Nat Geo Taps Carolyn Bernstein To Head Scripted Development

By R. Thomas Umstead
published

National Geographic Channel will look to programming veteran Carol Bernstein to lead its scripted programming efforts, the network said Thursday.

Bernstein will serve as executive vice president and head of Global Scripted Development and Production for Nat Geo, tasked with spearheading the effort to significantly expand the network’s scripted efforts into long-term, global franchises, said network officials.

Bernstein, who will officially join Nat Geo Jan. 4, was previously at from Endemol Shine Studios, where she had been recently Executive Vice President since March 2015. Bernstein originally joined Shine America in 2007 as Executive Vice President, Scripted Television.

Bernstein will report to National Geographic Global Networks CEO Courteney Monroe.

“We are incredibly fortunate Carolyn is joining the network to oversee our scripted efforts,” said Monroe. “Her vast experience, exceptional creative taste and strong industry relationships will enable us to reach unprecedented new heights with our scripted endeavors in ways that support our brand and new programming vision.”

R. Thomas Umstead
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.