Jim Samples

James “Jim” Samples, Beta (Presbyterian), was initiated into Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity on January 5, 1982. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Presbyterian College, Samples received a master’s in international business studies from the University of South Carolina. From 1989 to 1993, he worked in various roles at NationsBank before spending 14 years working in various sales, media and marketing leadership roles at Turner Broadcasting System. In 2001, Samples was promoted to executive vice president and general manager of Cartoon Network. Under his leadership, Cartoon Network debuted successful series such as Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, Codename: Kids Next Door and Ben 10. In 2007, he was appointed president of HGTV. During every single one of his years with the network, HGTV debuted shows such as Property Brothers and Love It or List It and ranked as the number one network among upscale female viewers in the United States. Samples also played an essential role in creating HGTV Magazine, which became the number one ranked home magazine in the United States. Since 2011, in his current role, Samples has overseen the strategic operation and direction of the company’s international division, as well as the division’s international program licensing business.

Highlights

• President – Scripps Network International (2011-Present)
• President – HGTV (2007-11)
• General Manager and Executive Vice President – The Cartoon Network, Inc. (2001-07)
• Senior Vice President and General Manager – TNT Latin America/Cartoon Network Latin America (2000-01)
• Cablefax 100 Honoree (2017)