History of David Zaslav in Timeline

David Zaslav is an American media executive currently serving as the CEO and president of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). He assumed leadership of Discovery, Inc. in 2006, guiding the company through its initial public offering in 2008. Zaslav played a pivotal role in the merger of Discovery, Inc. and WarnerMedia, which was finalized in April 2022, creating the media conglomerate WBD. As CEO, he is responsible for overseeing the operations and strategic direction of the newly formed company, which includes a vast portfolio of entertainment and media assets.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

January 15, 1960: David Zaslav Born

On January 15, 1960, David Zaslav, the future CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, was born.

Others born on this day/year

1985: Graduation from Boston University School of Law

In 1985, David Zaslav graduated with honors from the Boston University School of Law with a J.D. degree and subsequently began his career as an attorney.

1989: Joins NBC

In 1989, David Zaslav joined NBC and contributed to the development and launch of CNBC and MSNBC, and oversaw content distribution and negotiated for cable and satellite carriage.

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November 16, 2006: Zaslav Becomes CEO of Discovery Communications

On November 16, 2006, David Zaslav succeeded Judith McHale as CEO of Discovery Communications, initiating a strategy shift to position the company as a content company and overseeing the development of new networks.

2006: CEO of Discovery, Inc.

In 2006, David Zaslav became CEO and president of Discovery, Inc.

2008: Discovery Goes Public

In 2008, David Zaslav oversaw Discovery, Inc. as it went public.

2012: Steven J. Ross Humanitarian Award

In 2012, David Zaslav received the Steven J. Ross Humanitarian Award from the United Jewish Appeal Federation (UJA) of New York.

2014: Fred Dressler Leadership Award

In 2014, David Zaslav was awarded the Fred Dressler Leadership Award by Syracuse University's S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.

2014: Discovery Becomes a Fortune 500 Company

In 2014, Discovery became a Fortune 500 company under David Zaslav's leadership.

September 2016: Susan Newhouse & SI Newhouse Award of Hope

In September 2016, David Zaslav was awarded the Susan Newhouse & SI Newhouse Award of Hope for his support of the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD).

2017: Induction into Cable Hall of Fame

In 2017, David Zaslav was inducted into the Cable Hall of Fame.

2018: Member of Cable TV Pioneers Class

In 2018, David Zaslav became a member of the Cable TV Pioneers Class.

2018: Acquisition of Scripps Networks Interactive

In 2018, Discovery, Inc. acquired Scripps Networks Interactive for $14.6 billion, adding new networks including Food Network, HGTV, and DIY Network.

2020: Political Donations

During the 2020 election cycle, David Zaslav donated over $240,000 to Democratic politicians and PACs, and $5,600 to Republican senator Jim Risch.

May 2021: Announcement as CEO of WarnerMedia Merger

In May 2021, it was announced that David Zaslav would become CEO of the merged Discovery and WarnerMedia, succeeding Jason Kilar.

April 8, 2022: Merger Deal Closed

On April 8, 2022, the $43 billion merger deal between Discovery and WarnerMedia closed, with David Zaslav as CEO.

April 2022: Merger with WarnerMedia

In April 2022, Discovery, Inc., under David Zaslav's leadership, merged with WarnerMedia, forming Warner Bros. Discovery.

August 2022: Criticism for Project Cancellations and Content Removal

Beginning in August 2022, David Zaslav received criticism for cancelling projects like 'Batgirl,' 'Coyote vs. Acme,' and 'Scoob! Holiday Haunt,' as well as removing animated programs and live-action shows from streaming platforms, including content from HBO Max, Cartoon Network, and Adult Swim.

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2022: Named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People

In 2022, David Zaslav was named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People.

2022: Appointment of Chris Licht as CEO of CNN

In 2022, as head of Warner Bros. Discovery, David Zaslav appointed Chris Licht as CEO of CNN.

March 23, 2023: Launch of Max Streaming Service in the US

On March 23, 2023, Warner Bros. Discovery launched Max, a combined streaming service, in the US, bringing together the libraries of HBO Max and Discovery+.

August 2023: Appointment of Mark Thompson as CNN Chief

In August 2023, David Zaslav appointed Mark Thompson, former president and CEO of The New York Times and former Director General at the BBC, as the new CNN chief.

September 2023: Estimated Strike Losses

In September 2023, Warner Bros. Discovery estimated that the Hollywood strikes caused losses of $300 million–$500 million for the company.

2023: Zaslav's Compensation

In 2023, David Zaslav's total compensation from Warner Bros. Discovery was $49.7 million.

February 2024: Criticism over 'World's Ultimate Frontier' Production

In February 2024, US congressmen criticized David Zaslav and Discovery for the 'World's Ultimate Frontier' joint production with CGTN, alleging it whitewashed genocide of Uyghurs in Xinjiang.

February 27, 2024: Max Launches in Latin America and the Caribbean

On February 27, 2024, Warner Bros. Discovery launched Max, a combined streaming service, in Latin America and the Caribbean.

May 21, 2024: Max Launches in Parts of EMEA

On May 21, 2024, Warner Bros. Discovery launched Max, a combined streaming service, in parts of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).

2024: Joint Venture to Create Venu Sports

In 2024, David Zaslav partnered with Disney CEO Bob Iger and Fox CEO Lachlan Murdoch in a joint venture to create Venu Sports, a sports streaming service which was later cancelled.