USA Network names alternative programming VP

June 25, 2012 by Adam Benzine

Scott Friedman

American cable net USA Network has named Scott Friedman (pictured) as VP of production for alternative programming, as it looks to boost its efforts in the non-fiction space.

Based in LA, Friedman was most recently a production executive for USA, spending the past year helping to start up and grow the alternative programming department.

Before that he was an exec at Morningstar Entertainment, where he oversaw production for shows including Manhunters on A&E Network and The Deadliest Warrior on Spike TV. He has also served as VP of production finance at Twentieth Television, overseeing budgets and production for America’s Most Wanted and Divorce Court.

“As we expand our originals to include reality, this is the perfect time to add an experienced alternative production executive to the USA team,” said Mark Binke, senior VP of cable and digital production at Universal Cable Productions and Universal Television.

“Scott has more than 20 years of experience in this genre and brings a wealth of knowledge as we push out into that genre.”

As part of the network’s expansion into reality, USA recently announced the pilot pick-up of Bride or Best Man (working title) from Shed Media. In addition, the network has relationship series Romancing the Globe in development from executive producer Mark Burnett.

Tags: Morningstar Entertainment, Scott Friedman, USA Network