Hearst Media Production Group (HMPG), the Hearst-owned producer and distributor of educational/informational programming, has acquired the library of television programs hosted by a legendary wildlife ambassador.
HMPG has been a long-time distributor of the Jack Hanna franchise. Now, it is acquiring it all from Into The Wild LLC, building on its current ownership of “Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures.”
This new deal delivers to HMPG nearly 400 episodes of the series “Jack Hanna’s Wild Countdown” and “Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild,” making them available for global distribution.
Terms of the transaction were not announced.
Hanna’s enthusiasm and hands-on approach to wildlife conservation have won him widespread acclaim as a conservationist, television personality, author and Director Emeritus of the famed Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio. For more than 50 years, Hanna built a wildlife programming franchise that has been viewed in more than 60 countries. He has been nominated for 15 Emmy awards, winning five for his work on Into the Wild. Hanna has also authored several books, won many awards, and received multiple honorary doctorates.
“HMPG is committed to the important work Jack started,” said Suzi Hanna, wife of Jack Hanna. “Their extensive knowledge of producing and distributing engaging wildlife programming ensures Jack’s lifelong commitment to wildlife education and conservation will reach fans of all ages for years to come.”
In 2021, HMPG launched The Jack Hanna Channel as a free ad-supported “FAST” channel showcasing hundreds of episodes of Hanna’s adventures in the wild. The channel is currently distributed via Samsung TV Plus, The Roku Channel, Vizio WatchFree+, Freevee and Tubi.
The channel is also available in Canada and India with ongoing discussions to expand globally into new territories.
“Jack’s endearing personality and authentic love of conservation have created one of the most popular franchises in wildlife programming,” said Andrew Tew, HMPG’s SVP of Global Licensing and Distribution. “Adding the full library of his iconic work enables us to serve his fans in new ways.”
HMPG’s leadership in the wildlife programming genre includes Wildlife Nation, hosted by Jeff Corwin; Earth Odyssey, hosted by Dylan Dreyer; Wild Child, hosted by Sheinelle Jones; Oh Baby!, hosted by Janai Norman; and the newly launched Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, hosted by Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant.