FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
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Of Interest to editors/writers covering: 
entertainment, television industry, advertising/marketing


DONNA FRIEDMAN MEIR JOINS NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TELEVISION & FILM AS PRESIDENT OF
KIDS' PROGRAMMING AND PRODUCTION

WASHINGTON, DC - Jan. 27, 2003 /PRnetwire.com/ -- Donna Friedman Meir has been
named president of kids' programming and production for National Geographic
Television & Film, it was announced today by National Geographic Television &
Film President Tim Kelly. 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 where appropriate and
building on the Society's ongoing kids' initiatives, which include a highly
successful kids' magazine, home videos, an educational Web site, toy licensing,
and book and school publishing.

"Donna has the talent and expertise to bring the best of National Geographic to
the next generation and further expand our reach into the kids' entertainment
market.  She understands every aspect of the kids' arena, from concept
development through production. Her proven track record in everything from hit
show creation and successful marketing to licensing, home video, new media and
publishing projects makes her the perfect leader for National Geographic in this
important category," said Kelly.

"I am a builder and have always sought opportunities where I could help break
new ground," said Friedman Meir. "National Geographic's mission is in tune with
my personal values and passions. It is an extraordinary organization fueled by
talented people who open our eyes to the world. I can't think of a more exciting
opportunity than to help National Geographic make kids passionate about
discovering their world."

Friedman Meir will be based in Los Angeles and joins the organization in
mid-February. Working closely with National Geographic's video, feature films,
licensing, magazine and book editorial teams as well as educational outreach
units, Friedman Meir will 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.

"With our other kids' initiatives thriving and our licensing activities in full
swing, the time is right and now the leadership is in place to break new ground
in kids' television entertainment," said National Geographic Ventures President
Dennis Patrick.

"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."

Friedman Meir joined Kids' WB!, the children's programming service of The WB
Television Network, in 1999, overseeing all creative aspects of the highest
rated kids' broadcast network's programming.  During her four-year tenure at
Kids' WB!, she led the network to outstanding growth. Most recently she was
instrumental in helping the network earn its tenth straight Saturday morning
sweep victory, delivering an all-new sweep ratings high in various key
demographics.  Among the hit series she acquired, developed, greenlit and
supervised are "Jackie Chan Adventures," "X-Men: Evolution" and "What's New
Scooby Doo?"

Friedman Meir came to Kids' WB! from Nickelodeon, where her nine-year 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 highly
touted "How To Nickelodeon" handbook, the original guide to the cable network's
brand identity and philosophy.

A magna cum laude graduate of Harvard University, where she was elected to Phi
Beta Kappa, Friedman Meir was a John Harvard scholar as well as a Ford
Foundation Grant recipient. She currently serves on the board of the American
Center for Children and Media, and was a member of the design committee of the
Children's Museum of Los Angeles. She was named one of the top 25 most powerful
women in television by Electronic Media in October 2002.

Building on its global reputation for remarkable visuals and compelling stories,
National Geographic Television & Film augments its award-winning documentary
productions (119 Emmy Awards and more than 800 other industry awards) with
feature films, large-format films, and long-form television drama programming.
Worldwide, National Geographic's television programming can be seen on the
National Geographic Channel, MSNBC and PBS, home video and DVD, and through
international broadcast syndication. The National Geographic Channel is received
by more than 200 million households in 25 languages in 144 countries, including
the United States. For more information about National Geographic Television &
Film, log on to nationalgeographic.com.

CONTACT: 
Carol Seitz 
202-828-6678 
cseitz@ngs.org

Jeff Pryor 
818-382-2233 
jeff@pryorpr.com




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[source of news = National Geographic Television & Film]


DC+PRN// Donna Friedman Meir Joins Natl Geographic Tv & Film As Pres. Kids'
Programming And Production 
ref: http://www.send2press.com/2archive/pr_03_0127-natlgeo.txt
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