WASHINGTON: Donna Friedman Meir has been named president of kids' programming and production for National Geographic Television & Film. In this newly created position, Friedman Meir will oversee development of a wide range of entertainment programming properties for the youth market; leveraging the National Geographic brand appropriately and building on the Society's ongoing kids' initiatives. These initiatives include a highly successful kids' magazine, home videos, an educational Web site, toy licensing, and book and school publishing.
Meir will be working closely with National Geographic's video, feature films, licensing, magazine and book editorial teams as well as educational outreach units. Meir will also be developing a wide variety of projects ranging from television specials and series to direct-to-home video properties that complement National Geographic's kids' offerings.
National Geographic Ventures President Dennis Patrick said, "With our other kids' initiatives thriving and our licensing activities in full swing, Meir's appointment has come at the right time. Now the leadership is in place to break new ground in kids' television entertainment. We look forward to delivering innovative and imaginative programming, featuring adventure, exploration and science -- the stuff kids love and what National Geographic is all about."
Meir spent nine years at Nickelodeon, where her stint included roles in marketing, consumer products, new media and, most recently, as vice president, marketing and associate creative director for Nickelodeon Latin America. Early in her tenure at Nickelodeon, she also co-authored the How To Nickelodeon handbook, the original guide to the cable network's brand identity and philosophy.