May 12: HGTV founder to deliver J-school’s spring 2013 commencement address
Ken Lowe, chairman, president and CEO of Scripps Networks Interactive, will deliver the spring commencement address to graduates of the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media on Sunday, May 12, at 3 p.m. in Carmichael Arena.
Lowe — a 1972 graduate of UNC’s radio, television and motion pictures department — founded HGTV in 1994, managed the transformation of Food Network into an American pop-culture icon, presided over the launch of DIY Network and Fine Living Network and guided the acquisition of the Great American Country television network.
He joined Scripps in 1980 as general manager of the company’s radio properties and held its top post from 2000 to July 2008, when Scripps Networks Interactive split from its parent company. He now heads Scripps Networks Interactive, which develops high profile, lifestyle-oriented content for media platforms that include television, digital, mobile and publishing. The company’s portfolio includes popular lifestyle brands HGTV, DIY Network, Food Network, Cooking Channel and Travel Channel, among others. On-air programming is complemented with online video, social media and e-commerce components on companion websites to reach millions of fans worldwide.
Lowe began his career in radio with Southern Broadcasting in 1969 and continued with various management positions in radio and television with Harte-Hanks Broadcasting in the late 1970s.
Lowe serves on the board of directors of the National Cable & Telecommunications Association, the Paley Center for Media and various business development organizations. He was inducted into the N.C. Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2007.
For more information about the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media spring 2013 commencement ceremony, visit jomc.unc.edu/commencement or contact Megan Garrett at megan.garrett@unc.edu or 919.962.6881.