Nickelodeon UK poaches Scripps programming exec

Katharina Feistauer

Nickelodeon UK & Ireland has hired a Scripps Networks international VP of programming.

As of July 3, Katharina Feistauer will be VP of programming at Nick UK, reporting to UK and Ireland general manager Alison Bakunowich.

She was previously VP of programming for the UK and EMEA at Scripps.

The news comes in the same week former Nick UK VP of programming Tim Patterson launched a new Dublin office for his London-based indie, Larkshead Media. Animation industry veteran Eamon McElwee will lead that unit.

Feistauer will work under Bakunowich, and be responsible for scheduling, media planning, on-demand and digital platforms.

“I cannot wait for Katharina to join the team,” said Bakunowich. “Her experience and analytical approach to programming will be invaluable as we look to cement our current success over the coming years and grow our business.”

SpongeBob SquarePants channel Nick is currently the number one commercial children’s network in the UK, according to BARB stats.

Feistauer worked at Scripps for two years, leading programming in the UK and EMEA for nine channels, including Travel Channel, Food Network, HGTV and Fine Living Network.

Before that, she held roles at Discovery Networks International and NBCUniversal International Networks.

“Nickelodeon UK & Ireland is in an impressive competitive position, growing share over the last year and broadcasting some of the biggest kids’ series in the UK,” said Feistauer.

“I am looking forward to joining the team to take the network even further and grow audiences across the company’s platforms.”