Weekend Spy - Job Spec: Andrew Grieve

Each week we'll be asking people from all parts of the media industry - from channel controllers to catering staff, directors to digital technicians - to tell us about themselves and their job.

The Discovery Channel launched its new Prime strand earlier this month, showcasing the best of the network's content in a prime time slot, so we talked to Andrew Grieve, the man in charge of keeping the advertising pennies rolling in for Discovery.

Name
Andrew Grieve

Job Title
Discovery Channel, UK ad sales director.

Age
36

Lives
Surrey

In the role since
January 2007

Responsibilities
Making money for Discovery Networks UK, whether it be from the US, Asia or the UK. My remit is to maximise revenue utilising the portfolio content across channels and platforms.

Best thing about your job
Being creative. It’s great to be so close to the content and work alongside production and new media to develop unique and innovative advertiser opportunities from the outset.

Worst thing about your job
The TV industry is going through a massive sea change and no-one really can tell where it’s all leading. This can make life tricky, but in some sense it can also bring out the best in people.

First thing you do in the morning when you get in?
I’m presently on a health kick so I get a decaff coffee and a glass of water. I then go out for a cigarette and it all kind of goes downhill from there.

What question have you been asked most this week?
"So tell more about the new Prime strand on Discovery Channel?" As a sales person you want the best product to sell and Prime is made up of the best new shows on Discovery, so it’s a question I enjoy answering.

Any downsides to working in the media?
The paparazzi. In the words of Hugh Grant "I believe my private life should remain private." I did go to Notting Hill once!

First media job
Assistant TV buyer, The Media Business, 1990-94.

Biggest achievement to date
After being in ad agencies for 12 years I suddenly felt very exposed when I moved into sales. Sales brings reality to figures. Life becomes more intense when your actions directly affect the bottom line, but it’s also what spurs you on.

Anything you wish you'd done differently?
I wish I hadn’t dyed my hair black when I was 16. I have since come to terms with being ginger.

Dream job/company/lifestyle
In my youth, I appeared in a few short films, if I’d stuck it out, I’m sure I could’ve given Brad Pitt a run for his money!

Best media jolly/event you've ever attended
Vegas: 6 people, 3 days, 2 helicopters, 100 bottles of champagne, 12 bottles of Tequila, 2000 Marlborough lights and 12 packs of Alka-Seltzer. All I needed was 30 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, Priscilla Presley and I too could have died on the bog. Long live the King!

What’s your favourite show on Discovery and why?
My favourite show is Born Survivor, not least because when Bear Grylls urinated on his t-shirt and wrapped it round his head to keep cool my 5 year old son laughed for 45 minutes.

What documentary would you like to see made, that hasn't been already?
With my son in mind there is definitely a gap for boys TV. Perhaps we could have B list celebrities weeing on their t-shirts and wrapping them round their heads.

Prime airs weeknights at 9pm and Sundays at 8pm on Discovery Channel.