National Geographic Launches Local-Language Edition in Iran

WASHINGTON (Nov. 20, 2012)—The National Geographic Society, one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations, has launched a local-language edition of its official journal, National Geographic magazine, in Iran. This is the first time National Geographic has published in Iran. The local-language edition will be published in Farsi under the title “Gita Nama.” Babak Nikkhah Bahrami is the publisher.

Gita Nama will give readers access to the original content of the publication that has set the standard for excellence in reporting and photography for nearly 125 years. The magazine will be published as a monthly and will be available at popular newsstand kiosks and bookstores throughout Tehran. The single-issue newsstand price is 150,000 rials ($5.30 USD).

“We’re proud to offer the Iranian people a magazine that speaks to them in their language. The new edition will offer the people of Iran content, features and images in furtherance of our educational and scientific mission,” said Terry Adamson, executive vice president for the National Geographic Society. “With each monthly publication we hope to grow our audience and replicate the success we have seen with our other local-language editions.”

“Our launch of the magazine has received a tremendous amount of positive feedback from the readers and the media in Iran,” said Nikkah Bahrami. “The initial response indicates that Iranian readers have a strong affinity for the National Geographic Society and its publications. We are proud to introduce the first local-language edition of the magazine in Farsi, and we look forward to extending our reach in Iran as we move forward.”

Published in English since 1888, National Geographic magazine provides in-depth editorial coverage of cultures, nature, science and technology. The magazine reaches more than 60 million readers worldwide every month. In addition to its English edition, the magazine now appears in 37 local-language editions: Japanese, Spanish (separate editions for Spain and Latin America), Italian, Hebrew, Greek, French, German, Polish, Korean, Portuguese (separate editions for Portugal and Brazil), Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Dutch, Chinese (traditional characters), Chinese (simple characters), Finnish, Turkish, Thai, Czech, Hungarian, Romanian, Russian, Croatian, Bahasa, Bulgarian, Slovenian, Serbian, Lithuanian, Arabic, Estonian, Latvian, Georgian, Mongolian and Iranian.

About the National Geographic Society

The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. National Geographic reflects the world through its magazines, television programs, films, music and radio, books, DVDs, maps, exhibitions, live events, expeditions, interactive media and merchandise. National Geographic magazine, the Society’s official journal, is read by more than 60 million people each month. The National Geographic Channel reaches 440 million households in 171 countries in 38 languages. National Geographic Digital Media receives more than 20 million visitors a month. National Geographic has funded more than 10,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geography literacy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com. Facebook: www.facebook.com/natgeo

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National Geographic Names Award-Winning Industry Veteran Brooke Runnette As President, National Geographic Television

WASHINGTON (Nov. 26, 2012)—Brooke Runnette has been named president of National Geographic Television (NGT), it was announced today by John Fahey, National Geographic Society chairman and CEO, to whom Runnette will report. She succeeds Maryanne Culpepper, whose departure was announced earlier this year.

Runnette is an Emmy- and Peabody Award-winning producer who recently joined the National Geographic Channels from Discovery Channel, where she was executive producer and director of development for specials, including Shark Week. She will transition over the next month from her current position as vice president, development and special projects, at the Channels into the role at NGT.

“Our top priority at National Geographic Television is finding and producing the best content and original programming to support the international growth and influence of our cable channels around the world,” said Fahey. “Brooke joined the National Geographic Channels just as we were searching for the right executive to lead our television production group, and we quickly realized that she was the perfect fit for that key role — with the passion, drive, experience and industry knowledge that can continue and build the National Geographic Television franchise. Brooke’s track record speaks for itself, and we are excited to have her on our team.”

“We were thrilled to have Brooke join National Geographic Channels, and this next step will further our important partnership with National Geographic Television,” added David Lyle, CEO, National Geographic Channels. “The role of NGT in expanding upon our recent success will be critical, and Brooke is exactly the partner we will need to make this happen.”

“I am beyond excited at this incredible opportunity,” said Runnette. “The power of the National Geographic brand is unparalleled, and I look forward to working with the team at NGT in producing relevant, entertaining and powerful programming that becomes part of the television zeitgeist.”

One of Runnette’s first assignments at the National Geographic Channels was related to the network’s key spring 2013 series “The 80’s: The Decade That Made Us,” from Jane Root’s Nutopia, and she will continue to executive produce this important series as she transitions to NGT.

As president of NGT, Runnette will oversee innovative series, big special events and live programming that bring the stories of National Geographic’s scientists, explorers and unique storytellers to the National Geographic Channels. Her vast experience and reputation with the best nonfiction producers and production companies worldwide will enable her to deliver creative, groundbreaking content.

