Rita Mullin: Science Has Become Part Of Zeitgeist

Coming off a record-breaking January ratings performance, the Science Channel is running on all cylinders as more viewers engage in science-themed programming.

The network posted a 20% increase in primetime viewers during the month and garnered double-digit increases in all major demos during the month. Network general manager Rita Mullin said in a recent MCN One-On-One In 2 interview that there’s an increased interest among viewers in science and in how the technology of everyday gadgets and appliances we use works.

That bodes well for the science/entertainment based content on the network, including such shows as What Could Possibly Go Wrong and Outrageous Acts Of Science.

“People are realizing that they are so far removed from how things work that I believe they’re beginning to feel that loss and they want to understand,” Mullin said.  I like to have shows that people really feel better about themselves when they watch them because they learn something.”

The full video interview with Rita Mullin can be seen at  http://www.multichannel.com/video/33/387792.

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.