David Zaslav

Early life

David Zaslav was born into a Jewish family in New York City's Brooklyn borough on January 15, 1960. His family was part of the diaspora from Poland and Ukraine. At the age of eight, he moved with his family to Ramapo, New York, where he graduated from Ramapo High School. He earned a B.S. from Binghamton University, then graduated with honors from the Boston University School of Law with a J.D. in 1985. He started his career as an attorney with LeBoeuf, Lamb, Lieby and MacRae in New York.

Career

NBCUniversal

Zaslav joined NBC in 1989. As president of Cable and Domestic TV and New Media Distribution, he helped develop and launch CNBC and MSNBC, oversaw content distribution to all forms of TV, negotiated for cable and satellite carriage of NBCUniversal networks and forged media partnerships.

His responsibilities extended to Bravo, CNBC World, SCI FI, ShopNBC, Sleuth, Telemundo, Telemundo Puerto Rico, mun2, Trio, Universal HD, USA Network, NBC Weather Plus and the Olympics on cable.

Zaslav also oversaw NBCUniversal's interests in A&E, The History Channel, The Biography Channel, National Geographic International, the Sundance Channel and TiVo.

Discovery, Inc.

Zaslav became CEO of Discovery Communications in November 16, 2006, succeeding Judith McHale. Zaslav instigated a shift in strategy by the company, aiming to see itself as a "content company" rather than a "cable company" by bolstering its main networks (such as its namesake Discovery Channel) as multi-platform brands. As CEO, Zaslav oversaw the development and launch of new networks such as Planet Green (later rebranded as Destination America), The Hub, Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), Velocity (later rebranded as MotorTrend), and Investigation Discovery, as well as the company's 2018 acquisition of Scripps Networks Interactive, expansion of its digital education operations, and launch of streaming service discovery+.

Under his direction, Discovery began trading as a public company in 2008, became a Fortune 500 company in 2014 and acquired Scripps Networks Interactive in 2018 for $14.6 billion, becoming Discovery, Inc with new networks including Food Network, HGTV, and DIY Network.

Warner Bros. Discovery

In May 2021, it was announced that Zaslav would serve as CEO of a proposed merger of Discovery with a spin-out of AT&T's WarnerMedia, succeeding Jason Kilar. The $43 billion deal was closed on April 8, 2022. Zaslav's executive compensation package includes an annual salary of $3 million with an annual $22 million bonus. In his contract extension, Zaslav also received stock options valued at $190 million. In 2023, Zaslav's total compensation from Warner Bros. Discovery was $49.7 million, representing a CEO-to-median worker pay ratio of 290-to-1.

Under Zaslav's direction, Warner Bros. Discovery launched Max, a combined streaming offering that brought together the libraries of HBO Max and Discovery+. The service debuted in the US on March 23, 2023, in Latin America and the Caribbean on February 27, 2024, and in parts of EMEA on May 21, 2024, with additional international markets to follow.

Since August 2022, Zaslav received massive criticism from consumers and industry figures for his decision to cancel projects in order to claim tax write-offs. Some of these projects were "practically finished" or in the late stages of post-production, including Batgirl, Coyote vs. Acme and Scoob! Holiday Haunt. Zaslav also received backlash for the removal of many titles from HBO Max and other digital platforms, including Final Space, Tig n' Seek, Elliott from Earth, The Nevers, Infinity Train, Summer Camp Island, The Fungies!, Close Enough, Westworld, The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo, most Cartoon Network and Adult Swim titles, all of HBO Max's previously available Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies shorts, and nearly 200 episodes of Sesame Street. Infinity Train creator Owen Dennis remarked that many of these programs were now effectively "lost media".

As head of Warner Bros. Discovery, Zaslav appointed Chris Licht as CEO of CNN in 2022. With Zaslav's support, Licht implemented changes at CNN that sought to shift to a "journalism first" focus. In August 2023, 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.

During the 2023 Hollywood labor disputes, David Zaslav said that Warner Bros. Discovery and other Hollywood studios were "not glad" that the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes had occurred and that the company was working to resolve the strike and compensate writers and actors fairly. According to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA, the demands of their workers would cost WBD an estimated $47 million. In September 2023, WBD estimated that the strike caused losses of $300 million–$500 million for the company.

In February 2024, a group of US congressmen sent a letter to Zaslav criticizing World's Ultimate Frontier, a joint production between Discovery and Chinese state media outlet China Global Television Network (CGTN), for "whitewashing genocide" of the Uyghurs in Xinjiang. They called on Discovery to "suspend this partnership with CGTN immediately and to abstain from entering into any similar partnership with any other agent of CCP influence."

Zaslav partnered with Disney CEO Bob Iger and Fox CEO Lachlan Murdoch in a joint venture to create a sports streaming service, named Venu Sports, that would be run by former Apple executive Pete Distad. The service was originally expected to launch in the fall of 2024, but was ultimately cancelled.

