Katz Nets Taps Hudson, Kelley For Originals

David Hudson has been named executive vice president of original programming for Katz Networks. He will oversee the development and production of all original programming, including all scripted and unscripted series, movies and specials, for Bounce, Brown Sugar, Court TV, Court TV Mystery, Grit and Laff.

Hudson is based in Atlanta and report to Jonathan Katz, president-CEO of Katz Networks, part of the E.W. Scripps Co.

Katz said: “David is an extraordinarily talented and creative programming executive. As we continue to ramp up original content creation for all our networks and services, I’m thrilled to have him join our team and use his experience and skills to create a broad array of engaging and compelling content for consumers.”

Hudson spent a dozen years in ascending positions for TNT and TBS, most recently as SVP, latenight and specials where he oversaw Conan and Lopez Tonight, the Screen Actors Guild Awards show on TNT and TBS and Christmas in Washington on TNT.

Hudson previously led alternative programming and sponsored programming for both networks. Earlier in his tenure at Turner, Hudson oversaw TBS movie franchises such as Dinner and a Movie, managed and programmed the TBS national comedy festivals and oversaw production of TV movies for TBS and TNT.

Before joining Turner, Hudson earned many credits as an executive-in-charge of production, line producer and co-series producer. His credits include Hard Copy, A Current Affair and HBO Entertainment News.

In 1998, Hudson created his own production company to develop reality-based programs. He also served as a budget consultant for network, cable and syndicated programs.

Hudson earned a bachelor’s degree in television production and film from Emerson College. He also graduated from the Executive Leadership Development Program at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management. In 2010, Hudson was named among the Next Wave of Leaders by the National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC).

In assuming his new role, Hudson has hired Sophia Kateris Kelley as SVP of original programming. Kelley held ascending roles across 20 years at Turner Broadcasting System, including heading up digital programming as VP for TBS, TNT and TCM, where she oversaw all content on digital platforms and was involved in the development of digital scheduling systems to address new media.

She also developed and curated brand defining and ground-breaking content with her involvement in lifestyle series Southern Living Presents, cooking show Home Plate, all female cast renovation series Homemakers, storytelling series Liars & Legends, flea market finds on Junkin’ and songwriter series Live From The Bluebird Café.

Kelley was most recently SVP of programming at UPtv, overseeing programming, acquisitions and movie co-productions. She is a graduate of the prestigious WICT Betsy Magness Leadership Institute Class XV and has also served as president of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Southeast Chapter.

“Sophia is a talented and seasoned creative pro. Her experience, ability to build organizations, create growth and manage day to day operations is an invaluable addition. I’m thrilled to have her join our expanding new team,” said Hudson.