I was wondering how television companies or independent production companies find these various 'academic' people(rather than the usual 'television' people) to present programmes. I mean things like 'Coast' with Neil Oliver, Nick Crane etc or other stuff such as was presented by Adam Hart-Davis.
Do they advertise or is the OB network?
Adam Hart-Davis has been working behind the scenes in broadcasting since the 1970s, and is an expert in his field so it has been a natural progression for him.
Nick Crane has written several books and self made a documentary of an exploration to Istanbul, which brought him to the attention of tv producers.
Very often the presenter will have the idea for a series; sometimes the producers invite specialist people to audition.
And sometimes it is the OBN.