NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL PREMIERES “THE HUMAN EDGE”
New Series from Acclaimed “Biography” Producer Foxstar to Feature Science and Technology Visionaries and their Revolutionary Innovations

(Washington, D.C., April 2, 2001)—The National Geographic Channel announced today that “The Human Edge,” a new 26-part series, currently in production, will premiere Saturday, October 6, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT. Each half-hour episode, produced by Foxstar Productions, a premium non-fiction unit within Los Angeles-based Fox Television Studios, features three topics focusing on people pushing the boundaries of scientific and technological development, and how their creations will affect our lives.

Human ingenuity has spawned great inventions and scientific breakthroughs that have shaped history and our everyday lives. It has helped us control our environment and eradicate diseases; given us the everyday miracles of air travel, computers, and television. “The Human Edge” spotlights several of today’s visionaries and shows the capabilities they’re setting into motion right now that will effect our lives tomorrow.

“‘The Human Edge’ adds to the new Channel’s growing body of original programming” said Andrew Wilk; Executive Vice President Programming, Production and News, “and dovetails with our mission to give viewers the chance to experience first-hand the leading edge of exploration and discovery.”

“We’re pleased to bring what we hope will be the first of many new series to National Geographic Channel,” said Kaki Kirby, Senior Vice President at Foxstar, which also produces A&E’s “Biography” and AMC’s top new series “Backstory” in association with Prometheus Entertainment. “National Geographic is truly unique in its global perspective and demand for quality, and we believe 'The Human Edge’ will provide a generous amount of both.”

This all-original series explores and celebrates the wonders of “The Human Edge.” Some of the topics already in production include the next generation of bionics; the promise of genetic science to prevent disease, stop aging, and grow replacement organs; fabric technologies that enable humans to withstand extreme temperatures; radical fuel technologies that could replace oil; and how science will profoundly change the mundane … from the money in your pocket to the food on your table. Foxstar will employ state of the art graphics, compelling animation and futuristic digital effects to compliment the content of “The Human Edge”.

Based in Los Angeles, Foxstar has been recognized with numerous national awards and nominations. One of eight major production operations collected with Fox Television Studios, the company is expanding into a diverse arena of non-fiction programs and series to compliment its prolific body of work that already includes more than 180 hours of documentaries, specials and television movies.

Based at National Geographic Society headquarters in Washington, D.C., the National Geographic Channel is a partnership between National Geographic Television and Fox Cable Networks Group. National Geographic Channel debuted to an initial 10 million homes in January 2001, and enjoys carriage commitments with partners AT&T Business & Internet Services, DirecTV, Adelphia Communications, the National Cable Television Co-Operative and others to boost its overall reach to 28 million homes.

MEDIA CONTACTS
Russell A. Howard, National Geographic Channel,
202-912-6652
Nord R. Wennerstrom, The Fratelli Group, 202-822-9491

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April 2001