Programming & VOD Scheduler

Job Description

The Programming team is responsible for creating , developing and planning exciting monthly programme schedules for both our linear factual channels and
our non-linear VOD portals . We inform and entertain audiences with outstanding factual content from the National Geographic brand, a premium provider of content in the factual media space.

The role is for the National Geographic Wild UK channel and requires a demonstrable passion for factual programming and especially natural history and wildlife. You will need strong editorial knowledge of long and short form programmes and the way audiences are consuming media in the ever-evolving media landscape. You will be comfortable in handling, using and interpret audience research data to adapt and change schedules in what is a highly competitive marketplace . In addition, to creating Monthly Schedules, the Programming & VOD Scheduler will prepare and maintain all long term content plans.

You need to be able to clearly communicate all relevant information and plans to the Programming Director, and to our internal teams, including Marketing & PR, Promo Production, Audience Research and Affiliate Sales in the UK and to our partners across EMEA and the central team in Washington DC.

The Opportunity & Responsibilities

Scheduling & Planning
• Create monthly programme schedules from scratch. Monitor performance of the channel and the direct competitive set. Initiate schedule adaptations where and if necessary, Create and champion long-term schedule plans based around key priorities, including creative, innovative stunt strategies, developing a 6-month forward plan for the channel.
• Create imaginative programming stunts and themes for the channel.
• To view priority programming and make best recommendations for key series launches on the Nat Geo Wild channel, aiding in localisation and highlighting them to presentation in BSS .
• Fulfil and maintain key priorities for the channel brand by communicating detailed information (such as TX dates, times & key info) to promo teams, media planners and Marketing.
• To keep all files and databases associated with the channels up to date and maintain a good level
of knowledge of the programming inventory for the channels.
• To work closely with the Washington DC acquisitions teams to feedback on new programming for the channel.
• Act as out of hours contact for any schedule/presentation issues that may arise.
• Maintain and ensure channel's contingency plans are valid and up-to-date .
• Manage the inputting of programming & On Demand details into the Broadcast system.
• Deputising for the Programming & VOD Manager where necessary.

VOD
• Work with Department Head to plan the catch-up, box set quotas – including In-Season Stacks, UHD/4K etc. for the platforms, and responsibility for delivering these to our affiliate services through planning and completing metadata.

Sponsorship
• Liaise with adsales for potential sponsorship deals, advising ideal sponsorship strategies to hit key stakeholder targets.

Audience Research
• Assist in the maintenance of competitive trackers to monitor forthcoming programming events and competitor activity in order to aid schedule decision- making .Have quarterly meetings with the director of European programming to share and align direction with other markets.
• Use key software such as TechEdge to inform key scheduling decisions, as well as with Research & Insights team.

Compliance
• Work with Compliance & Operations teams to direct content that is required for localisation etc. to foster a more enjoyable viewer experience.

Presenting & Communication
• To liaise with internal and external departments to ensure key programming highlights and schedule strategy are communicated effectively
• Co-chair monthly channel highlights and present channel schedules at internal meetings where required.

The Experience We Require From You
• A passion for and knowledge of factual programming and content in general and an interest in new trends
• Strong editorial judgement in relation to programming
• Highly organised , with an attention to detail
• Ability to interact with numerous departments
• Know how to use Excel, Workd and Powerpoint and have an appreciation
of visual flair.
• Experience within a broadcast environment, preferably P rogramming

This position is with The Walt Disney Company Limited, which is part of a business we call Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution.

The Walt Disney Company Limited is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, colour, religion or belief, sex, nationality, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, disability or pregnancy or maternity. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-d2kyx6-18-221-83-96-42 in your application.