USC Annenberg journalism lecturer Dan Birman has been elected to serve as a governor of the nonfiction programming group at the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. His appointment begins in January 2007.

Birman has a long association with the Academy: in addition to serving previously as a governor for four years, he chaired a search committee for a new president, chairs the Ethics Committee and sits on the Primetime Emmy Awards Committee. He also served two terms as secretary of the organization and is active on its Educational Programs and Services Committee. The television academy's Board of Governors provides management oversight and guidance on strategic decision making. Governors are volunteers and are elected to two-year terms.

Birman is an independent documentary producer, and his programs have aired on PBS, Discovery Networks, Nickelodeon and Lifetime Medical Television. Recent projects include "Europa: Mystery of the Ice Moon," a one-hour special for Discovery's The Science Channel, and "Medical Maverick," two one-hour specials for Discovery Health Channel. He is also executive producer for "Impact," USC Annenberg's student-produced newsmagazine series.

More about Dan Birman
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