Steven Lerner

SVP, Programming & Development

HGTV, DIY Network and Great American Country

Steven Lerner is the senior vice president of programming for Scripps Networks Interactive’s Home Category brands – HGTV, DIY Network and Great American Country. In this role, Lerner oversees the programming efforts at all three networks, as well as leads the New York and Knoxville-based programming teams. He is responsible for facilitating original programming ideas, and managing several series, specials and pilots currently in production. Lerner is also charged with identifying new talent and collaborating with Canadian and other international co-productions and acquisitions.

Lerner’s creativity and oversight has helped lead HGTV and DIY Network to record ratings with notable series and talent, including the successful launches of HGTV’s Rehab Addict, Property Brothers and Buying & Selling, as well as DIY Network’s Blog Cabin, Renovation Realities, Salvage Dawgs and Million Dollar Contractor. Lerner joined Scripps Networks Interactive as a director of programming in 2008.

Lerner is a veteran in the television industry with more than 20 years of experience. His portfolio of experience ranges from working as the show runner of the successful cable series My Big Redneck Wedding to executive producing and directing for a variety of critically acclaimed programs on networks including VH1, Nickelodeon, Lifetime, USA, FX and PBS.

Throughout his career, Lerner’s creativity and vision have been rewarded through numerous awards, including a 2010 Factual Entertainment Award for Best Home Programming (Disaster House); Parents’ Choice Award (2005, 2001-03); Shine Award (2004); Cable Positive Pop Award (2004); Peabody Award (2003); and Beacon Award (2001 and 2004).

Lerner holds a bachelor’s degree in cinema from Ithaca College and currently resides in Knoxville, Tenn., with his wife, two daughters and three pets.

Speaking at: The Cold, Hard Truth: Busting Myths about the US and UK Markets