As the head of programming and development for Travel Channel, Matthew Butler is responsible for cultivating original content for the network and managing its day-to-day program scheduling and ratings performances. At the heart of Butler’s responsibilities is overseeing a program’s shelf life from pitch to premiere. This includes scouting new content offerings, polishing a well-rounded slate of new and returning series and specials, and strategizing each program’s distribution across multiple platforms.

Working with general manager Jane Latman to refocus the line-up and schedule, Travel Channel celebrated its best year ever in 2018, with a new slate of entertaining and compelling shows falling under distinct themes that include mystery, history, the unexplained and adventure.

Before rejoining Travel Channel in 2018, Butler was a member of the executive team that launched Destination America and American Heroes Channel. He remains the head of programming and development for both networks.

Prior to his current roles at Discovery, he spent a decade at Travel Channel developing many of the networks’ most enduring shows like Man v. Food, Ghost Adventures, Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, and Mysteries at the Museum. Butler has also served stints with PBS, ESPN, and QVC.

In 2010, Butler’s keen eye for imaginative programming was recognized by Multichannel News in their 40 under 40 list for industry visionaries, innovators, and power brokers.