London, August 28, 1998
Following the successful launch of the National Geographic Channel in the U.K. on September 1, 1997, a dedicated version of the world-renowned documentary channel will be launched in the Netherlands and Belgium on September 18, 1998. Some seven million households in these countries will be able to receive broadcasts of the new Channel, customized for the Dutch and Flemish markets.
In line with the current programs seen in Britain, viewers will still be able to watch National Geographic Channel’s award-winning documentaries on exploration, world cultures, wildlife and natural phenomena. The programs will, however, be tailored to meet the viewing habits of Dutch and Flemish viewers. They will also have Dutch subtitles, and all on-air announcements and promos will be in Dutch. This is possible because the Channel will be broadcast via its own dedicated transponder on the Sirius II satellite.
In order to create a customized version of the National Geographic Channel for Dutch and Flemish audiences, an office will be set up in Amsterdam later this month with a dedicated advertising sales team, distribution and marketing staff, and researcher. National Geographic Channel Europe is in the final stages of appointing a high-profile candidate to the position of advertising sales director. A Dutch promotions manager will oversee and coordinate all on-air announcements.
The Dutch National Geographic Channel will replace the European version on September 18, 1998. The signal will be digital and encrypted. All equipment necessary for receiving the Dutch NGC is being supplied to the cable operators by National Geographic Channel Europe.
The National Geographic Channel is already one of the fastest growing television channels in Europe. It grew from launch less than a year ago to a viewing base of over 15 million households in Europe. Jerry Glover, Managing Director of National Geographic Channel Europe sees enormous potential for the National Geographic Channel in the Netherlands and Flanders:
“The response of the market since the launch of our channel in Europe has been tremendous, both from viewers and from the trade. In response to the particular enthusiasm received from the Netherlands and Belgium we decided to create a National Geographic Channel especially for these countries. The appreciation of the Dutch and Flemish audiences for our approach of combining a well-researched approach with stunning and passionate filmmaking warrants setting up this new channel.”
The National Geographic Society was founded in 1888 and is the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational membership organization. Since then the National Geographic Society has funded over 6,000 expeditions all over the world. The Society’s dedication to quality and accuracy, its real involvement in science and exploration, its editorial resources and networks to world-class scientists and filmmakers combine to make National Geographic Channel programs truly unique.
National Geographic Channel Europe is co-owned by BSkyB and National Geographic Channels Worldwide. NGCW is co-owned by NBC and National Geographic Television. The National Geographic Channel Europe started broadcasting in the U.K., Ireland, and Australia on September 1, 1997 and in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland in the same month. In June 1998 the National Geographic Channel Europe began broadcasting to viewers in Poland, and on July 1, 1998, National Geographic Channel Europe launched in Belgium, the Netherlands, Hungary, and Asia.
For further information please contact:
Julie Hicks, Press Manager
Phone: +1 0181 847 4349
Fax: +1 0181 847 4302
