am enthused by the opportunity to combine my passion for television with my love of golf,” said Schaefer. “I consider myself fortunate to be joining another world-class media organization and working with an incredible communications team to capitalize on Golf Channel’s remarkable success.”
Schaefer had been with Discovery for the past 13 years, working in a variety of communications capacities across Discovery’s portfolio, including Discovery Channel, TLC, Investigation Discovery, Animal Planet, Military Channel, HD Theater, and Discovery Kids. In his most recent role, Schaefer contributed to the launch of Investigation Discovery, which has experienced tremendous growth in ratings and subscriptions over the past few years.
Throughout his tenure at Discovery Communications, Schaefer steadily rose in his leadership of communications and talent relations functions for several successful series and channel launches. He began with Discovery Channel in 1999, tasked with promoting a wide range of programming that was highlighted by Shark Week, Monster Garage, and American Chopper. In 2004, he was promoted to manager of talent relations, overseeing projects for Discovery Channel’s expanding roster of one-of-a-kind hosts, including Animal Planet’s famed “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin. After a stint with TLC, Schaefer was tapped to join the Emerging Networks group, which was responsible for turning Discovery Times Channel into Investigation Discovery, shepherding HD Theater’s transition to Velocity, and relaunching Planet Green as Destination America. In 2011, Schaefer was promoted to senior director of communications and continued to focus on raising the profile of Investigation Discovery and Military Channel.
A graduate of Pennsylvania State University, Schaefer possesses a passion for golf, which unfortunately doesn’t contribute to lowering his handicap. He is relocating to Orlando from Washington, D.C., with his wife, Linda.
-NBC Sports Group-
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