Discovery Communications on Tuesday signed former ABC News star Ted Koppel to a three-year deal to become managing editor of Discovery Channel and to host and produce long-form programming that will premiere on the channel.

Mr. Koppel will be joined at Discovery by longtime “Nightline” executive producer Tom Bettag and eight other former “Nightline” staffers. His reports will feature journalism focusing on major global topics and events. The first program is scheduled to air this fall.

Mr. Koppel and Mr. Bettag will report to Billy Campbell, president of Discovery Networks US. “With Ted Koppel and his team, Discovery is making a long-term commitment to produce high-quality programming that gives our global audience insight, perspective and analysis beyond just the headlines,” Mr. Campbell said.