Story Syndicate Promotes Jon Bardin to President of Documentary and Unscripted: A Look at the Company's Expansion and Bardin's Leadership
Story Syndicate, the documentary powerhouse founded by Liz Garbus and Dan Cogan, has announced the promotion of Jon Bardin to President of Documentary and Unscripted. This move comes as the company continues to expand its reach and impact in the nonfiction space, with a focus on recurring shows and an equity fund to finance documentary projects.
Bardin, a Harvard graduate with a PhD in neuroscience, has been a key part of Story Syndicate's success since its founding in 2019. His promotion recognizes the additional responsibilities he has taken on, including directing the company's expansion into recurring nonfiction shows like Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross and supervising the equity fund launched in 2025.
In his new role, Bardin will continue to report to Cogan, the company's CEO, and will work closely with a strong leadership team, including Tommy Coriale, Lianna Schwartzman, Casey Currier, Brendan Waterhouse, and Celia Winchester. This team will support Bardin in his expanded role, ensuring the company's continued growth and success.
The statement from Cogan and Garbus highlights Bardin's contributions to the company's success, praising his brilliance, judgment, taste, rapport with filmmakers and platforms, and strong work ethic. They emphasize that Bardin's role has grown every year since he joined the company, and his new title reflects the central role he plays in their nonfiction work.
Bardin's background in neuroscience and his previous experience as a VP of documentaries and specials at The Discovery Channel bring a unique perspective to his role. He has produced and executive produced a range of notable projects, including Fauci, Mayor Pete, Sally, Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna, Titan: The OceanGate Disaster, and Maternal Instinct. His work on major projects like Britney vs Spears, Harry & Meghan, and Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer further showcases his expertise and impact in the documentary field.
In a statement, Bardin expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work at Story Syndicate and the trust placed in him by Cogan and Garbus. He looks forward to continuing to produce groundbreaking work in partnership with the company and the best filmmakers in the business.
The promotion of Jon Bardin to President of Documentary and Unscripted is a significant milestone for Story Syndicate, reflecting the company's commitment to expanding its reach and impact in the nonfiction space. With Bardin's leadership and expertise, the company is poised to continue producing high-quality documentary content that resonates with audiences worldwide.
