There’s some big news cooking over at the Food Network and the new recipe will see Deirdre (Didi) O’Hearn replace veteran programmer Bob Tuschman as of the end of January.
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O’Hearn will lead the programming and development team for both Food Network and Cooking Channel, following the departure of Bob Tuschman on January 31.
Kathleen Finch, Scripps Networks Interactive’s Chief Programming, Content and Brand Officer, made the announcement Thursday.
“Since joining Food Network and Cooking Channel in 2014, it was quickly apparent that Didi’s skills and expertise represent exactly the creative leadership our beloved brands require,” said Finch.
“She was a driving force behind 2015’s successful programming slate, with titles such as Chopped Junior and Worst Cooks in America: Celebrity Edition as just two examples of Didi’s creative instinct driving double-digit ratings gains.”
O’Hearn’s duties will include overseeing the programming team and leading development strategies for programming across both networks. She will also be charged with identifying and developing new talent for the network.
It is unclear if Tuschman’s departure was voluntary or forced.
Tuschman joined Food Network in 1998 as an executive producer and the following year he was promoted to Vice President, Programming and Production, where he played a key role in creating the highly rated In the Kitchen cooking block airing on weekend mornings and daytime afternoons.