(Toronto, ON – September 15, 2020) – International content producer, distributor and channel operator, Blue Ant Media announced today the promotions of Jamie Schouela to President, Global Channels and Media; and Carlyn Staudt to Global General Manager, Love Nature.
These changes will see Jamie leading the company’s streaming and linear television networks and digital platforms around the world, as well as Blue Ant Media’s existing print products and consumer events. Carlyn will now head up Love Nature’s strategic direction and operations globally, including commissioning and development, programming, digital content, marketing and communications, as well as international affiliate sales. Love Nature, a global family-friendly wildlife brand, reaches 200 million homes around the world via its branded linear and streaming platforms and through partnerships with top-tier pay-TV platforms and streamers.
Carlyn now reports to Jamie Schouela and has joined Blue Ant Media’s corporate management team. Jamie will continue to report to Michael MacMillan, CEO and co-founder, Blue Ant Media.
“These promotions ladder up to Blue Ant Media’s commitment to streamlining its core priorities, which include content production, ownership and exploitation in all its forms,” said Michael MacMillan, CEO and co-founder, Blue Ant Media. “Jamie and Carlyn have proven track records building successful media brands in North America and around the globe. I am pleased to see them at the helm of our channels business, propelling our company forward in our ever-changing industry.”
Since 2017, Jamie has served Blue Ant Media in the role of President, Canadian Media where he’s headed up the company’s Canadian television, media and consumer events businesses. Jamie has a strong background building premium, multi-platform media brands both through partnerships that have brought international players to Canada (Smithsonian Channel and BBC Earth) as well as leading the development and launch of homegrown ones (Love Nature, Makeful, A.Side). He has also been a driver of Blue Ant’s overall strategy to expand its brands on emerging platforms including Amazon Channels, Apple TV+, Roku and others. Prior to Blue Ant Media, Jamie served as Vice-President, Marketing for Shaw Media, directing all marketing and communications activity for Global Television and its 19 specialty channels. He began his career at Alliance Atlantis where he helped build a number of networks including Showcase, History Television and BBC Canada. His campaigns have won both Promax and Canadian Marketing Association awards, as well as set a Guinness World Record.
Carlyn is formerly EVP, Programming and Development for Love Nature. In this role, she oversaw the global programming strategy of Love Nature’s linear platforms internationally and she commissioned original content to grow the brand’s extensive library of 4K natural history programming. Prior to joining Blue Ant Media, Carlyn held numerous leadership roles at National Geographic. As SVP, Global Programming and Managing Director for National Geographic Channels International’s operations in Washington DC, Carlyn was responsible for spearheading co-production partnerships and global acquisitions across NGCI’s suite of channels. Carlyn also served as Channel Manager for Nat Geo Wild internationally, charged with increasing the network’s footprint and managing all content, both commissioned and acquired.
Blue Ant Media is a privately held, international content producer, distributor and channel operator. We own and operate numerous production companies in North America and Asia-Pacific under the Blue Ant Studios banner, creating content for broadcasters and streaming platforms in multiple genres including factual entertainment, natural history, documentary, adult animation and drama. Our distribution business, Blue Ant International, offers a substantial catalogue of content, including one of the world’s largest 4K natural history offerings. Blue Ant Media operates channels under nine brands including Love Nature, Smithsonian Channel Canada, BBC Earth (Canada) and more. Blue Ant Media is headquartered in Toronto, with eight international offices in Los Angeles, New York, Singapore, London, Dunedin, Washington DC and Beijing. Blueantmedia.com
Love Nature is a family-friendly wildlife and nature brand that brings audiences powerful stories about the natural world that foster a deeper understanding of and connection to the planet we call home. Our award winning library of 4K natural history series and documentaries are available on Love Nature’s branded linear and streaming platforms available around the world and through partnerships with top-tier pay-TV platforms and streamers, reaching over 200 million households globally. Love Nature is a joint venture between Blue Ant Media and Smithsonian Networks. Engage with us at lovenature.com / Twitter / Facebook / YouTube / Instagram
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