As the leader of the program strategy team for Investigation Discovery (ID), Sara Burns is responsible for optimizing the networks’ program schedules while collaborating across multiple departments – working especially closely with the digital and development teams – to maximize content, guide current and long-range programming needs, and support strategic growth across multiple platforms. She manages one of the most robust content pipelines in the business with more than 650 hours of original content produced and programmed each year. 

In addition, Burns manages ID’s relationships with CBS and ABC on acquisitions of classic true crime libraries such as 48 Hours on IDand 20/20 on ID. She has had a hand in launching every one of ID’s programs and is the leader of the creative titling committee credited with generating ID’s signature eye-catching program titles. Burns has been with ID since it launched in 2008, previously as programming director and manager of programming for ID and Military Channel, where she oversaw the networks’ day-to-day scheduling and program planning. 

Burns joined Discovery Communications in 2005, working with the UK reversion group to prep content for international air across Discovery’s global portfolio of networks. She transitioned to the US production side in 2006, where she focused solely on the editorial content for Discovery Times Channel, which eventually became Investigation Discovery.  She is credited on programs such as Wicked Attraction, True Crime with Aphrodite Jones, Solved and Last Seen Alive. Burns is a graduate of the University of Arizona.  

Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables