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In his first executive appointment, BBC Worldwide America’s GM, Channels, Perry Simon has hired Discovery executive Rachel Smith to the newly-created position of VP original programming. Reporting to BBC America’s SVP programming Richard De Croce, Smith will oversee all aspects of non-scripted program development for the channel, working closely with sibling West Coast-based production company BBC Worldwide Prods. “Rachel’s appointment marks an important milestone for BBC America, as we move into the development of original programming for the channel,” Simon said. “Our aim is to 
create a slate that speaks to an American audience with the same quality, intelligence, irreverence and innovation that you expect from the BBC.” Smith joins BBC America from Discovery’s Planet Green where she oversaw the development and production of non-scripted, primetime original programming for the channel, including Dresscue Me, Dean of Invention and Operation Wild. Prior to that, Smith was VP development & production for scripted programming at IFC and served as director of development at Bravo.
TV Editor Nellie Andreeva - tip her here.
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She looks pleasant and kind.
Maybe she can bring the Michael Jackson Autopsy show with her !
How prevalent is BBCA on American cable systems? Cablevision refuses to add it to it’s system in Fairfield County. Conn (which is weird since the population there is full of affluent anglophiles who would watch in droves.)
Nothing against Rachel Smith, who I’m sure is a lovely person, but this appointment is the signal for BBC America to turn completely to shit.
NOOOOOOO!!! I don’t want original content on a channel with the “BBC” moniker! Give me British imports 24/7! I thought that was the whole point of even having that channel here, but that’s just me…
Any chance of a History of Dr Who…
BBC America has some great programming now. I hope they don’t fill it now with American crap. They must be doing something right if every American channel wants to copy what they’re already doing
Will she be based in LA or Gotham?
This is truly horrible news. BBCA used to be one of my favorite channels – the only place for Brit-coms, quality docs and dramas. Even the “reality” shows were classier – “Cash in the Attic”, “Changing Rooms” etc – in comparison to their dreadful American versions. Now the programming consists of STAR TREK reruns (STAR FREAKIN’ TREK!!!!) and “My Giant Tits” specials. It’s a sad, sad world.
I am an American who adores british TV, theatre and movies. I pray that the BBCA keeps to its British format because I don’t care much for the American stuff or I would watch it more. One thing I do wish, is that the BBCA would bring more Catherine Tate to us. She is a wonderful talent and most American’s are totally ignorant as to what she brings to entertainment! She is fantastic as Donna Noble in the Dr. Who series, but she is also fantastic in TV, theatre, comedy and drama as I have watched most of her work, except for theatre, which I wish would be recorded on dvd so I could see Blue Sky, Season’s Greetings, etc. Let’s bring her over here to the US!
Oh, great, another reject from Discovery Communications. So, can we expect the Michael Jackson autopsy recreation on BBC America now??? Overall, Discovery has the worst ethics in the business. Take a look at most of the non-scripted drivel they produce.
Please don’t ruin a great channel by turning it into another American cable channel. The world has enough of those already. It has BBC in the title for a reason.
Yet another sign that BBCA has turned into a steaming pile of shit. They don’t even deserve to have “BBC” in their name.
You’re right, UK. They should change the name to just “America”
This is always how it works out, right? A niche channel develops a following, then it gradually degenerates into lowest-common-denominator junk. A&E, AMC, Bravo, now BBC America, and the beat goes on.
I wouldn’t call “Mad Men” or “Breaking Bad” on AMC “junk,” but I see your point. The woman who developed “The Real Housewives of Orange County” at Bravo won’t be leading BBC America to the cultural Promised Land.
I too consider this a sign of doom. There is a reason why BBCA’s numbers are dropping. Their archives are literally filled with material enough for years of quality programing and yet they will not show it and they cancel what was good in favor of what is not. Seems they have may have some Hollywood types in their boardroom.
So this will be the end of BBC America I take it!! Oh well us Brits living here will just have to boycott it then and watch PBS and order GREAT BRITISH VIEWING on DVD! I once liked Top Gear now I just want to smash the tv when I put BBC America on there it is again again and again..Whats Star Trek doing on there……..Whats that all about????
Please bring back the great British shows-I cannot fathom why you are showing US programming. And what is with all of the constant hours and hours of the cooking shows during the day? I miss all of the great shows and particularly the comedy. I already have too many channels with absolute dreck on them.
Oh, yes I am not British but am a dedicated fan of the well done British televison.