Nat Geo Channels Reorganizes Programming Teams

WASHINGTON, D.C.: National Geographic Channel has given World Screen Newsflash a first look at the new structure for its U.S. and international programming teams, with global commissions to be overseen by Steve Burns.

The changes were first announced to NGC staff in a memo from David Haslingden, the CEO of Fox International Channels and National Geographic Channels Worldwide. They are “intended to streamline NGC and NGCI as the latest step to leverage our brand worldwide and increase global co-production,” Haslingden said in the memo. “I’m confident this new structure will help us be even more nimble as a cohesive and strategic global team.”

With the new structure, there are three distinct areas: global content, including the U.S.; NGCI-only content and local content produced for regions around the world.

Burns adds global commissions to his remit overseeing NGC U.S. content, and continues to report to Steve Schiffman, the president of NGC U.S.

Geoff Daniels maintains his oversight for Nat Geo WILD and will have responsibility for NGCI-only content, with dual reports to Schiffman and Haslingden. Heather Moran will oversee global program planning as well as NGCI-only content, reporting to Burns. International content syndication will continue to be headed by Germaine Deagan Sweet, reporting to Mark Green, who heads up program finance.

Bridget Whalen, reporting to Burns, will oversee U.S. development and will handle global commissions. NGCI-only development, together with global development on Nat Geo WILD, will be the remit of Janet Han Vissering, reporting to Daniels. Global and NGCI-only acquisitions fall under Carlyn Staudt, who will also oversee special content projects related to international ad sales. She will report to Daniels with dotted line responsibility to Burns.

Regional programming, including local content development for the U.K., Europe, Latin America and Australia, will be overseen by Tracy Beckett, reporting to Daniels. Stephen Hunter has been tapped to oversee NGCI-only production as well as local content development for Asia, reporting to Daniels.