Ex-Nat Geo, A+E execs launch Propagate Content

Former National Geographic Channels president Howard T. Owens has launched a production company, which counts A+E Networks as an investor.

Owens (left) will be joined at Propagate Content by former A&E channel general manager David McKillop (below, right) with the latter taking on the role of chief creative officer.

Owens, who is Propagate’s CEO and founder, left Nat Geo last year in June as the company installed Courtney Monroe to succeed David Lyle as CEO, while McKillop was replaced at A&E by Rob Sharenow.

Propagate will create, develop, produce and distribute programming for cable, broadcast and digital.

“With the freedom to develop and produce for any network or platform and our own international distribution arm to sell content globally, Propagate Content is the company I have always envisioned,” said Owens.

Owens was a co-founder of LA-based producer Reveille, which Shine Group acquired and later merged with other US assets to create Shine America (which in turn is now part of Endemol Shine North America).

“Though we’re very different people, Howard and I share a track record of entrepreneurial creativity and hit-making,” added McKillop, who was A&E’s GM and executive VP until last month.