AWMF Welcomes Marjorie Kaplan, Group President, Animal Planet, Science Channel & Velocity for Discovery Communications as New Honorary Trustee
McLean, VA (PRWEB) August 27, 2013 -- The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation is pleased to announce its newest Honorary Trustee, Marjorie Kaplan, Group President, Animal Planet, Science Channel & Velocity for Discovery Communications. Kaplan sets the strategic direction and oversees day-to-day operations for Animal Planet and oversees Science Channel and Velocity.
“I’m thrilled to partner with the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation to further their mission,” noted Kaplan. “Mentoring women in media has always been a passion of mine and influences my daily work in this industry. Being able to represent Discovery Communications – which has quite a few senior female executives – is an honor.”
Since taking over leadership of Animal Planet Media in February 2007, Kaplan has transformed and revolutionized the business by repositioning the network into a more adult-focused, competitive entertainment brand. One year later in February 2008, Kaplan relaunched Animal Planet with a new logo, new brand campaign and new programming vision that delivered on the expansive and unexpected range of visceral experiences within the animal kingdom, creating a bold entertainment destination. In recognition of Kaplan's strong creative and business leadership of Animal Planet, in January 2011 she was promoted to president of Science Channel and in November of 2012 given oversight of Velocity. Working with the Science Channel and Velocity teams, Kaplan continues to build on their success by growing viewership while maintaining the day to day oversight and aggressive growth of Animal Planet as president and general manager. In 2012, Animal Planet finished its best year ever in viewership and growth, and, in 2013, is on pace to break another record.
“The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation appreciates its Honorary Trustees’ commitment to engaging, recognizing and promoting women in media,” said AWMF Board of Directors Chair Kay Olin. “We look forward to working with Ms. Kaplan along with our other Honorary Trustees to help lead our organization, industry and allied media professions into the future.”
Discovery Communications joins the following existing Honorary Trustees in supporting AWMF: David J. Barrett, Hearst Television Inc.; Caroline Beasley, Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc.; Doug Franklin, Cox Enterprises, Inc.; Patrick Gottsch, Rural Media Group; Mark Gray, Katz Radio Group; Carol Hanley, Arbitron, Inc.; Erik Logan, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network; Michael Powell, National Cable & Telecommunications Association; Abbe Raven, A+E Networks; Sir Howard Stringer, Sony Corporation of America; and Dennis Swanson, FOX Television Stations.
For more information, visit http://www.allwomeninmedia.org.
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About the Alliance for Women in Media (AWM): The Alliance for Women in Media advances the influence and impact of women in all forms of media. AWM is a diverse community – whether type of media, job or global location – that facilitates industry-wide collaboration, education, and innovation. Established in 1961 as American Women in Radio & Television (AWRT), AWM is the longest-established professional association dedicated to advancing women in media and entertainment. AWM harnesses the promise, passion and power of women in all forms of media to empower career development, engage in thought leadership, and drive positive change for our industry and societal progress.
About the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation: The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (formerly known as The Foundation of American Women in Radio & Television) supports and promotes educational programs, charitable activities, public service campaigns and scholarships to benefit the public, the electronic media and allied fields. The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation has created partnerships and joint-initiatives with the National Middle School Association, the Emma Bowen Foundation, the American Red Cross and other organizations that are philosophically aligned with the mission of the Foundation. The Foundation also supports Empowering America®, an initiative which pays tribute to many of America’s most pioneering and inspiring women. Through this program, the Foundation provides Empowering America® educational collateral to needy urban middle schools around the country. The Foundation also produces nationally acclaimed recognition programs, including the Gracie Awards®, a live gala that honors exemplary programming created for, by, and about women.
Andy Schwarz, Alliance for Women in Media, 703-506-3290, [email protected]
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