Africa Channel on the map with Reid

August 23, 2005

By Andrew Wallenstein

Former Discovery Health Channel programming chief Bob Reid has been named executive vp and general manager of the Africa Channel, a new independent television network.

He will be responsible for daily planning and operations, production, creative decisions and program scheduling at the network.

Reid reports to Africa Channel CEO James Makawa. "Bob's addition to the executive team will greatly strengthen and expand the reservoir of company experience, skill sets and creative talents," Makawa said. "He possesses a unique combination of programming expertise, management experience and solid television instincts."

Before Discovery, Reid was a producer for Fox News Channel and the news divisions at NBC and CBS.

In other hirings, Cheryl Dorsey and Sherrice Smith were appointed to vps affiliate sales. Africa Channel has carriage on Cox Communications in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, La.

Africa Channel is scheduled to launch later this summer with more than 1,200 hours of English-language programming about Africa.