Separation plans

In June 2025, it was announced that Warner Bros. Discovery would separate into two distinct public companies, Streaming & Studios and Global Networks. The decision was made to provide both entities with stronger focus and strategic flexibility to better compete in the “evolving media landscape.”

In December 2025, it was announced that Warner Bros. would be entering exclusive talks with Netflix to be sold for $72 billion.

Boards and other activities

Zaslav serves on the boards of Sirius XM, American Cinematheque, Grupo Televisa, and Syracuse University. He also is a member of the board of trustees for the Paley Center for Media. Syracuse University and is on the Board of Overseers for NYU Langone Health. He is a member of the Executive Branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and is also a member of the Television Academy.

In 2012, he received the Steven J. Ross Humanitarian Award from the United Jewish Appeal Federation (UJA) of New York which honors people of vision, energy and sustained achievement in the entertainment, media and communications industries. In 2014, Zaslav was awarded the Fred Dressler Leadership Award by Syracuse University's S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. In September 2016, Zaslav was awarded the Susan Newhouse & SI Newhouse Award of Hope for his support of the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD).

In 2017, Zaslav was inducted into the Cable Hall of Fame and is a member of the Cable TV Pioneers Class of 2018. In 2022, he was named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People.

Personal life

Zaslav lives in New York City with his wife Pam and their three children. His daughter, Ali, is a congressional producer with CNN.

