Christine Kuppens
VP Programming
National Geographic Channel

What genre of documentary/non-fiction do you program?
Science, history, engineering, natural history, exploration/adventure, weather/natural forces, ancient mysteries

How many hours or slots do you program per year?
Our focus is on hour-long programs for our prime time schedule

What percentage or number of hours are commissioned vs. acquired? (Ie. 60% commissions/ 40% acquisitions)
The majority of our hours are co-productions and commissions, but we also do a healthy amount of presales and acquisitions.

What is the average amount for acquisitions and/or license fee?
prices vary according to the value to our prime time schedule

What are you looking for right now?
We are looking for science, history, engineering, natural history, exploration/adventure, weather/natural forces, ancient mysteries and more. We are considering both specials and series, but we only need hours -- no half hours.

How do you prefer to be pitched?
www.ngcideas.com for commissions and co-pros and regular mail for acquisitions

What is your biggest pitch turnoff?
plagiarized news articles from the web masquerading as original ideas!

What is your market circuit?
The National Geographic Channel is represented at all major programming markets.