Assistant Editor

“Wild Chronicles,” seen in nearly 84 percent of USTVHH on public television, fills an important gap in commercial network programming by offering rare access to and in-depth reporting on the state of the natural world.

Presented by WLIW21 in association with WNET.ORG, “Wild Chronicles” is made possible by National Geographic Mission Programs, the science and education arm of the National Geographic Society. The weekly, half-hour, magazine-style show is hosted by National Geographic’s Boyd Matson, also host of the “National Geographic Weekend” radio program. Matson’s compelling storytelling connects viewers to the pulse of the planet while focusing on researchers and explorers in the field, working to study, protect and preserve the Earth.

“HD technology was made for the visually stunning television and filmmaking that National Geographic is known for,” said Bauman. “Teaming with WLIW21 to present season four of ‘Wild Chronicles’ in HD will expose viewers to the natural and scientific world in ways they’ve never seen before. New stories of adventure and exploration will make viewers feel as if they’ve been transported from their living room to the field to work alongside the researchers, scientists and explorers whom ‘Wild Chronicles’ covers.”

Episode one, titled “Living with Us,” opens the new season with a report from the Santa Monica Mountains BioBlitz, a 24-hour dash organized by the National Geographic Society and the National Park Service to find, identify and learn about as many plant and animal species in the park as possible; an up-close view of the miniature world of harvester ants; a look at a centuries-old agricultural tradition in Spain that protects livestock from predatory wolves; and a visit to a primate sanctuary in Florida where unwanted pet monkeys get a second lease on life.

Future episodes explore a green Sahara with National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Paul Sereno; take viewers to Argentina for a special report on Magellanic penguins; examine the results of a worldwide ocean census; and report on 2008 National Geographic Emerging Explorer Tsetsegee Munkhbayar’s environmental conservation work in Mongolia. National Geographic’s Crittercam® team also will contribute, telling nature’s stories from an animal’s perspective.

Combining decades of field experience to generate a sophisticated world view that goes beyond the typical nature program, the “Wild Chronicles” team plans 26 episodes for season four. The series continues under the leadership and vision of executive producer Martha Conboy. Other team members are Alison Barrat, series producer; April Chabries, series producer; Gayle Young, senior writer; Jamie Pickell, senior editor; Angie Edinger, editor; Jason Orfanon, producer; Adam Enatsky, assistant editor/graphics; Laura Boyd, coordinating producer; Jennifer Shoemaker, coordinating producer; Matthew Finaylson, production coordinator; and Christie Welsh, production coordinator.

“Wild Chronicles” received two 2007 CINE Special Jury Awards in the Professional Telecast: Non-Fiction Division for Children’s Programs and On-Air Opens & Promotions. One 2007 CINE Golden Eagle was earned in the Professional Telecast: Non-Fiction Division for Children’s Programs; five CINE Golden Eagles were earned in 2006 in the Professional Telecast: Non-Fiction Division for Children’s Programs (spring and fall); On-Air Opens & Promotions; Environment and Natural Science — Wild Chronicles/Crittercam; and Environment and Natural Science — Wild Chronicles/Narwhal Teeth. In addition to being named a 2007 Parents’ Choice Award winner, “Wild Chronicles” was named Best Television Series Under $250,000 Budget at the 2007 International Wildlife Film Festival (IWFF) and Grand Prize winner at the 2006 Ekotop film festival.

“Wild Chronicles” season four is broadcast in Standard Definition where HD is not available. Check local listings.

Viewers also can keep up with the latest nature and science news by downloading podcasts of “Wild Chronicles” at www.nationalgeographic.com/podcasts.

About National Geographic
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 325 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; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 9,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program combating geographic illiteracy. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com.