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

References

References

1. {{YouTube. LCNBC's Full Interview With Luis Discovery CEO David Zaslav
2. (May 17, 2021). "AT&T announces $43 billion deal to merge WarnerMedia with Discovery". [[CNBC]].
3. (2023-11-15). "How David Zaslav Blew Up Hollywood". The New York Times.
4. Stelter, Brian. (2022-04-08). "Discovery takes control of HBO, CNN, and Warner Bros., creating new media giant".
5. Barlow, Rich. (21 May 2023). "Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav Tells BU Graduates to Pursue Their Passion, amidst Protests over Hollywood Writers Strike".
6. (January 25, 2015). "Steven Spielberg And David Zaslav Commemorate Auschwitz Liberation 70th Anniversary".
7. Ghermezian, Shiryn. (January 25, 2015). "Hollywood Heavyweights to Join Spielberg at Auschwitz Commemoration Ceremony in Poland". [[Algemeiner Journal]].
8. (August 5, 2004). "David Zaslav: Oral and Video Collection Interview".
9. Zaslav, David. "Discovery Communications 2011 Proxy Filing".
10. (September 15, 2019). "US media mogul tells i24NEWS: Israel recalls what it takes to 'fight for democracy'".
11. Littleton, Cynthia. (January 24, 2015). "Industry Heavyweights Support Auschwitz 70th Anniversary Commemoration".
12. "David Zaslav 2004 Oral and Video History".
13. Parker, Garrett. (2016-09-01). "10 Things You Didn't Know About David Zaslav".
14. (August 2015). "David Zaslav biography".
15. Siklos, Richard. (17 November 2006). "New Chief at Discovery Is 2nd Senior Executive to Leave NBC This Week". [[The New York Times]].
16. "David Zaslav".
17. (September 12, 2007). "David Zaslav".
18. "David Zaslav – Biography".
19. (2021-05-27). "Manhattan Jewish Historical Initiative, 4th Annual Jewish Hall of Fame Class of 2020".
20. (January 21, 2009). "David Zaslav, President and CEO, Discovery Communications".
21. Ahrens, Frank. (November 17, 2006). "Discovery Appoints New Chief". The Washington Post.
22. Goetzl, David. (April 24, 2008). "Zaslav Holds To Growth Plan At Discovery".
23. Stelter, Brian. (March 10, 2010). "Planet Green Moves Away From Its Eco Theme".
24. Owens, Rob. (October 10, 2010). "Tuned In: The Hub Network Offers Programs for Younger Children". [[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]].
25. Stelter, Brian. (October 10, 2010). "A Children's Channel Retools". The New York Times.
26. Ahrens, Frank. (January 16, 2008). "Discovery, Winfrey to Team Up On Network". The Washington Post.
27. Richmond, Ray. (July 29, 2011). "TCA: Discovery Sets Launch Date For Velocity, Adds Big Names to 'Curiosity', Preps Science Channel's 'Trek Nation', Introduces 'Weed' Team". Deadline Hollywood.
28. Levine, D.M.. (April 18, 2011). "Discovery Launches Velocity Channel, Aimed at Rich Men". [[Adweek]].
29. Ahrens, Frank. (November 27, 2007). "Discovery Hopes for Payoff on Crime Channel". The Washington Post.
30. Szalai, Georg. (March 6, 2018). "Discovery Closes Scripps Acquisition, Creating Non-scripted Content Giant". The Hollywood Reporter.
31. (2012-08-20). "Media Companies, Seeing Profit Slip, Push Into Education". The New York Times.
32. Littleton, Cynthia. (2018-04-10). "Discovery Rebrands Velocity as Motor Trend Network (Exclusive)".
33. (March 7, 2018). "Discovery completes Scripps deal, targets OTT opportunities". Digital TV Europe.
34. (2021-05-17). "AT&T announces $43 billion deal to merge WarnerMedia with Discovery".
35. Hayes, Dade. (2021-05-17). "David Zaslav And John Stankey Outline Plans For Merging Discovery And WarnerMedia, Addressing Future Of Jason Kilar, CNN, Streaming".
36. (2022-04-08). "Warner Bros. Discovery Megadeal Closes, Creating Scripted and Unscripted Content Giant".
37. Francis, Theo. (2021-05-19). "Discovery Chief Got Options Valued at $190 Million on Eve of AT&T Deal". The Wall Street Journal.
38. (2021-05-20). "Discovery Hands CEO David Zaslav Stock Options Valued At $190M In Contract Extension; Sets Base Salary At $3M, Target Bonus At $20M – Update".
39. "Compensation Information for David M. Zaslav, President and Chief Executive Officer of Discovery Inc.".
40. (2024-06-07). "Equilar 100: CEO Pay at the Largest Companies by Revenue".
41. Manfredi, Lucas. (2023-04-12). "'Max' Is the New Name for Warner Bros. Discovery's Combined Streaming Offering".
42. Fuente, Anna Marie de la. (2024-02-19). "Max Goes Global in Latin America, Launches Feb. 27".
43. Middleton, Richard. (21 May 2024). "Warner Bros. Discovery launches Max across 20 countries in Europe".
44. (August 4, 2022). "The Dish: What's Behind The ''Batgirl'' & ''Scoob!'' Discard? David Zaslav's Abject Rejection Of Jason Kilar's HBO Max Strategy".
45. (August 22, 2022). "HBO Max is treating animation fans and creators like hot, burning garbage".
46. (August 21, 2022). "'Infinity Train' Creator Calls Out Warner Bros. Discovery for Removing Animated Series".
47. (August 21, 2022). "Infinity Train Creator Says Animation Teams Were Given No Warning Before HBO Max Purge".
48. Steinberg, Brian. (2023-06-06). "David Zaslav Likes to Gut Cable Networks. CNN Isn't Easily Remodeled".
49. Rizzo, Lillian. (2023-08-30). "Mark Thompson steps in as next CNN chief".
50. (May 5, 2023). "David Zaslav Says Studios Don't See Writers' Strike as Cost-Saving Opportunity: 'We Are Not Glad' (Video)". The Wrap News Inc..
51. Maddaus, Gene. (2023-05-16). "WGA Argues Strike Will Cost Studios More Than Settlement".
52. Szalai, Georg. (2023-09-05). "Warner Bros. Discovery Says Ongoing Strikes Will Mean $300M-$500M Hit to 2023 Earnings".
53. Parete, Dalia. (2024-03-05). "New Frontiers in Foreign Propaganda".
54. Steinberg, Brian. (2024-03-15). "Peter Distad Named CEO of Streaming Sports Venture Backed by Disney, Fox, Warner".
55. (6 February 2024). "ESPN, Fox and Warner Team Up to Create Sports Streaming Platform".
56. Chmielewski, Dawn. (2025-06-10). "Warner Bros Discovery splits streaming from cable TV in latest media shakeup". Reuters.
57. (2025-06-04). "Warner Bros. Discovery's cable channels hit with layoffs".
58. Petz, Sarah. (December 5, 2025). "Why the massive merger of Netflix and Warner Bros. is proving so contentious".
59. (2025-12-05). "Why the Netflix, Warner Bros. deal is a disaster for movie theatres, filmmakers and audiences". The Globe and Mail.
60. (2021-05-24). "Seven New Members Elected to University's Board of Trustees".
61. (January 26, 2015). "Never Forget: Zaslav, Spielberg Help Commemorate Auschwitz's Liberation".
62. "Trustees & Overseers".
63. Davis, Clayton. (2023-06-28). "Oscars Invite 398 New Members: Taylor Swift, Austin Butler, Ke Huy Quan, 'RRR' Stars Ram Charan and NTR Jr and More".
64. "David Zaslav – The Emmys".
65. (April 2, 2012). "Oprah, Wiesel Honor Zaslav at Leadership Awards Dinner".
66. "AFTD's Inaugural Hope Rising Benefit". Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration.
67. "David M. Zaslav – 2017 Cable Hall of Fame Honoree".
68. (May 20, 2022). "David Zaslav: The 100 Most Influential People of 2022".
69. (24 May 2021). "Seven New Members Elected to University's Board of Trustees". SU News.
70. (May 18, 2021). "He ran Animal Planet and HGTV. Now he will oversee WarnerMedia. Who is David Zaslav?".
71. Legg, Heidi. (8 September 2021). "Media moguls and political donations: We tracked where news executives give their money". [[USA Today]].
72. "David Zaslav Political Campaign Contributions 2020 Election Cycle". CampaignMoney.