While at Discovery, Runnette put greater emphasis on natural history as part of Shark Week and increased Shark Week ratings. Under her direction, the 2010 Shark Week was the highest rated in the 23-year history of the annual event. She also led efforts within Discovery to work more closely with scientists and conservation organizations such as Oceana and the Pew Charitable Trust’s Global Shark Conservation group.

Other landmark specials Runnette oversaw while at Discovery included “The Kennedy Detail” (nominated for a News & Documentary Emmy Award), Discovery Channel’s 25th Anniversary Week, the Amelia Earhart expeditions and current affairs programming such as “Secrets of Seal Team 6.”

Prior to joining Discovery Channel, she worked at TLC as executive director of programming, where she was executive producer of the hit series “Little People, Big World.”

Runnette was a producer for ABC News’ “Nightline,” and also produced for “Frontline,” CBS’s “60 Minutes II” and for Peter Jennings at ABC News, among others.

About National Geographic Television

National Geographic Television (NGT) is the documentary TV production arm of the National Geographic Society (NGS), known around the world for its remarkable visuals and compelling stories. NGS is one of the largest global scientific and educational organizations, supporting field science on every continent. In 1963 NGT broke ground by broadcasting on American network television the first moving pictures from the summit of Everest. Since then, NGT has continued to push technology to its limits to bring great stories to television audiences worldwide. With more than 138 Emmy Awards and nearly 1,000 other industry accolades, including recognition from the Peabody Awards, DuPont Columbia Awards and highest honors from natural history film festivals, NGT programming can be seen globally on the National Geographic Channels, as well as terrestrial and other cable and satellite broadcasters worldwide, and also on PBS in the United States. Globally, National Geographic Channels are received by more than 440 million households in 38 languages in 171 countries.

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Youth in Bahamas Win Chance to Learn from National Geographic Photographer During National Geographic Photo Camp

NASSAU, The Bahamas (Nov. 21, 2012)—A group of talented Bahamian youth have won the opportunity to learn about photography from the best in the business during National Geographic Photo Camp in Cape Eleuthera, the Bahamas. From Tuesday, Nov. 27, to Saturday, Dec. 1, 20 students will learn the basics of photography from National Geographic photographer Raul Touzon and National Geographic photo editor Todd James. Photo Camp is presented by the National Geographic Society, the Bahamas National Drug Council (BNDC) and the United States Embassy, Nassau.

During the workshop, Touzon, James and Photo Camp staff will mentor the students on the basics of photography, photographic vision, equipment and technique. They will lead them through the process of creating a story through photography and writing.

The youth who will participate were picked as finalists in the first “Youth Expression Against Drugs” Essay, Rap and Poetry Competition, held by the U.S. Embassy and the  BNDC. The contest encouraged students in the Bahamas to consider the harmful impact of illegal drugs, how to resist negative peer pressure and act as leaders against drugs in their community, and to express that through essays, poems and raps. The program is part of a continuing partnership between the U.S. Embassy and the  BNDC to reduce the demand for illegal drugs and foster the development of young leaders in the Bahamas.

Following the theme of the BNDC’s campaign, “Drugs and Crime Are a Waste of Time,” Photo Camp will discover, document and reflect on the natural beauty of the Bahamas and the importance of preserving the islands and their people.

The Photo Camp will take place at the Island School in Cape Eleuthera, a destination for high school students from around the world who spend a semester or summer with a community of teachers and learners seeking to transcend traditional education models. The campus and surrounding ocean serve as the school’s laboratories. Some school staff members are volunteering to assist with Photo Camp.

“We hope that Photo Camp will provide an opportunity for these young people to discover their home and environment in a new way while also fostering positive attitudes and leadership skills,” said Terry Garcia, National Geographic’s executive vice president for Mission Programs. “We’ve seen Photo Camp activities give new voice to youth, and supporting Photo Camp allows National Geographic to further its mission to inspire people to care about the planet.”

Participants, their families and community members are invited to a final presentation of the students’ work at the conclusion of the workshop at 7 p.m. at the Eleuthera Arts and Cultural Centre.

Olympus Imaging America Inc. has provided cameras for the Photo Camp.

National Geographic Photo Camp has provided programs for more than 1,000 young people in more than 60 locations since 2003. Photo Camp venues earlier this year were Baltimore, Md.; Pakistan; Qatar; and Haiti. Visit nationalgeographic.com/photocamp for more information.

The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 400 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live events; expeditions; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 10,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geographic literacy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com.

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