A&E poaches VH1’s Tatro for key programming role

Duck Dynasty broadcaster A&E has poached Shelly Tatro from music net VH1 to become its senior VP, unscripted development and programming.

Tatro joins the US cable channel after 12 years with Viacom-owned VH1, during which time she developed and oversaw shows including Mob Wives and Black Ink Crew. She also aided development on Jersey Shore, which went on to become VH1 stablemate MTV’s biggest hit in years.

A&E’s line-up includes Duck Dynasty, which is the highest rating unscripted cable series in history, and Wahlburgers, a Mark Wahlberg reality series that yesterday saw an extra 18 episodes greenlit.

“Shelly has a great reputation for having her finger on the pulse of the industry,” said executive VP and general manager of A&E David McKillop.

“Her experience in nonfiction programming and her expertise in identifying emerging talent make her a valuable asset for A&E as we continue to expand the depth and quality of our original unscripted programming lineup.”