NGC Global Content EVP to Step Down

WASHINGTON, D.C.: Steve Burns, executive VP of global content at National Geographic Channel is exiting, with Michael Cascio, senior VP of production, to fill the role until a successor is named.

The news was revealed to NGC staff today in a memo from Steve Schiffman, president. "We certainly will miss Steve’s significant contributions, but rest assured we will not miss a beat," Schiffman said. "We are fully committed to, and excited about, the shows in the pipeline, and in fact, I think our upfront programming slate is one of the strongest we have had in years."

Schiffman said it will be "business as usual," with Bridget Hunnicutt leading the global development team, Heather Moran overseeing global scheduling/strategy, and Char Serwa leading global production.

Schiffman continued, "I would be remiss not to take this opportunity to acknowledge that Steve has been key in establishing new benchmarks for success that we will be building on as we move forward. Under his leadership, NGC earned its first Oscar nomination with Restrepo, and more Emmy nominations than our competitors combined. He also was instrumental in developing programs that set new records, including our highest-rated month, quarter, new series and returning series. As for Steve’s next step, he is undecided yet as to his next adventure, but I am confident his formidable creative talents will remain a force within the industry."