NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL SET FOR AGGRESSIVE U.S. LAUNCH
The Fastest Growing Channel Abroad Will Launch With 7.5 Million U.S. Subscribers

LOS ANGELES (December 16, 1999)—The National Geographic Channel today announced agreements with both AT&T Broadband and Internet Services (AT&T BIS), one of the nation’s largest multiple system operators (MSOs) and DIRECTV, the nation’s largest digital direct broadcast satellite (DBS) television service, under which the award-winning programming service will become part of DIRECTV’s Total Choice programming packages at launch and will be rolled out to a majority of AT&T BIS cable subscribers over the next five years.

With the support of DIRECTV and AT&T BIS, National Geographic Channel plans to launch with at least 7.5 million subscribers in the second half of 2000. NGC United States is a joint venture between National Geographic Television, FOX, and NBC.

“National Geographic has been extraordinarily successful around the world and because of tremendous brand awareness, the U.S. launch will duplicate its record international expansion,” said Lindsay A. Gardner, Executive Vice President of Affiliate Sales and Distribution of FOX Channels Group, which is leading the sales and marketing efforts for the Channel. “We are grateful for AT&T BIS’s and DIRECTV’s impressive commitments.”

Rick Allen, President of National Geographic Ventures, said, “We are delighted to be able to bring the National Geographic Channel to the United States. Our success in other parts of the world has demonstrated the strength and appeal of our high quality programming. Television audiences in the U.S. have long loved our award-winning National Geographic Specials and the EXPLORER series, but this is the first time they will have access to all of the wonder of this natural treasure on a dedicated channel.”

“National Geographic magazine has a long history of innovation and success, and for years viewers have looked forward to the television Specials,” said Michael Thornton, Vice President of Programming Acquisitions for DIRECTV, Inc. “We are very pleased to offer our customers access to National Geographic’s quality programming in DIRECTV digital picture and sound.” Madison Bond, Executive Vice President of Programming for AT&T BIS, said, “The National Geographic Channel has proven brand recognition representing more than 100 years of unique storytelling. It’s a valuable addition to AT&T BIS’s programming offerings, and will provide compelling, informative and entertaining programming of the highest quality.”

The Channel has been available to international viewers since its initial launch in Europe and Australia in September 1997. Two years later, it is one of the fastest growing international cable channels in the world.

About The National Geographic Channel
The National Geographic Channel has seen unprecedented growth in distribution and localization and is now in 50 million homes in 57 countries and in nine languages worldwide. National Geographic Channels, a business enterprise between National Geographic Television, NBC and Fox, continues to expand in strategic markets around the globe. The Channel makes available to new audiences worldwide its vast and unparalleled library of documentary and adventure programming, spectacular imagery, and compelling storytelling.

Media Contacts:

Jeff Pryor/Pryor & Associates
Tel: +1 818 382 2233

Elizabeth Hillman / National Geographic Television
Tel: +1 202 775 6712