Geoff Daniels of Nat Geo WILD Discusses Science Programming in New Interview
Since its U.S. launch in 2010, Nat Geo WILD has been one of television's fastest-growing networks. Breakout series such as The Incredible Dr. Pol and Cesar Millan's The Dog Whisperer have helped make Nat Geo WILD a home for premium nature programming that is both enlightening and entertaining.
Geoff Daniels, the General Manager of Nat Geo WILD since 2012, has had a key role in its success. Daniels oversaw the channel's U.S. launch, and since then, he has supervised the commission of countless original series, specials, and events for broadcast on WILD globally. In a new interview with io9, Daniels speaks about his experience in content development at Nat Geo WILD, the unique identity that the National Geographic brand has created, and content's relationship with inspiration.
"We have a responsibility to figure out how to make authentic science in all of its different guises entertaining, relevant, real, relatable, [and] resonant with a broad audience... and not chase, if you will, the lowest common denominator," Daniels tells io9's Jason G. Goldman. "If we stay committed and focused and disciplined - taking the harder path, telling great science stories in a way that's entertaining, [not resorting] to cheap tricks and to false promises - in the long run, we will be stronger and we will be rewarded."
Daniels also spoke about WILD's unique position to deliver on National Geographic's commitment to provide wildlife programming that inspires people to care about the planet.
"Ultimately what I want WILD to be is more than a television channel," Daniels says. "In some ways, I want it to be a lifestyle, I want it to be an ethos, I want it to be something that basically becomes a destination for people in all sorts of different platforms and in different arenas that is really about the positive things that we can take away from our relationship with the natural world and with animals."
