The National Geographic Society, NBC, and Fox Entertainment Group (Fox) announced
today plans to expand globally the National Geographic Channel. Fox today becomes a
50 percent owner of the Channel’s operations worldwide except for territories covered by
National Geographic U.K., in which British Sky Broadcasting (BSkyB) is a partner.
NBC and National Geographic Television (NGT) will each retain 25 percent interest and the
three partners intend to expand the Channel worldwide from its current base of 54
countries and nearly 40 million households. NGT, NBC, and Fox intend to grow the
existing territories and to expand into new ones, including the U.S.
The National Geographic Channel will also become the first commercial channel in history
to earmark a percentage of its profits directly for the support of exploration, scientific
research, and education through the Society’s Committee for Research and Exploration,
its Expeditions Council, and other environmental and educational initiatives.
The announcement was jointly made by: John Fahey, President and Chief Executive
Officer, National Geographic Society, Bob Wright, President and CEO, NBC, and Chase
Carey, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Fox Television on behalf of the Fox
Entertainment Group.
According to the terms of the venture National Geographic will provide its award-winning
programming to a branded National Geographic Channel owned by the three partners.
Fox Entertainment Group and News Corp. will facilitate NGC’s international expansion
strategy, providing worldwide distribution platforms and operations. A board comprising
representatives from each of the three partners will oversee the venture.
“We’re excited to be advancing our partnership with such a distinguished institution as
National Geographic. We look forward to building on the relationship that Fox already
has through its parent News Corporation, with BSkyB—the premier United Kingdom
pay-television service 40 percent-owned by News Corporation. BSkyB and National
Geographic/NBC are equal partners in a highly successful channel in the United Kingdom
and this latest venture will help to bring the valued brand name National Geographic to
more people around the globe,” said Carey, Chairman and CEO of Fox Television, in
making the announcement.
Added NBC’s Wright, “This latest alliance is focused on growing the reach of the
National Geographic Channel and providing its unique editorial voice to new markets
worldwide. It enables us to continue NGC’s impressive international growth.”
In addition to the rapid National Geographic Channel expansion, local-language editions of
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC magazine are thriving in Spain, Israel, Japan, Latin America, Italy,
and Greece. Local editions of NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC magazine are in the works in France,
Germany, Poland, Portugal, and Brazil.
“The National Geographic Channel is an essential part of the National Geographic
Society’s expanded focus—new countries, new languages, new media, new groups of
viewers that we have not traditionally reached,” said National Geographic Society
President and CEO John Fahey. “Giving people access to the world through National
Geographic’s incomparable images and stories is a compelling way to extend the Society’s
mission.”
National Geographic Channels Worldwide was formed as a venture between NBC and
NGT in 1996. The new ownership structure combines National Geographic Television’s
expertise in documentary programming production, with the news and new media
expertise of NBC, and now, the worldwide operations of Fox and News Corporation.
NGT, NBC, and BSkyB, have been partners in the UK, Australia and Scandinavia since
September of 1997 with Sky holding a 50 percent stake in the Channel there. That enterprise
(unaffected by today’s announcement) now operates in 29 countries.
“From the day NBC joined forces with National Geographic to build this channel, we
have sought partnership opportunities that can strengthen National Geographic Channel
into a global franchise,” said Tom Rogers, President, NBC Cable and Executive Vice
President, NBC. “We are great believers in formidable partnerships that can draw upon
the strengths of each partner to create a winning formula. This partnership will do just
that.”
“This is a historic alliance among two of the world’s largest broadcasters and a global
icon, with its own unique mission and media assets,” noted Rick Allen, President and
CEO of National Geographic Ventures, the taxable arm of the Society. “National
Geographic has always brought the world’s most mysterious places and the unexpected
side of our own hometowns to audiences around the world. Now with our partners’
strengths and television’s best programming, we’ll take the fastest-growing global channel
to every home on the planet.”
“Whether it’s reaching the Poles or Everest’s summit, or finding the Titanic, the Yorktown
or the Incan mummies, National Geographic has helped make the world’s great adventures
possible for more than a century,” said Tim Kelly, President, National Geographic
Television. “The Channel’s expansion will now directly help us stimulate the next great
age of exploration,” added Kelly.
“We have always planned to grow our brand and our channel internationally before
creating a U.S. outlet,” says Sandy McGovern, President, National Geographic Channels
Worldwide. “With the combined power of two media giants and the extensive resources
of National Geographic, we have the history, the clout, and the relationships with carriers
required to launch the National Geographic Channel in the U.S. in the near future.”
“This partnership highlights Fox and News Corp.’s strategy of further expanding its
presence in the lucrative market of cable and satellite television, particularly in quality
programming,” said Fox Television’s Carey. “Fox and News Corp. have firmly
established themselves as leaders in original programming and distribution with
various sports, news, kids and entertainment channels in the U.S., the United Kingdom,
Asia and China. This alliance with two premier partners enables News Corp. and Fox to
leverage more fully its program offerings in Asia via its satellite TV business, STAR TV,”
he added.
The National Geographic Channel showcases high caliber programming from National
Geographic Television as well as from other distinguished filmmakers and
production/distribution companies from around the world, focusing on such topics as
natural history, adventure, science, exploration, and culture. At present, NGT’s
programming can be seen in the United States on the NBC, TBS and PBS networks as
well as through syndication and home video domestically and internationally.
The National Geographic Society is the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and
educational institution with 10 million members worldwide. Founded in 1888 for the
increase and diffusion of geographic knowledge, the Society reflects the world through
magazines, books, maps, films, television, and interactive media, all of which are being
aggressively expanded worldwide.
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For those who did not participate in the phone conference call, a recording will be
available. U.S. callers, please dial 800 938 0927. International and Canada callers dial +1 402 220 0380. A complete recording with be available at approximately 2:00 p.m. ET.
Media Contacts:
National Geographic:
Kathie Teter / NGT
Tel: +1 202 857 7671
Melissa Montefiore / NGT
Tel: +1 202 857 7627
Kristy Bremer / Pryor & Assoc.
Tel: +1 818 382 2233
NBC:
Maria Battaglia
Tel: +1 212 664 3457
News Corp:
Jim Platt
Tel: +1 212 852 7083
