David Beal: Internationally Known Musician, Composer
Beal has been working on the launch of National Geographic’s music initiative for the past year and is working with National Geographic to launch a cross-platform world music and radio initiative. He also works as a technology and entertainment adviser for some of the world’s leading brands. In his former role as president of Palm Pictures, Beal oversaw the creative divisions of Palm, including film, DVD, interactive technologies and magazine publishing. Previously, he was CEO of Blue Tape and head of DVD development for Palm Pictures. Beal’s experience includes film scoring, music production, and performing or recording as a drummer/programmer with acts such as Madonna, Peter Gabriel, Joe Cocker and Julian Lennon. His most widely known musical film production is his collaboration with U2’s Larry Mullen and Adam Clayton on the Grammy-nominated “Theme from Mission: Impossible.”
Betsy Scolnik: Vice President, Content Operations, National Geographic Digital Media
Scolnik takes a leadership position in content development efforts for the Nationalgeographic.com Web site and in Digital Media’s initiatives in the wireless, video game, broadband and education markets. She has a wide range of interactive content and operations experience tied to the emergence and growth of digital media, including extensive international experience. Before joining National Geographic, Scolnik worked at AOL, where she was a key player in the development and execution of AOL’s successful “Live 8” series of concerts.
Tom Pryor: Editor, WorldMusic.NationalGeographic.com
National Geographic World Music is programmed by recognized music experts under the supervision of Tom Pryor, a longtime music journalist whose experience includes past editorships at Global Rhythm magazine and CDNOW, and regular contributions to Public Radio International’s Weekend America, Songlines and other publications. Well-traveled in Africa, Europe and Latin America, Pryor has covered music in such locations as Morocco, Zanzibar, Cape Verde and the Czech Republic.