Weigel Taps Donna D’Alessandro As EVP Of Content

Weigel Broadcasting Co. today hired veteran programming executive Donna D’Alessandro as EVP, head of content. In her new role, D’Alessandro will report to Neal Sabin, vice chairman of Weigel Broadcasting Co. and be engaged in all current and future programming initiatives for Weigel’s suite of broadcast networks including MeTV, Heroes & Icons, Start TV, decades and Movies! as well as future strategies and projects.

“Donna joins Weigel with a wealth of programming experience on multiple platforms and levels,” said Sabin.  “Her energy, attitude and ability to innovate and motivate will serve our networks, viewers, staff and advertisers well.”

D’Alessandro begins her new role after nine years at Discovery Inc., most recently in the role of SVP of factual programming for Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and Science Channel.

During her tenure, D’Alessandro was an instrumental part of the launch of Discovery’s new streaming service, Discovery+, leading content planning and strategies for factual networks. She helped achieve record-breaking performances for tentpole events, Shark Week and Puppy Bowl and series that include Expedition Unknown, Mysteries of the Abandoned, Naked & Afraid, Gold Rush and Crikey! It’s The Irwins.

D’Alessandro was the creator of “Motor Mondays,: a destination night that attracted the men 18-49 demo with 52 weeks of car content (Fast N’ Loud / Street Outlaws) and executive producer of the annual I Was Prey Shark Week” special and new series Billy Buys Brooklyn.

Before joining Discovery, D’Alessandro was vice president of programming and strategy at BET Networks and earlier she served as director of program planning at Bravo.