Powering Bold Ideas
ABOUT US
What We Do
At Grate Media we find, create, and produce premium series designed to adapt and scale particularly well for global markets. We specialize in identifying market opportunities, forming innovative partnerships, and developing content formats for global platforms and brands. We streamline workflows and elevate creative execution across unscripted formats, docu-reality, and personality-driven series. Current series in development include Caterinag Calabasas, Off the Flame, Love is Served and Grub Crawl.
Why Us
Grate Media is driven by a powerhouse leadership team with a proven track record of creating innovative content and building successful franchises. CEO & Co-Founder John Najarian, COO & Co-Founder Doug Miller, and Head of Development & Production Jonathon Ridgard bring decades of experience from top media companies like NBCU, E!, and Disney, along with hit series such as American Idol, Claim to Fame, and MasterChef.
With expertise in format innovation, audience engagement, and franchise-building, we don’t just develop shows—we create culturally relevant, globally scalable content that resonates. Our team knows how to turn great ideas into high-impact, premium entertainment.
OUR TEAM
EXPERIENCE BUILT TO DELIVER
CORE TEAM
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As EVP and GM, John built and led E!'s topical TV and digital businesses by harnessing the power of multiplatform creative, production, distribution and revenue strategies. He also led a team of product and technology innovators, building top tier consumer facing products. Leveraging this success, John also led the launch of NBCU's Content Lab, defining a new generation of vertical storytelling with award winning and culture defining series launches. Prior to joining E!, John held senior-level strategy and business development positions at AOL and The Walt Disney Company.
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Doug has an extensive understanding of digital content, production, and distribution worldwide, having held several high-ranking global positions at Disney. He was also a key member of Michael Eisner's digital studio, VUGURU, and has served as Managing Director/EVP of The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific, SVP/General Manager of Disney's Europe/Middle East/Africa Television, and VP of Disney-ABC Networks in the United States.
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Jonathon is an internationally experienced Executive Producer whose series production credentials include Love Connection, Master Chef, American Idol, Four Weddings, Dancing with the Stars and numerous other successful series.
KEY ADVISORS
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Ted is an accomplished media executive who has held various leadership positions throughout his storied career. Ted was Chairman of NBC Broadcasting and President & CEO of Comcast Entertainment Group. He also served as President of NBC Studios and Chairman of ABC Entertainment, overseeing shows like “Will & Grace,” “NYPD Blue,” and “Home Improvement.”
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Ben is a media executive and former President of Global Distribution for The Walt Disney Company. He oversaw the global distribution of Disney's content, including ABC, Disney Channel, ESPN, and Freeform. Pyne worked for Disney for over 25 years and played a key role in expanding the company's distribution and digital media businesses. Prior to joining Disney, he worked at CBS and MGM/UA.
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Romina is a seasoned media and marketing executive, currently serving as the EVP and General Manager of Hispanic Streaming at NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises. Romina is a frequent contributor on consumer and media trends and serves on the board of Teach for America, Miami-Dade. She holds a Licenciatura in Communications Science from Antonio de Nebrija University and is fluent in multiple languages.
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Caryl is a true culinary powerhouse. Having worked as Senior Special Events Director for Bon Appetit, Executive Director for Los Angeles Food & Wine and helping to establish Food Network's New York City Wine & Food Festival she has rubbed elbows with most of the globe's applauded chefs, building a reputation as one of the most intelligent and influential personalities in he culinary industry.
While at Karlitz & Company, Caryl worked with a roster highly respected clients such as Food Network, American Express, The New York Yankees, Godiva Chocolatier, the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Bureau, epicurious.com, Foxwoods Resort & Casino, illy caffe, MGM CityCenter, Academia Barilla, LUCKYRICE and more.