Discovery forms TLC production unit

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*Discovery forms TLC production unit Discovery Networks International (DNI) has set up a production and development unit charged with creating content for the international roll-out of entertainment and lifestyle network TLC. Discovery has hired Jon Sechrist, exec producer of TLC's series Cake Boss, and Pulse Films executive and formats specialist Sarah Thornton to work at the new unit, which will target women aged 25-49 and be overseen by DNI's senior VP and international head of content Luis Silberwasser. "The international launch of TLC is a key priority for Discovery, and one of the drivers for success will be creating compelling local content," said Silberwasser. "We will focus our efforts on creating distinct programming designed specifically for TLC on an international and local level." DNI's VP of programming Darcy Tomlin will run the day-to-day operations for TLC International from Discovery's Silver Spring headquarters. Sechrist, based in New York, will focus on the production and development of lifestyle programming across all international markets. Thornton has been named head of development and production for TLC across EMEA and is based in London. Discovery is planning to launch TLC internationally in more than 75 countries in 2011, having begun the roll-out with a launch in Norway this March. Discovery aims to eventually reach more than 100 million households. *