Dan Salerno

As vice president of programming for Discovery Channel, Dan Salerno designs and implements the network's primetime programming strategy. He also oversees the financial strategies for programming and production and is responsible for ensuring that Discovery Channel meets its fiscal goals while maintaining its editorial promise. In addition, he manages a staff in charge of program scheduling, identifying program acquisition opportunities and administering the day-to-day operations of the department. Salerno also serves as the primary liaison for Discovery Channel programming with other departments, networks and business units within the parent company, Discovery Communications Inc.

Salerno joined Discovery in 1986 as a preview assistant for Discovery Channel. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming manager of program operations and then director of programming. As director of programming for Discovery Channel -- a post he held from 1994 until his promotion to vice president in 1998 - Salerno continually sought out new programming opportunities and was instrumental in developing the Emmy-award winning specials NUREMBERG, FIRESTORM, CARRIER: CITY AT SEA, and the annual Memorial Day weekend THRILLS, CHILLS and SPILLS.

Salerno received a bachelor's of science degree in radio, television and film from the University of Maryland, College Park.