London, July 1, 1998
The National Geographic Channel Europe is more than tripling its European subscriber numbers today (July 1, 1998), as it begins broadcasting to a further 11 million homes converted from NBC Europe.
Millions of new homes in countries including the U.K., Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, and Hungary will see the National Geographic Channel for the first time as it confirms its position as one of the fastest growing satellite and cable broadcasters of the last 12 months.
The total number of homes now receiving the National Geographic Channel has topped the 15-million mark from the previous 5 million. “At a time when so many other channels in Europe seem to be closing or losing subscribers, we’re glad to be going exactly in the opposite direction,” said Jerry Glover, managing director of the National Geographic Channel Europe. “We are absolutely delighted with the progress so far in all areas of the business, including outstanding distribution in the U.K., a continual sellout of all our advertising slots, and availability in five other languages in Europe. However, we will not rest on our laurels, and aim to finish our first year in operation with a flourish.”
The new homes in Europe will receive 18 hours of the National Geographic Channel from noon each day (CET) through until 6:00 a.m. the following morning, while the remaining six hours will continue with CNBC.
This latest announcement in Europe builds on the momentum generated by the National Geographic Channel since its launch last September 1, after which it sped to a distribution of seven million homes across the U.K., Ireland, Australia, Scandinavia , and Finland within a few months.
In Asia the National Geographic Channel will also be seen in a further seven million homes thanks to a similar conversion agreement with NBC Asia. The channel in Asia will broadcast for 20 hours 7 days a week, with a two-and-a -half hour daily slot for CNBC News.
The total number of homes now reached by National Geographic Channels Worldwide is over 25 million.
“To have gone from launch to 25 million subscribers in 22 countries in less than a year is very gratifying,” said Sandy McGovern, President of National Geographic Channels Worldwide. “We welcome the support of NBC in our worldwide channel endeavor and are looking forward to further announcements of even more subscribers in new countries in the near future. National Geographic Channels Worldwide has taken a major step forward with this deal and it marks another strong partnership with a major media company.”
National Geographic Channels Worldwide is a business enterprise owned by National Geographic Television and NBC.
The National Geographic Channel is fully committed to the mission of the National Geographic Society: the increase and diffusion of geographic knowledge. The National Geographic Society is the world’s largest scientific and educational organization, with a 110-year history of world exploration, scientific research, ethnographic studies, and adventures to exotic locations. National Geographic documentaries have won over 800 awards over the past 33 years. At any one time there are a hundred commissioned photographers, explorers, researches, writers, and film crew members on assignment across the globe for National Geographic.
Contact:
Julie Hicks, National Geographic Channel
Tel: +1 0181 847 4349
Fax: +1 0181 837 8402
E-mail: julie.hicks@bskyb.com
