WASHINGTON & LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--National Geographic Channel and Katie Couric Media, along with National Geographic Studios, the in-house production unit of the network, today announced they are joining forces on a two-hour documentary, Gender Revolution (w.t.), an in-depth and unflinching look at the role of genetics, brain chemistry and modern culture on gender fluidity. Gender Revolution (w.t.) will premiere on the National Geographic Channel globally in 171 countries and 45 languages, timed to the January 2017 Gender issue of National Geographic Magazine. For more information,visit www.natgeotv.com or our press site www.foxflash.com, or follow us on Twitter using @NGC_PR.
“This show will explore the roles of science, politics, and culture on gender, giving viewers a greater understanding of what is becoming a rapidly evolving issue,” said Courteney Monroe, CEO, National Geographic Global Networks. “We’re proud to partner with Katie and her talented production team to play a part in breaking down the complexities of gender identity.”
"It seems that every day, there's a new story and a new vocabulary around gender that's challenging our long-held attitudes and preconceptions about what makes us who we are,” said Couric. “Gender Revolution (w.t.) will go beyond the headlines to examine the why, the how and what it all means, with intimate stories of the people who are at the forefront of this new frontier. We'll also explore how it's impacting almost every aspect of our lives, from bathrooms to boardrooms, and from colleges to competitive sports. Think of it this way: this will be everything you wanted to know about gender but were afraid to ask."
Gender Revolution (w.t.) will explore the complexities of gender in everyday life, from the moment we are born through our twilight years. The film will examine how gender has been viewed across centuries by ancient civilizations, and the surprisingly different approaches to gender around the world today. It will dive into the debates, from the deeply personal – at what age do we first come to terms with our gender? – to the very public, including what's fair when it comes to intersex athletes at the Olympics, and the new battlefront: public restrooms. It will shed light on the countless untold stories of struggle, understanding, ignorance, hurt and love.
The January 2017 Gender issue of National Geographic Magazine will have features that look at gender from different perspectives. The magazine will examine the differences along the spectrum of gender, looking both at what determines sex and how gender is perceived to an individual and his or her culture. In addition, New York writer Chip Brown will look at what masculinity and the transition between boyhood and manhood means today through his 15-year-old son’s experiences as it relates to coming-of-age rituals in traditional cultures that often define manhood in terms of physical tests or devotion to religion. And conversely, writer Alexandra Fuller will look at what her adult daughter’s experience can teach her and her younger teenage sister about peer pressure and other pitfalls of growing up in today’s world. Lastly, the magazine will look at how girls in places where the culture is often very harsh to them, such as genital mutilation and denial of rights, are overcoming the odds and reaching new heights.
Gender Revolution (w.t.) will be produced by Katie Couric Media and National Geographic Studios for National Geographic Channel. For Katie Couric Media, executive producers are Katie Couric and Mitch Semel. For National Geographic Studios, executive producers are Jeff Hasler and Brian Lovett. For National Geographic Channel, Tim Pastore is President, Original Programming and Production. Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, known for shows including “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” “The RuPaul Show” and “Hot Property” also serve as Executive Producers on this film.
Katie Couric Media
Katie Couric Media develops and produces content, programming and documentaries for TV networks and digital distribution platforms, focusing on compelling issues the award-winning journalist and best-selling author has covered throughout her career. Katie Couric Media projects include: the "Katie Couric" podcast from Earwolf,which features the host in candid, unscripted conversations about American life and politics; the National Geographic documentary, “Gender Revolution”; and the upcoming movie “Flint” with Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, about the drinking water contamination in Flint, Michigan. Katie Couric is the executive producer of “Fed Up” (2014) and “Under the Gun” (2016), both documentaries premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
National Geographic Channels
The National Geographic Channels (The Channels) form the television and production arm of National Geographic Partners, a joint venture between 21st Century Fox and the National Geographic Society. As a global leader in premium science, adventure and exploration programming, the Channels include: National Geographic Channel (NGC), Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo People and Nat Geo MUNDO. Additionally, the Channels also run the in-house television production unit, National Geographic Studios. The Channels contribute to the National Geographic Society’s commitment to exploration, conservation and education with entertaining, innovative programming from A-level talent around the world, and with profits that help support the society’s mission. Globally, NGC is available in more than 440 million homes in 171 countries and 45 languages, and Nat Geo WILD is available in 131 countries and 38 languages. National Geographic Partners is also a leader in social media, with a fan base of 250 million people across all of its social pages. NGC contributes over 55 million social media fans globally on Facebook alone. For more information, visit www.natgeotv.com and www.natgeowild.com.
